While recently visiting his homeland of Costa Rica, I had the privilege of sitting down with one of the most inspiring musical talents of our time—Luis Castillo-Briceño. At just 28 years old, Luis recently made headlines around the world by winning the 2025 Rotterdam International Conducting Competition, one of the most prestigious and challenging contests for conductors on the global stage.
Nearly 300 candidates from over 50 countries vied for the top spot, but it was this young Tico from Costa Rica who rose to the top, capturing not only the Grand Prize but also dominating three of the five categories: Classical Music, Great Symphonic Works, and the beloved Proms Open-Air Concert.
His technical precision, charismatic presence, and deep emotional connection to the music made an unforgettable impression on the jury and audiences alike. Costa Rica watched with pride as one of its own stepped into the international spotlight—not just as a skilled conductor, but as a cultural ambassador.
Luis’s journey began in a home filled with music. He was inspired early by his father, the late Luis Castillo-Campos, a renowned classical guitarist. From the age of six, Luis Jr. could be seen playing cymbals in cimarronas—Costa Rica’s vibrant street bands that symbolize joy, spontaneity, and community. He quickly transitioned to violin, flute, and later the piano, which remains his instrument of choice. His prodigious talent earned him a place in the Children’s Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica’s National Music Institute at a very young age.
When he was just 15, a teacher told him he had what it takes to become a conductor. That comment sparked a passion that only grew stronger with time. After the devastating loss of his father at age 13, it was the unconditional support of his mother Ana Briceño-Castro, his grandparents, and his uncles that gave him the strength and drive to pursue his dream. This close-knit family became both his emotional refuge and his source of determination.
In Guanacaste, where he grew up, many still remember him as a young boy with a big musical soul. Claude Laferrière of Hotel Villa del Sueño Hotel in Playa Hermosa recalls with emotion the early performances by Luis’s family: “At the beginning of Villa del Sueño, his father—an exceptional guitarist—played at the hotel with his wife Ana and their son, little Luiscito. It was a great honor for us. Luis Jr. quickly joined in, playing violin and flute on arrangements written by his father.
His talent was evident even then. After his father passed away, Luis, supported by his mother, found strength in music. From the start of his teen years, he trained seriously, and we’ve had the privilege of witnessing a journey filled with courage and perseverance. We remain deeply proud of everything he has achieved.”
Luis’s dedication took him far beyond Costa Rica. He studied violin and flute at the Sinfónica de San José before shifting to piano and enrolling at the Higher Institute of Arts. He continued his training at the University of the Arts in Zurich, Switzerland, and further refined his conducting skills at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria.
These years of study led him to collaborate with major orchestras, including the London Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Through it all, Luis has remained humble, describing his journey as long, intense, and filled with challenges—but always lived with passion.
CHECK OUT THIS DOCUMENTARY TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HIS PROFIL AND AMAZING TALENT
In our exclusive interview, Luis shared that music, for him, is not just technique—it’s a reflection of emotion, of life itself. He aims to build a bridge between musicians, the score, and the audience, believing that true music comes from the heart. That very sensitivity was evident to the Rotterdam jury. Ara Guzelimian, Artistic Director and juror, stated: “Luis internalizes the music so deeply that it radiates through his entire body, even in the smallest gestures, guiding the orchestra with extraordinary emotional clarity.”
Luis is not only a brilliant conductor; he is also a proud ambassador of Costa Rica and the philosophy of Pura Vida. In our interview, he told me that joy is central to music—it is both its soul and its strength. That joyful spirit is something he carries proudly from his homeland. He believes that music is a universal language, one that allows Costa Rica’s values, culture, and optimism to resonate around the world.
In December, Luis will travel to China to lead a major end-of-year concert, continuing his mission to elevate Costa Rican talent on the global stage. His story reminds us that dreams—when driven by passion, love, and discipline—can overcome all boundaries.
Through his music, Luis Castillo-Briceño proves that a small nation can nurture greatness. His rise is a source of inspiration for all Costa Ricans and a shining example of what can be achieved with heart, soul, and the support of family. Bravo, Luis—you make your country proud.
Photo: Allard Willemse
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