Mercedes Salazar, born in Venezuela, brings to the quartet her experience as an orchestra musician, soloist, and teacher. She received her early education through the Youth Orchestras of Venezuela. She received her Bachelor of Music with Instrumental Execution Mention from the University Institute of Musical Studies. She received her Master of Music from the Simón Bolívar University.

With a passion for teaching, Mercedes has worked for the Latin American Viola Acedemy with some of the most talented and promising violinist from her native Venezuela. While in Venezuela, she also taught with the Sistema programs in her area, acting as violin instructor and conductor of strings.

Mercedes has a rich history of performing as a soloist. Mercedes has performed in front of Symphonic of Aragua, Youth Symphony of Caracas, Young Arches of Venezuela, Symphony of Venezuelan Youth Simón Bolívar, Symphony of Nueva Esparta Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of Miranda, Zulia Symphony Orchestra, among others.

In December of 2017, Mercedes moved to Canada with her family and has quickly immersed herself in New Brunswick’s classical music scene. She currently works as a Teaching Artist with Fredericton’s Sistema Centre and plays for Atlantic Sinfonia and Symphony New Brunswick.

When Mercedes is not playing the violin, she enjoys biking and making the world’s best pizza.