Dominican cellist Ilia De la Rosa has performed across the United States, the Caribbean and Asia. Her performance experience ranges from solo recitals, orchestral and chamber music to jazz, pop and rock studio recordings. Ilia began her musical studies at the age of eleven in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At the Escuela Elemental de Musica Elila Mena, she was recognized with the “Greatest Music Galardon” in cello performance for four consecutive years. Her musical education continued at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música with cellist Angela Holguin. In 2004 Ilia was awarded a full music scholarship to pursue undergraduate study at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree with honors, Ilia studied privately with acclaimed cellist Martha Gerschefski in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2013, she received a Masters Degree in Cello Performance and Ethnomusicology from the University of North Texas. During her time at UNT, she studied with renowned cellist Eugene Osadchy, performed with the New Music ensemble: Nova, held a position with the prestigious Center Stage Piano Trio/Quartet, and was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship.
After relocating to Austin, Texas, Ilia became a teaching artist with Austin Soundwaves, an el Sistema organization, where she initiated a cello choir known as Solo Celli. In 2019 she formed a flute, piano and cello trio: Kompas Trio. The trio was featured in Golden Hornet and KMFA classical’s SXSW showcase in 2022. Some of her recording credits include Austin, Texas jazz artists Laura Otero, Zack Varner, Peggi Stern, among others. Ilia performs with many local artists and was nominated for best classical musician in the Austin Chronicle 2022. Ilia currently performs with several orchestras throughout Texas and holds a contract position with the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale.