Cristo Barrios has built an international career as a soloist, chamber musician and pedagogue, appearing at such prestigious venues as Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Concertgebouw. He has worked with quartets including Elias and Arditti, the Fauré Piano Quartet and soloists such as Romain Guyot and Maxim Rysanov. As co-founder of the Quantum Ensemble, he has championed innovative programming and contemporary repertoire, premiering works with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra. A Doctor of Musicology, he combines research with a commitment to music education at the Centro Superior Katarina Gurska, where he develops new approaches to teaching. His recordings include The Voice of the Clarinet and Deep Light, and he offers tailored online mentoring for young musicians.
Cristo Barrios is deeply committed to pedagogy and is developing an innovative teaching approach in collaboration with Dr Víctor Durà-Vilà (University of Leeds). Their project, designed for advanced students, integrates intellectual inquiry with performance, ensuring that theory is meaningfully applied to practice. This methodology promotes technical excellence while emphasising artistic depth and interpretive maturity.
Successfully implemented in Madrid, the project aims for long-term development at a leading European conservatoire. Based on Barrios' doctoral research into interpretive freedom, it equips musicians with the tools to balance expressive creativity with academic rigour.
Cristo Barrios offers tailored mentoring to help musicians refine their artistic identity, set clear career goals and develop strategic skills. His guidance focuses on interpretive depth, professional growth and performance readiness, equipping mentees with the tools to successfully navigate the challenges of a musical career.
Cristo Barrios was the coordinator of Quantum Ensemble, a leading Spanish chamber group and resident ensemble of the Auditorio de Tenerife. Known for its innovative programming, the group blended contemporary and classical repertoire, collaborated with renowned musicians, and engaged audiences through interactive performances and educational initiatives.
Throughout its history, Quantum Ensemble has worked with internationally renowned soloists and chamber groups, including Asier Polo, Maxim Rysanov, Frederieke Saeijs, Alissa Margulis, Tatiana Samouil, Emil Rovner, Óscar Sala, Cecilia Bercovich, Javier Negrín, Tim Gill and Romain Guyot. The ensemble has also collaborated with renowned chamber groups such as the Minetti String Quartet, Lendvai String Quartet, Elias String Quartet, Spanish Brass and the Fauré Quartet, enriching its performances with diverse artistic perspectives and exceptional musicianship.
Cristo Barrios’ recordings reflect his commitment to expanding musical horizons and reinterpreting the established repertoire. His discography includes The Voice of the Clarinet, 20th Century Music for Clarinet, IAMUS, and Deep Light, alongside a recording of Ayssuragan with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Discover Cristo Barrios in performance with renowned artists and ensembles, including Asier Polo, the Quantum Ensemble, Valery Gergiev, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, showcasing his artistry across diverse musical collaborations.
Cristo Barrios features in Maghek, a Signum Classics release, alongside composer Gustavo Díaz-Jerez, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, pianist Ricardo Descalzo, and conductor Eduardo Portal.
Cristo Barrios recently served as a jury member for a prestigious Italian competition, selecting top young ensembles from a global pool of talented musicians.
Cristo Barrios, is a Backun Artist, joining an esteemed group of clarinetists who endorse Backun Musical Services instruments. This collaboration reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation in clarinet performance.
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE
CLASSICAL FM MAGAZINE
RITMO MAGAZINE
cb@cristo-barrios.com
www.cristo-barrios.com