Duda Botelho | Contrabaixista

WhatsApp Image 2025-06-24 at 09.24.35.jpeg

2023_OSJRJ-andrea-duda-foto-daniel-ebendinger-048-min_edited.jpg

Duda Botelho is a rising talent.

Botelho's exceptional skill, tireless dedication and deep passion for the double bass make them an inspiration and an example to young musicians all over the world.

At the age of 17, the bassist has already gathered an impressive collection of awards, winning first place in their category several times in important competitions, most notably first place in the 2nd Grunewald International Music Competition in December 2024 and first prize in the national phase of the Jugend Musiziert competition with full marks in June 2025, a remarkable accolade in the world of classical music.

In 2023, at the age of 15, Botelho performed as a soloist with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Rio de Janeiro at the prestigious Sala Cecília Meireles (Rio de Janeiro) conducted by their mother, Maestra Andréa Huguenin Botelho, another highlight of her career so far.

Born in Germany, the young virtuoso discovered a passion for the double bass at the age of four, during a concert conducted by their mother. It was at this age that Botelho got their first instrument.

2023_OSJRJ_ 20230823-asm-osjrj-andrea-duda-foto-daniel-ebendinger-043-min_edited.jpg

Since the age of seven, Botelho has been studying with Stephan Petzold, renowned teacher and first double bassist of the Konzerthaus Berlin orchestra, and their training at the renowned Musikgymnasium Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach has established them as one of the most incredible young talents of their generation.

Recognition from experienced musicians has come from an early age. At the age of 9, Botelho received a very special gift that marked their life. After meeting them in person, composer Ernst Mahle was so enchanted by their exceptional musicianship that he composed a piece for them, entitled Sonatina.

This will be one of the pieces on the album Photosynthesis, which Botelho will release in the second half of 2025, in partnership with their mother. The album will bring together works permeated with affection, including compositions by Maestra Andréa Huguenin Botelho especially for Botelho, such as the unreleased Variations on a Brazilian Theme.

Passion for the double bass

Duda Botelho is currently a member of two of Germany's most prestigious youth orchestras: the German String Philharmonic (Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie) and the National Youth Orchestra of Germany (Bundesjugendorchester).

"Every time I play the double bass, I fall in love with it more and more. I like the size of the instrument and the sound, soft, low and sweet," says Duda Botelho.

Their professional dreams include playing in the Berlin Philharmonic and forming a double bass quartet. Child of a German-Brazilian mother, Duda Botelho also hopes to someday play at OSESP, whose bassist, Pedro Gadelha, is one of their mentors and friends.

Duda Botelho represents the hope that concert music will remain alive and relevant in the future and will be able to touch people of all generations.

2023_OSJRJ-andrea-duda-foto-daniel-ebendinger-048-min.jpg

After hearing Duda Botelho, the Berlin Philharmonic's first double bass player, Janne Saksala, wrote:

"Dear Duda, I was very impressed by the way you deal with music and the instrument. Passion is the decisive factor when thinking about pursuing a career as a musician. If you don't feel this (inner) need, I would always advise against it. The love of music goes through trials at least as difficult as interpersonal relationships. There are many “musicians” who love their own skill with the instrument and the admiration it arouses in other people more than the music itself. Unfortunately, this love (the first one mentioned) doesn't have the necessary scope to give them the strength to dedicate themselves to music for a lifetime - let alone enjoy it. The result is bitterness, an unhappy life and probably wrong decisions in other areas of life.
That's why it's essential that you examine VERY WELL within yourself the reasons why you make music. I wish you all the best in your musical career and I hope you are happy!"

Photo Gallery