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Life & Work with Daniela Garzon of Orlando

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Garzon.

Hi Daniela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello, I’m Daniela. I am a young artist, singer, violinist, and pianist, deeply passionate about what I do while facing the everyday challenges of a usual young person’s life.
That is who I am, in a few words.
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2008. My love for music began when I was only five years old at the Institute of Culture and Tourism of Cajicá, Colombia, where I started with a simple lesson on musical rhythms. I progressed quickly and discovered how much I enjoyed it. Together with my sister Sara, and also individually, I participated in numerous public performances, duets, and in the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra as a violinist.That is where i completed my first musical chapter and truly discovered the joy of performing on stage.
In 2021, my family and I moved to the United States. I had already studied in a 100% American homeschool, where I learned to love this country and speak the language naturally. At twelve, I was truly determined to pursue my career; I knew with certainty that this was what I wanted to do. My mother moved very quickly to find contacts, and thanks to that, I was referred to FSYO (Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra). And I got in! That opportunity opened many doors for me. I met Juan Pablo Santa Luna, philanthropic and cultural ambassador of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and thanks to him, I even had the chance to conduct on stage with the Orlando Philharmonic as well as the Florida Orchestra in 2023 . I have had the opportunities of collaborating with foundations, consulates of Colombia and Mexico ;The best is being onstage alongside my brother as well, who is also a musician. Later, in 2025, I had the opportunity to offer a violin solo with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in front of a huge audience. That success made me realize something important: I don’t just want a career in music and entertainment, I also want to inspire other young people who dream of entering this world.
That same year, I was selected to be part of a youth program of one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Recently, I had the incredible honor of performing with world renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel in Los Angeles. He was very kind and understanding. He told me, “One day, we will meet again.” Can you imagine that? I am deeply grateful to my family, to all the wonderful people I have met along this journey, and especially to God, because I am a young woman who believes in Him. I know I am blessed, and I am ready to continue aiming for the highest.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am very happy to say that my career has flowed smoothly so far, although it has not been free of the normal obstacles a high schooler and artist faces daily: long training sessions, strong discipline, necessary restrictions to reach goals, and all those demands faced by someone who wants to go far. Thanks to that, I have been able to focus on perfecting my skills, singing, conducting, playing the violin, playing piano, and most importantly, learning to truly connect with the audience from the stage. Over time, I have understood that my role as an artist is to bring joy, happiness, and a sense of freedom to the public, helping them forget, even if only for a moment, the difficulties of life.
But it’s not only about entertaining. My ultimate goal is to entertain with purpose. I want people to see me as a young woman with big dreams, who has chosen to pursue them in a way that uplifts others with principles and values. Helping others is a fundamental part of my journey. I received love, guidance, and support as I advanced, and now I want to offer the same. I want to be part of a new generation of young leaders, positive, forward thinking, and determined to make the world better for everyone. “Serve with love, play with passion, music that transforms hearts.” That is my love mark.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What makes me most proud is being able to contribute to my community with wha I love doing, music; being kind and respectful, just as I was taught at home. My father, Leo Garzón, is a life coach and executive coach; he helps young people achieve comprehensive success and has always believed deeply in me. My mother, Melina García, is a life coach focused on emotional nutrition and mental well being. Both of them have been my moral and ethical guide. I aspire to live a life with purpose, one that makes me proud and that I can share with my family without fear or shame
Today, as I look back at everything I have experienced and ahead at what is to come, I understand that music not only shapes me as an artist but also as a human being. Every stage, every rehearsal, every challenge, and every person I meet along the way reminds me that this talent has a purpose greater than myself: to inspire, uplift, and touch lives.
My commitment is to continue growing with humility, discipline, and gratitude; to keep building a career that reflects my values and honors those who believe in me. I dream of going far, of uniting cultures and communities through music, but above all, I dream of doing so while leaving a positive mark. If I manage to inspire just one person to believe in their own potential by watching me pursue what I love, then my mission will already be fulfilled.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Artificial intelligence is transforming the entertainment industry. Today, AI can write books, create paintings, and even compose music. I understand that this technology may reduce some opportunities for young artists like me. However, as an interdisciplinary artist , a singer, violinist, pianist, aspiring orchestra conductor, and an overall performer and entertainer, I feel both ambitious and confident in my talent and in my passion for sharing art with others. I also know that by learning and training in these new technologies, artists can take advantage of them in much more enriching ways. My goal is to bring comfort and joy to audiences through authentic, human experiences.
I believe there will always be spaces that value live performers, such as classical music halls, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, talent shows, and festivals. My hope is that audiences continue to seek genuine human connection while using new tools like AI, without losing sight of the irreplaceable value of real human contact. People want to see people, and that belief is at the heart of my career and artistic purpose.

I’d like to close this interview by thanking God and by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported and inspired me throughout my career. To my family, my father Leo, mother Melina, brother David, and sisters Lorena and Sara, thank you for your endless love, and support, for the encouragement and for all the sacrifices you have made so I can keep growing as an artist. Family is my greatest blessing, and I am thankful every day for the family I have.
To Boris Garbe, founder of Mills Gallery and supporter of the art . Thank you for always believing in me and taking my dreams seriously.
To Juan Pablo Santaluna, executive director of Mills Gallery . You have been such an important part of my journey. Thank you for opening doors for me and providing me with unforgettable opportunities.
To conductor Eric Jacobson, from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, your guidance and generosity have left a lasting mark on my journey. Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement.
To Rimma Bergeron, concertmaster of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, thank you for helping me realize my full potential as a violinist. Your mentorship has meant the world to me.
To Mauricio Cespedes , conductor and violist of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, thank you for giving me the opportunity to perform as a soloist. Your kindness continues to inspire me to help others.
And to Chelsea Gallo, conductor for both the Florida Orchestra and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, thank you for the remarkable opportunity to conduct with both ensembles. It remains one of the greatest highlights of my career.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Richard Sandler, Jhon Morales, Fabio Bahiense

Order of photos:
Gustavo Dudamel
Family
Boris Garbe/ Juan Pablo Santaluna
Eric Jacobsen
Rimma Bergeron-Langlois
Mauricio Cespedes
Chelsea Gallo

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