NELSON RICARDO YOVERA PEREZ is a rising star in the classical music world, recently appointed as principal horn of the Naples Philharmonic. A dynamic performer with international acclaim, Nelson captured First Prize in the Brass and Percussion category at the 2023 Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions and secured Second Prize at the prestigious 2024 International Horn Competition of America.
Nelson’s artistry has earned him frequent invitations to perform with some of the most esteemed ensembles in the country, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. He is also a regular presence at top music festivals such as the Marlboro Music Festival, ChamberFest Cleveland, Classical Tahoe, and Arizona MusicFest.
From 2015 to 2018, Nelson was a member of the world-renowned Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, touring extensively through Europe and Latin America under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. He went on to serve as associate principal horn of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra in Argentina from 2018 to 2021. Between 2021 and 2023, he performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and was third horn of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Before Naples, he received tenure as principal horn of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra from 2023 to 2025.
Nelson began his musical journey at Venezuela’s National School of Horn of El Sistema, studying under Juan Carlos Maldonado and Ulises Aragón. He continued his studies in Chicago under master hornists David Cooper and David Griffin.