Nelson Ricardo Yovera Perez, Principal Horn
Nancy & Lanny† Baird Chair
Nelson Ricardo Yovera Perez is a rising star in the classical music world, recently appointed as principal horn of the Naples Philharmonic. A dynamic performer with international acclaim, Nelson captured First Prize in the Brass and Percussion category at the 2023 Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions and secured Second Prize at the prestigious 2024 International Horn Competition of America.
Nelson’s artistry has earned him frequent invitations to perform with some of the most esteemed ensembles in the country, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. He is also a regular presence at top music festivals such as the Marlboro Music Festival, Cleveland ChamberFest, Classical Tahoe and Arizona MusicFest.
From 2015 to 2018, Nelson was a member of the world-renowned Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, touring extensively through Europe and Latin America under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. He went on to serve as associate principal horn of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra in Argentina from 2018 to 2021. Between 2021 and 2023, he performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and was third horn of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Before Naples, he received tenure as principal horn of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra from 2023 to 2025.
Nelson began his musical journey at Venezuela’s National School of Horn of El Sistema, studying under Juan Carlos Maldonado and Ulises Aragón. He continued his studies in Chicago under master hornists David Cooper and David Griffin.
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The facts:
I am from San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela.
What are you most excited for as you begin your tenure with the Naples Philharmonic?
I’m looking forward to making wonderful music with new colleagues
What is one fun fact about you?
I lived in Argentina for three years, during which time I was part of a futsal (soccer) team in the lower division of professional futsal in Argentina.
What inspired you to become a musician?
When I was 5 years old, I went to a party with my parents where there was an old-time music band. I was fascinated by the trombonist and saxophonist. I started my music journey immediately after that day.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
There are some well-known technical difficulties with the French horn, so the biggest challenge is to prioritize the creation of art and musical excellence over those technical difficulties.
What are your favorite compositions?
Mahler’s Third, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth symphonies; Beethoven’s Third and Seventh symphonies; and Brahms’ Second and Fourth symphonies.
What have you been listening to recently?
I usually listen to whatever I have to play in the near future. For example, based on our upcoming season, I'm listening to Mahler’s 2nd Symphony and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
No.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy playing soccer, working out and cooking.
†deceased