Brian Urra is a Chilean violinist, composer, arranger, and dancer of Irish music, with over 25 years of experience as a performer. He specializes in jazz, classical, improvisation, contemporary music, and Irish traditions.

 

Brian began his musical journey studying classical and Irish music with teacher Virginia Arreaza and dancing at the Sandra Claren Irish Dance School in Chile. At the age of 14, he showcased his  talents on the Chilean television program, "Chile, country of Talents," and secured second place as part of the Irish band, Tara. The achievement earned him a scholarship to the Modern School of Music. During his time on this TV show, he met pianist Maestro Roberto Bravo, who sponsored him and invited him to share the stage in many renowned theaters in Chile. In 2010, Brian continued classical violin studies at the Modern School of Music with Maestro Alberto Dourthé, concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra of Chile. He also developed a unique style of playing popular music and jazz under the mentorship of composer and pianist Orion Morales.

 

In 2017, Brian attained first place in the Open Championship Esdi Chile category at the "South American Irish Dance Meeting" in Chile. That same year, he auditioned for the Berklee College of Music, and received a full scholarship in May 2018.

 

His educational path continued at Berklee College of Music, where he pursued a double major in Jazz Composition/Performance.

At Berklee, Brian has studied with teachers Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano, Adam Cruz, Ben Street, Tía Fuller, and Kris Davis, among others. 

 

As a composer, Brian has developed his craft from lessons with pianist and composer Billy Childs, a five-time Grammy award-winner, who remains one of his biggest influences. He has also worked with Eugene Friesen, a four-time Grammy award-winner, as part of his orchestra, Berklee World Strings, where he has led as a concertmaster and composer, alongside his performance at Carnegie Hall in the world premiere of Amor Aeternus by composer and pianist Helen Breyer. 

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In 2021, Brian released his first single as a band leader, exploring new sounds with the violin and storytelling, drawing from his experiences outside his country.

 

In 2022, Brian was commissioned to compose a piece of music based on an exhibition at the Massart Art Museum. An art piece was made by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos named "Valkyrie Mumbet" in collaboration with the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. Moreover, he had the distinct privilege of performing as a soloist at the United Nations in commemoration of the Holocaust.