Biography​

Victor Atanazio Pires

Victor Atanazio Pires is a Brazilian trumpet player currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a deep passion for music, he is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia, where he continues to refine his artistry and expand his musical expertise under the mentorship of Mr. Philip Smith.

Born and raised in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, Pires has built a distinguished career as a performer, educator, and event organizer. He began his trumpet studies with Devanildo Balmant through the Guri Project and later studied under João Xavier at the Tatui Conservatory. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Campinas, where he studied with Dr. Paulo Ronqui, and a Master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from Georgia State University under Dr. Alex Freund.

Pires has collaborated with various ensembles, including the Piracicaba Symphony Orchestra, Mozarteum Symphony Orchestra, and São Paulo Youth Symphony Band. He has also participated in prestigious festivals and received recognition in esteemed trumpet competitions such as 1st Prize in the 2022 International Trumpet Guild Orchestral Excerpts Competition and 3rd Prize in the 2023 National Trumpet Competition’s Graduate Solo Division.

Beyond his personal artistic endeavors, Pires is the co-founder and director of @festivaldetrompete, an initiative aimed at fostering the growth of trumpet players through masterclasses, performances, and networking opportunities. His leadership in this project has contributed to the development of a strong trumpet community, providing valuable resources for aspiring musicians.

At 26 years old, Victor Pires continues to push boundaries in his career, striving for artistic excellence while nurturing the next generation of musicians. Whether performing on stage, teaching, or organizing events, he remains committed to making a lasting impact in the world of music. He currently serves as the Adjunct Trumpet Professor at Georgia College and State University and holds the position of Principal Trumpet at the First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

He is also blessed to share his life and passion for music with his wife, Ellie Neufeld, a talented conductor, and their two dogs Moto and Gus.