Waldo De los Rios Argentine composer, conductor and arranger Date of Birth: 07.09.1934 Country: Spain

Biography of Waldo de los Rios

Waldo de los Rios was an Argentine composer, conductor, and arranger. He was born in 1934 in Buenos Aires as Osvaldo Nicholas Ferrara, but later changed his name to Waldo de los Rios. He came from a very musical family and began studying music from an early age. He continued his education at the National Conservatory of Music, where he was taught by Alberto Ginastera and Teodoro Fuchs.

In 1958, Waldo moved to the United States and later, in 1962, he relocated to Spain. Inspired by the vast selection of music around him, he formed his own musical group called 'The Waldos'. The band played a mix of folk music and electronic sounds, creating a unique and original sound. They used synthesizers, electric guitars, and sometimes even a full orchestra to give a fresh twist to traditional Argentine songs. However, the group disbanded in the late 1960s, and Waldo began his solo career.

Turning to film, Waldo started working on soundtracks for movies. His composition for the 1966 adventure western film 'Savage Pampas' earned him a prestigious award from the Association of Argentine Cinema. During the late 1960s and mid-1970s, Waldo made several arrangements for Spanish and international artists, including Raphael, Mari Trini, Alberto Cortez, Facundo Cabral, and many others.

In 1971, Waldo recorded Mozart's Symphony No. 40 with the Manuel de Falla orchestra. The recording reached the top of the charts in the Netherlands and became a hit in other European countries. Prior to this, Waldo had already achieved success with his arrangement of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' for Miguel Rios, which became popular in Europe and America.

Waldo de los Rios had the skill to transform classical and folk compositions into modern hits. He made classical music trendy and contemporary, and incorporated electronic elements into folk melodies. He particularly enjoyed working with Mozart's works, and some of his arrangements were used as theme music for BBC programs.

Waldo was married to actress Isabel Pisano, who later became a journalist and writer. Pisano documented part of her husband's life in her autobiographical book, 'El Amado Fantasma'. Waldo recorded all his music on the 'Hispa-Vox Label', leaving behind a vast amount of musical material.

Sadly, Waldo de los Rios passed away on March 28, 1977, in Madrid. Struggling with deep depression, he chose to take his own life.