Artist in Residence: Chris Urquiaga

A multi-faceted singer-songwriter with a smooth voice, Chris Urquiaga’s music combines Latin rhythms, pop, R&B, and more. A native of Silver Spring, Urquiaga attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he had the opportunity to write music of all genres for ensembles of his peers. He has written and performed songs for musicians and groups throughout the DC area including world-renowned soprano (and former AIR mentor) Carmen Balthrop, the Prince George’s Philharmonic, and the Congressional Chorus.

• Urquiaga rubbed shoulders with stars like Oprah Winfrey, Chris Tucker, and the Obama family when he performed at The White House for the historic 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.
• He received the 2008 Kennedy Center Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts, an award that recognizes high school students who achieve an exceptional level of artistic and technical distinction in their craft.
• Urquiaga recently signed with KonLive Distribution, a record label managed by legendary hip-hop and R&B star Akon, and has begun working on the Akon Lighting Africa project, helping to bring electricity to 14 African countries.