About Andrés

J. Andrés Ballesteros is a composer, educator, and arts administrator whose work blends classical music with narrative, community, and social justice. His music showcases a “versatility of style and memorable hooks” (Boston Musical Intelligencer). In addition to his work as a composer, Andrés has been a leader on issues of representation and community work in the classical music world.

As a composer, Andrés regularly works on collaborative projects that engage with youth and community groups in creating original music that centers their experiences. These include pieces that focus on immigration in the USA, spotlight the impacts of the climate crisis, and celebrate the Latine experience. He has worked with a wide range of ensembles, from professional (Chattanooga Symphony, Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts) to youth groups (Greensboro Youth Chorus, Boston Arts Academy). His compositions have been performed internationally, from Serbia to Australia and beyond. He has also written for several short films and a documentary (which have screened at festivals in New York, Chicago, and Providence, RI) and for other media such as podcasts, e-books, and apps.

Andrés has been a leader on issues of representation, inclusion, and community work in the classical music world. In 2017, he led a team of musicians and community leaders working directly with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) on diversifying their programming, leading to a significant change in the BSO’s approach the next season. He continues to be on the frontlines of reimagining the relationships between classical music and community engagement, having worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, White Snake Projects, Eureka Ensemble, and other groups on DEI strategies, admin support, and other projects. His efforts led to invitations to speak at the National Conference for the League of American Orchestras in 2018 and 2019 and recognition as a Boston Latino 30 Under 30 honoree. He was profiled for his work as a composer and activist in Ana Francisca Vega’s book Corazón de Mexicanos Como Yo, highlighting 50 Mexican Americans who broke boundaries.

He previously taught music history, ethnomusicology, music theory, and creative writing for seven years at Boston Arts Academy and continues his work with youth as an independent teaching artist, leading workshops with Harvard University, La Colaborativa, and public schools in Massachusetts and North Carolina.

Andrés received his B.A. in Music from Harvard University, where he studied with Chaya Czernowin, Hans Tutschku, Edgar Barroso, and Trevor Bača. He began composing with Jack Jarrett in Greensboro, North Carolina and is now continuing his studies with an Artist Diploma at the OAcademy’s Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio. He is deeply grateful to all of his teachers.

Based in Boston, MA, Andrés performs as a tenor with the Jameson Singers and on violin with the Horizon Ensemble. When not doing music or community work, he can be found traveling, writing, experimenting in the kitchen, or watching soccer.