Cristo Barrios
Clarinettist
Pedagogue
Mentor
“His tone is not just beautiful but finely graded over the widest expressive range” - GRAMOPHONE
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. His recordings include The Voice of the Clarinet and Deep Light, and he offers an online mentoring service for young musicians. 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.
Cristo Barrios teaching New techniques on music performance
“There’s no turning back to how I used to play” - GERMÁN (former student)
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.
All aspects
“Cristo Barrios is a versatile artist with a deep interest in philosophy and innovative pedagogy” - EL PAÍS
Mentoring
Javier Zamora, a former mentee of Cristo Barrios, now serves as Sub-Principal Clarinet of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra
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.
Chamber music coordination
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, the Quantum Ensemble has worked with internationally renowned soloists and chamber groups, including Asier Polo, Maxim Rysanov, Frederieke Saeijs, Alissa Margulis, Tatiana Samouil, Emil Rovner, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Lina Tur Bonnet 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.
Discography
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.
Video
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.
What's new?
Discover Cristo Barrios' latest projects, where he explores music, research, and innovation
Find out more about Cristo Barrios' latest CD recording
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.
Member of the jury of the ICM Competition
Pinerolo e Torino Città metropolitana
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 is a very active Backun Artist
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.
Some reviews
Barrios, a former student of Richard Stolzman, bears much of his teacher’s passionate musicianship.
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE
Cristo Barrios interpretation demands close listening. Great playing!
CLASSICAL FM MAGAZINE
Only a few names sound with such a strength today as Cristo Barrios, one of the most exciting Spanish clarinettists of his generation.
RITMO MAGAZINE
What an exciting listen this is. Superb programming of clarinet works by primarily Engligh and German composers, with intimate sound and fobulously controlled playing.
BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The important issue here is his serene tone, impeccable phrasing, his virtuosity without exaggerations and his characteristic timbre.
MELÓMANO MAGAZINE
