Biography:
Sound artist, guitarist, and composer José Pino | photo © 2024 Martina Knecht
José Pino embarked on his musical journey at a young age as a singer, guitarist, and bassist in his hometown, Quito — the vibrant capital of Ecuador. He studied guitar with Camilo Santacruz and Carlos “El Chino” Cando, broadening his musical horizons by mastering additional string, wind, and percussion instruments. He explored jazz guitar at the University of San Francisco de Quito’s Berklee-affiliated program before specialising in Brazilian jazz guitar under the guidance of luminaries such as Romero Lubambo and Lula Galvão. Throughout his musical journey, he has cultivated a deep knowledge of traditional music from countries including Ecuador, Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, and Bolivia — an influence that continues to shape his artistic voice.
Since relocating to Switzerland in 2014, he has studied at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdH), where he completed a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Computer Music and later earned a Master of Arts ZFH in Composition and Theory, with a focus on Electroacoustic Composition. This academic pursuit laid the groundwork for his exploration of sound synthesis and digital composition, igniting a passion for experimentation and innovation in music production. He furthered his studies in big band arrangement under the mentorship of Fernando Corrêa from the Brazil Jazz Symphony in São Paulo.
Focusing on compositions and arrangements that range from solo to orchestral pieces, José Pino’s music is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Latin American music, while it pushes the boundaries of electronic and electroacoustic music. The influence of his diverse experiences, including his time spent living in vibrant cultural hubs like Hong Kong and Shanghai, left an indelible mark on his artistic vision. In recent years, his work has garnered international acclaim, with performances at prestigious venues around the globe — from Havana to Shanghai — while he continues to produce electronic music under the pseudonym Dudu Alvear.
Besides his artistic work, José Pino is also a recognized music educator and director. After a successful collaboration with the Conservatorio Mozarte in Quito, he later joined the Musikschule Zürcher Oberland and the Musikschule St. Gallen in Switzerland, where he currently works. José Pino is also an expert for talent-based selection at Swiss music colleges, and co-director of the ensemble Saitenharmoniker in St. Gallen.
As founder and director of La casa de nadie, a Zurich-based cultural platform for art practice and dissemination, José Pino is deeply committed to music production and cultural promotion. The platform's projects bring together artists from over 20 countries across three continents, highlighting its global reach and spirit of collaboration. In 2024, La casa de nadie launched the Zurich Jam Session concert series, enriching the local music scene and fostering a vibrant community of musicians and listeners.