Camilo Pérez-Mejia

HCO Conductor & HSO Assistant Conductor

Camilo Pérez-Mejía earned his Bachelor of Music in 1998 from Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. In 2000, he moved to the U.S. to study with Julian Tryczynski at Shenandoah University, earning a MM in Cello Performance (2002) and later an Artist Diploma in String Quartet Studies (2008) under the Audubon Quartet. He also completed coursework in Shenandoah’s DMA program under C. Thomas Shaw.

He has won concerto competitions with the Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia, Universidad Javeriana, and Shenandoah Conservatory Orchestra. As both student and professional, he has performed across the Americas and Italy with various ensembles.

Mr. Pérez-Mejía is principal cellist of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, a member of the Argot and Two Rivers String Quartets, and an ensemble musician. His past roles include principal cellist with Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington, National String Sinfonia and assistant principal with the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra.

He currently teaches cello at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in Maryland, and is adjunct cello professor at Shepherd University in West Virginia. Teaching inspired his conducting career, which began during his university studies. As a string specialist, he has worked with school groups across Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, and frequently acts as a clinician and adjudicator for regional music festivals.

In 2012, Mr. Pérez-Mejía became the founding music director of the Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra, leading this dynamic ensemble in unique community settings. He also conducts the Shepherd Community Orchestra, composed of university, high school, and community musicians. Recent highlights include guest conductor for the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra and the Farewell Concert of Cellospeak faculty cellists in 2022.