'Remember: You are an artist': From grad school in Athens to the orchestra in Bahia, Brazil

When Harnefer Oliveira Cruz stepped into his audition for the Orquestra Sinfônica da Bahia (OSBA), one of Brazil’s top symphony orchestras, he carried with him years of discipline, international experience, and the support of the community he found as a student at Ohio University. Winning the position marked the beginning of a new chapter in Cruz’s life, one defined by his new career as a full-time orchestral trombonist.  

Before coming to the United States, Cruz toured internationally with the Bahia Youth Orchestra (NEOJIBA), performing in some of the world’s most renowned concert halls. But it was his time in Athens, studying under trombone professor Dr. Lucas Borges, that he credits with sharpening the skills and confidence he needed to succeed in one of the most competitive fields in classical music.  

“OU supported me a lot,” Cruz says. “I won a job in Brazil because of the support I received in Athens.”  

Cruz’s mentor, Borges, expresses pride in his student, having been with Cruz since his start at OHIO.  

“I'm not one to brag about my students, but he deserves it,” Borges says.

Inside the life of a professional orchestral musician

Cruz’s work with the OSBA moves at a fast pace. The orchestra performs nearly every week, alternating between a classical repertoire and large-scale pop concerts designed to welcome audiences of all ages. One week may feature Mahler or Tchaikovsky while the next brings a blockbuster score by film composer John Williams, iconic hits by Michael Jackson or a full pop-culture program, complete with costumes.  

“We have a special group of people here,” Cruz says. “For example, this last concert we had, everyone was dressing in some costume. Like, Michael Jackson or Star Wars.” 

During performance weeks, Cruz rehearses daily, preparing new programs quickly and creatively. On off-weeks, he maintains a rigorous personal practice schedule, which often amounts to five or six hours per day; a discipline he began at age 14 and strengthened during his time at OHIO.  

“It’s a lot,” says Cruz. “I remember, during the winter, it was very, very hard to get up to go to class. But this, for me, was very important, and it made my discipline come easier.” 

Outside of rehearsals and concerts, Cruz enjoys the rhythm of life in Salvador, a coastal city known for its beaches, music and culture. Long walks by the ocean help him reset between performances, and he values being close to his family so that they can see his concerts.  

Leading with love for the art 

Despite the intensity of his schedule, Cruz speaks most passionately about the heart behind the work he does.  

Finding sustainable work is a challenge for any artist, and Cruz was no different. He faced setbacks and uncertainty coming to Ohio University while learning a new language, adapting to a new country, and preparing for auditions that would shape his career. Despite those hurdles, he carried a quiet conviction that no matter what, the passion for art is paramount to all else. Many people struggle under the pressure of competition in the art industry, but Cruz seems to have found the remedy. 

“Every time that you open your case and practice your instrument, you need to remember to put in love,” he says. 

This belief guided him through long hours of practice and moments of doubt. Even when the future felt uncertain, he found comfort in the music itself. It is a mindset that has carried him from the practice rooms in Athens to the concert halls of Brazil, where he now performs for thousands.  

Carrying the music forward 

Cruz’s journey from Brazil to Athens and back again is marked by gratitude for the mentors who guided him, the university that supported him and the opportunities that shaped his path. When he arrived in the United States, he said, Ohio University became a place of encouragement and belonging, helping him find his footing both personally and professionally.  

Cruz attributes much of his success to Borges, the professor who recruited him to OHIO and mentored him once he was here. The two found camaraderie in sharing not only a love for music but also a love for their shared Brazilian culture. Borges remains confident that this is only the beginning for Cruz, and that this job is only the first of many successes Cruz is certain to have. 

“This is just the first thing. He's a young man. We're going to hear about him a lot more," Borges says. 

Cruz says he keeps a special place in his heart for Athens and hopes to one day return. But as he looks ahead to the future, Cruz’s gratitude shapes not only how he plays but how he lives. The lessons he learned in Athens and the love he found through music continue to guide him and serve as reminders that success means little without heart. It’s a perspective he hopes others will hold close. 

“I know to get a job is amazing," Cruz says. "But remember: you are an artist.”