Francisco “Pacho” Flores is one of the leading trumpeters of Venezuela. He was born on October 23, 1981 in the city of San Cristobal. He started his career as a trumpet player when he was 8 years old, with his father Francisco Flores Díaz.

He has performed as soloist with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Táchira, the Lara Symphony, the Symphony Orchestra of Nueva Esparta, the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho Orchestra and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela.

He has won many awards in prestigious trumpet competitions: third prize at the International Trumpet Competition held in the city of Pilisvörösvár, Hungary; first prize at the International Trumpet Competition "Philip Jones" in the city of Guebwiller, France; first prize at the International Trumpet Competition "Maurice André” in Paris; and first prize at the International Trumpet Competition "Città di Porcia” in Italy.

He is also a renowned performer of popular music. Since 2008 he has been playing at Venezuela’s top concert halls. In November 2009, Flores released his first solo album “The Venezuelan Trumpet”, in which he makes a journey through the different sounds of Venezuela.

Currently, Francisco "Pacho" Flores is living a great moment thanks to his participation with the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela in the world premiere of the work Mestizo, a concert for trumpet and orchestra by Efraín Oscher.

What is the difference between the concert Mestizo composed by Ephraim Oscher and the other works for trumpet and orchestra that you have played before?

This is a concerto for three trumpets, which is something unprecedented. Various trends of popular music in Venezuela, particularly contemporary ones, are reflected in this work. An improvisation of salsa rhythms is included in the fourth movement, and that is something unprecedented in a concerto for trumpet and orchestra.

Did this concert posed a challenge for you?

It was a challenge but also a pleasure. Playing different genres and trends of music has been a very enriching experience. I think the orchestra and I had a great time putting on this concert.

Has your experience as a performer of popular music played an significant role in the production of this concert?

That is one of the reasons why, Efraín Oscher, the composer of Mestizo, asked me to premiere this work. My solo career as performer of traditional and popular music certainly made things easier. This concert allows me to enjoy both the world of the orchestra and the world of popular and traditional music.

How did you start your career as a performer of Venezuelan traditional music?

I started as a child, playing Venezuelan music with my dad. But then, upon entering the world of orchestras I got away from traditional music for a while. But I always played Venezuelan and popular music at friends’ parties, until a good friend of mine, violinist Eddy Marcano, suggested that I had to pursue a career in traditional music.

What stage of your career as a solo artist are you at?

I'm premiering works. I’ve premiered works in Venezuela, but this is my first world premiere, so it has a special meaning. Especially because it was composed by a Venezuelan and it was premiered on my birthday.

What can you tell us about your recent appearances as a soloist in Japan?

I had a great experience in Japan with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. I played at the Suntory Hall, one of the major concert halls in Asia. We played a work by Henri Tomasi and the experience was very good.

What are your future plans in terms of concerts and performances?

I'll be touring Europe with Ephraim Oscher and the Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón. We are very excited at working with this great singer. In December I will travel again to Japan to perform in a series of concerts with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra.

Your first solo album “The Venezuelan Trumpet” was highly praised by the public. Are you planning to release a second part?

First, I’d like to record an album of classical music and the Mestizo concerto composed by Ephraim Oscher. I’d like to record the second part of “The Venezuelan Trumpet” album next year.