Born in Cuba, Andrés Cardenes is renowned as a violin soloist, concertmaster, conductor and teacher, acclaimed by both critics and audiences throughout the world. A prizewinner in the 1982 Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition in Moscow, he has appeared with leading orchestras throughout the world. As a recitalist and chamber musician he has performed in many of the world's leading cultural centres. Cardenes is a champion of modern composers and has commissioned, premiered and recorded works from many composers, including Previn, Balada, Schedrin, Meyer and Lee.