Meet Lazara Santana

Lazara B. Santana is a Cuban bassoonist and educator currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a deep love for music and a passion for inspiring others, Lazara has built an impressive career marked by her involvement with various prestigious ensembles and educational institutions.

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Lazara began her musical journey in Cienfuegos, Cuba, where she started her bassoon studies at the age of nine. Her talent quickly became evident, leading her to attend the National School of Music and later, Havana’s University of the Arts, from which she graduated with honors. Her early career in Cuba saw her performing with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra under the direction of José Antonio Méndez, the Great Theater Alicia Alonso Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba. Lazara also served as a Bassoon Teaching Assistant at Havana’s University of the Arts, contributing to the education of future musicians.

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After moving to Atlanta, Lazara continued to pursue her passion for music by earning a Master of Music in Orchestral Instrument Performance from Georgia State University, where she was a Graduate Teaching Assistant. During her time there, she received several accolades, including winning the Brumby Aria and Concerto Competition in 2021 and being selected as the featured soloist for the Southeastern Regional Concert Festival in 2022.

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Lazara’s current roles reflect her dedication to both performance and education. She serves as the Bassoon Adjunct Faculty at Morehouse College and Reinhardt University and previously held the same position at Georgia State University. She is the Principal Bassoonist for the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra and Alternate Principal Bassoon for the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she is a Bassoon Teaching Artist with the Atlanta Music Project and works as a Fine Arts Coach and Bassoon Specialist for the Fulton County Public School System.

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Her performance career is equally distinguished. She has been a guest soloist with the Prince George’s Philharmonic and participated in the Sphinx NAAS Wind Program hosted by the United States Navy Band. Lazara has also appeared as a soloist with various local orchestras and in other states. Notably, she was involved in the production of "Mozart y Mambo" with Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis. Her performances have graced prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center, the Konzerthaus Berlin, and the Kurhaus Theater in Wiesbaden, Germany.

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Beyond her technical prowess, Lazara is deeply committed to inspiring others to explore the beauty and power of music. She believes in music as a transformative tool and is passionate about sharing the unique and captivating qualities of the bassoon with her students and audiences alike. Lazara’s rich cultural background and commitment to her craft make her a highly respected figure in the music community. Through her work as a performer and educator, she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of music.