Born in Madrid, Dec 24, 1863
Died in San Sebastián, Jun 2, 1939
- Enrique Fernández Arbós was an internationally recognized violinist, composer, and conductor. He was best known during his lifetime as a superb violinist and conductor of some of the world’s most renowned orchestras.
- Arbós had an extensive musical education, including studies with Henri Vieuxtemps in Brussels and Joseph Joachim in Berlin.1
- One notable position Arbós held during his career was principal conductor of the Madrid Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years. During his tenure, the orchestra became a world-class ensemble. Arbós also used his position as an opportunity to promote the works of his fellow Spanish composers.
- Arbós also held the position of concertmaster of both the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.2
- Fun fact – In 2023, the Teatro Real renamed its Orchestra Hall in honor of Arbós: “Arbós was an ambassador of Spanish music around the world and an ambassador of world music in Spain.”3
Learn More
Biography via EnriqueFernándezArbós.com
Sources
- Martín Baeza-Rubio, “Biography,” Enrique Fernández Arbós, accessed September 11, 2025, https://www.enriquefernandezarbos.com/bio-english.
- Victor and Marina A. Ledin, Notes in accompanying booklet, Spanish Impressions performed by Hermitage Piano Trio, Reference Recordings 151, 2023, compact disc.
- “The Teatro Real dedicates its Orchestra Hall to Maestro Arbós,” Teatro Real (2023), accessed September 11, 2025, https://www.teatroreal.es/es/noticia/teatro-real-dedica-al-maestro-arbos-su-sala-orquesta.