Artist Profile

Currently residing in Regina, Ramses was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. His music career began at the age of 11, playing the marimba and performing in recitals. He has been living and performing in Canada since 2000.

Having studied in the tradition of Agustin Barrios Mangore, Ramses incorporates traditional instruments and rhythms into his music and compositions. The result of his creation process is a unique fusion of classical, traditional and popular music that reflects the richness of humanity. His distinguished musical achievements have enabled him to participate in many cultural events in countries including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Cuba, Paraguay and Canada.

Ramses spent over seven years under the teachings of five Agustin Barrios disciples (Julio Cortés Andrino, Dr. Roberto Bracamonte, José Cándido Morales, Cecilio Orellana, and Victor Urrutia), absorbing all the knowledge they had about their Maestro. Since 1992 Ramses has dedicated his time to the investigation, study, research and preservation of music and manuscripts from the 17th to 20th centuries from El Salvador and Central America. He has also drafted three original books with Master Cándido Morales regarding the history of guitar in El Salvador, issues of morality, and most importantly the first documentation of Agustin Barrios Mangore’s technique for guitar.

Ramses’ interest in global culture has also driven him to work on numerous multidisciplinary collaborative projects with a variety of artists including: Duo Cofradía (musicians - Cuba), Dr. Igor De Gandarias (composer & musicologist - Guatemala), Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy (singer- & songwriter - Nicaragua), Los Guaraguao (singer & songwriters - Venezuela), David McIntyre (composer & pianist - Canada), Eduard Minevich (Concert Master, Regina Symphony Orchestra - Canada), Dr. Pauline Minevich (musicologist & clarinetist - Canada), Edward Poitras (artist - Canada), Robin Poitras (dancer - Canada), Michelle Sereda (performance artist - Canada), David Sereda (singer & songwriter - Canada), Sarah Abbott and Ann Veral (filmmakers - Canada) and David West (guitarist & composer - Canada)

Ramses believes music is a profound tool for communicating with one another on numerous levels about the realities in the world around us. Interested in transforming and addressing community challenges through music, his primary aim is to make his music accessible to all cultures and communities as he aspires to influence people’s sense of consciousness.