Sphinx Virtuosi | Meet Us | Rainel Joubert

Rainel Joubert

Cuban-born violinist Rainel Joubert commenced his musical journey at the age of seven under the guidance of Maria de los Angeles Verdecia, who he values as a Teacher, musical and life Mentor, Role Model and Mother Figure in his life,  at the Manuel Saumell Conservatory in La Habana.

Joubert's musical prowess gained international acclaim when he collaborated with esteemed Cuban pianist Ernán López-Nussa on a tour to Spain. His performances not only showcased Cuban melodies but also explored jazz in UNICEF-sponsored concerts dedicated to supporting Cuban schools. As a founding member of the Children’s Symphony Orchestra of Cuba, Joubert played a crucial role in unifying the musical community in the country.

In 2002, Joubert earned a coveted spot in the Grupo Especial de Desarrollo para las Cuerdas, a program for exceptional young violinists. His talents found expression in the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba under Maestros Ivan del Prado and Enrique Pérez Mesa. The following year, he graced the Latin American Youth Symphony Orchestra, delivering stellar performances in La Habana and Caracas under the baton of Claudio Abbado and assistant conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

Entering the Instituto Superior de Artes (ISA) in 2004 marked a new chapter where Joubert became a distinguished member of the Opera and Ballet Orchestras, earning a Golden Title from ISA. He continued to shine in competitions, securing the second prize at the Union de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba in 2006 and the Prize for the Best Interpretation of Cuban Music.

Joubert's global presence extended to renowned music festivals and master classes, where he played for luminaries such as Gidon Kremer, Erick Grossman, the Borromeo String Quartet, Paul Kantor. His advocacy for both contemporary and classical repertoire led to the co-founding of the Orquesta de C√°mara de La Habana, showcasing his solo prowess in international venues.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Shannon Thomas, Joubert emerged as a laureate in the 15th Annual Sphinx Competition, leading to inclusion in the Sphinx Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. Continuing studies with Dr. Stephen Redfield at the University of Southern Mississippi, he holds the first prize of the concerto competition.

Rainel Joubert's career includes significant roles in esteemed orchestras. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Concertmaster with the San Antonio Philharmonic. Additionally, he holds the role of Concertmaster for the Young People Concerts (YPC) and Family. Rainel also served as the Concertmaster for the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra during the 27th Annual Sphinx Competition.

Dedicated to community engagement, Joubert serves as a Community-Embedded Musician with the Houston Symphony, making classical music accessible to diverse communities. He has also had the opportunity to collaborate on stage with acclaimed soloists like Augustine Hadelich, Leonidas Kavakos, Pinchas Zukerman, Joshua Bell, among others.  His has performed as a soloist with the Houston Symphony in a few occasions, further highlighting his versatility and mastery of the violin.

Rainel Joubert is a proud recipient of the Sphinx  Mpower Artist Grant.