“The energy he emits while soaring through violin leads is completely contagious and entrancing.” – Connect Savannah
Born in Venezuela as the son of guitarist Antonio Jose Ochoa, Ricardo began formal training at a very early age with violinist Edgar Aponte. At the age of 15, he was accepted in the Venezuela Philharmonic, becoming the youngest professional musician in the orchestra. Ricardo studied at the Aaron Copland School of Music in NY under Margaret Pardee and Daniel Philips and has a Masters degree in Music Performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh under violinist Charles Stegeman.
He was a member of the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Orchestra and the Savannah Symphony Orchestra additionally, he has performed as a soloist on many occasions with the Venezuelan Philharmonic. Ricardo is also fluent in Jazz and shares a profound passion for the art of Tango.
Ochoa originally moved to Savannah in January of 2000 and has been an active member of the artistic community, collaborating with visual artists, poets, writers and actors on multiple occasions. He is currently principal second of the Savannah Philharmonic and was co-founder of the national act Velvet Caravan. Recently, he worked on the production of the band Collective Soul’s newest album, composing and arranging all the orchestral parts for the songs. He is also co-owner of New Arts Ensembles, which provides live music for special events throughout the region. In 2020 he became a restaurateur co-owning the Sea Wolf Tybee. These days he also enjoys helping his wife with her business TIMS Bikes, Beach & Disc Golf.