V I C T O R
G A R C I A
P E L E G R I N
C U B A N C O M P O S E R
& P I A N I S T
The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. J.S.Bach
MUSIC GALLERY
Short Biography
Victor Jesus Garcia Pelegrin
pianist & composer
Cuban-born pianist and composer Victor Garcia Pelegrin is a versatile musician who seamlessly blends the rich rhythms and melodies of his homeland with contemporary classical aesthetics. His inspiration draws from his Christian identity and Cuban cultural heritage.
Trained at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana under the tutelage of Professor Jorge M. Bueno, Pelegrin graduated Summa Cum Laude in piano from the University of the Arts (ISA) in 2011, where he also took Composition lessons with Professor Juan Piñera.
In 2025, Pelegrin completed a master’s degree in Composition at Baylor University, graduating with distinction under the mentorship of Dr. Scott McAllister. His music, performed in Cuba, the United States, and other countries, encompasses piano-violin-centric works, chamber music, and larger ensembles.
As the co-founder of Duo Emanuel, Pelegrin collaborates with violinist Keren Garcia to promote classical and contemporary repertoire, including his own compositions. His accolades include the Musicalia Prize (ISA, 2007) and the “Harold Gramatges” Composition Prize (UNEAC, 2010).
An active teacher and collaborative pianist, Pelegrin values pedagogy He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Florida State University (FSU), where he will focus on composition, performance, and collaboration. His artistic mission is to glorify Christ through music, as expressed in the motto “Soli Deo Gloria.”
chamber music project
Emanuel Duo
Founded in 2017, Emanuel Duo began as a chamber ensemble in Havana, Cuba, originally formed as a trio with flutist Rebeca Garcia, violinist Keren Garcia, and the director of the ensemble, the pianist and composer Victor Garcia Pelegrin. Following Rebeca’s transition to new opportunities abroad, the ensemble welcomed flutist Claudia Veloso in 2020, continuing to expand its artistic vision and repertoire.
In subsequent years, Keren and Victor continued the project forward as a violin–piano duo, cultivating a distinctive artistic identity through performances, collaborations, and an ongoing commitment to chamber music. Their work has been shaped by a shared dedication to artistic excellence and musical expression.
After earning their Master of Music degrees from Baylor University in 2026, both artists are currently pursuing Doctor of Music degrees at Florida State University, where they continue to refine their artistry while engaging in advanced performance, research, and teaching.
Emanuel Duo has performed at renowned Cuban festivals, including the International Festival of Contemporary Music of Havana, the Havana Chamber Music Festival, and in esteemed concert halls throughout Havana such as the Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís, Oratorio San Felipe Neri, and San Francisco de Paula. Their work has also reached audiences in the United States through performances at Baylor University’s concert venues.
As a creative platform, Emanuel Duo showcases the works of director and composer Victor Garcia, whose compositions are integral to the group’s identity. The ensemble has recorded several of his pieces, including Iván el Imbécil, featured on the CD “Premios UNEAC de Composición: Nueva Música”, Vol. 1 (EGREM, 2019). Their performances have also been featured in the televised program Estamos Contigo, produced by the National Center for Concert Music and the Amadeo Roldán Auditorium of the Cuban Institute of Music.
Above all, Emanuel Duo is driven by the desire to use music to glorify God, the giver of every good gift and perfect blessing, shaping their artistic mission with purpose, gratitude, and devotion.
Keren Garcia Rodriguez
violinist, Emanuel Duo
Cuban violinist based in Tallahassee, Keren Garcia is the co‑founder and violinist of Duo Emanuel, recognized for her refined musicianship and strong orchestral leadership. She served as concertmaster of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, and previously held the same position with the Chamber Orchestra of Havana, where she participated in orchestral collaborations with distinguished soloists such as Joshua Bell, Dmitry Sitkovetsky, and Tai Murray.
Keren Garcia graduated from the University of the Arts in Cuba and received her Master of Music with distinction from Baylor University in 2026, under the guidance of Professor Patricia Shih.
Her international career includes participating at Festival Napa Valley (2017, 2019), the Rheingau Music Festival (Germany 2017), Young Euro Classic (Germany 2017), Habana Clasica Festival (multiple editions), and the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas (2024). Additionally, she has also been a selected participant of the Balthasar Neumann Academy in Germany as part of the CuE (Cuba–Europe) project, engaging in cross‑cultural orchestral and chamber music initiatives.
A prize winner at the V International Music Association Gloria Artis in Vienna (2025), Keren continues to expand her artistic path while beginning her Doctor of Musical Arts at Florida State University FSU.
You May Contact For:
Performances & Concerts
Collaborations & Recording Projects
Commissions
(various formats)
Original Works
Arrangements
Transcriptions
Piano & Violin Lessons
In-person & Online
Contact
Victor Garcia Pelegrin
& Duo Emanuel