Opa Bios

Oswaldo began his studies in music when he was 11 years old at the Conservatorio de Castella in Costa Rica. He also studied Composition at the Conservatorio de la Universidad de Costa Rica and completed the Composing and Arranging Program (CAP) at the Dick Grove School of Music. He recalls writing arrangements at the age of 15 because he and his schoolmates did not have any music to play. In order to have fun he made up bands and began to write music. Oswaldo has been the leader of many bands in Costa Rica, as well as in the USA. Opa Opa is his latest project and he feels very fortunate to be a part of such an excellent group of musicians and friends.

When you talk about singers, you just have to mention Anthony’s name. With his very unique voices… and I say voices because he has two: one is a strong Baritone and the other is an extra high and beautiful Soprano… Anthony will command your attention from start to finish. If you heard him singing “Angelitos Negros” or “Siboney” you would think it was Xiomara Alfaro singing.

Anthony started singing as a young boy in his home town in Panama. He entered singing tournaments just for fun and to make a few extra bucks. To his surprise he won one after another of these local contests, taking him to even bigger contests on the radio, which he also won. Anthony traveled to Costa Rica to be a part of several groups, including “Los Sorpresivos”. He decided to move to the USA and soon after joined the group “El Tren Latino,” which was signed and produced by Roberto Torres. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Anthony co-founded the band Opa Opa and has been an integral part of the band ever since.

We call him “El Sabroso” meaning the groovy one. Since an early age, he showed an interest in music and in particular for singing. He would participate in his high school talent shows and anything that had to do with music. Martin had music in his veins ever since he was born, so it is not surprising that very early he jumped at the opportunity to perform with a local band called “The King Trials” from Puerto Limon, his birthplace. From there a star was born and he moved on to the power group “Karibu”, where he experienced great musical growth.

In search of new horizons, the young Martin traveled to the United States, and had the good fortune of meeting Eddy Wilson. Martin immediately joined his group “El Tren Latino” sharing the role of lead vocalist with the great Anthony Apollo. With this band, Martin had the opportunity to record a few records under the label Guajiro Records, including the hit song “Carinoso si, Mentiroso no,” headed by the well known Roberto Torres.

Pedro learned to play the accordion when he was just a little boy. In high school and at family gatherings he was the one who would entertain with his singing and the playing of his accordion. Pedro has had the pleasure of playing in many Vallenato Festivals in Colombia before coming to the USA. After playing with several Los Angeles based bands we are pleased that Pedro is now a part of Opa Opa, so you all can enjoy his accordion and unique voice.

Roberto started in music at the age of 11, and as a child played with his first group called “Los Cometas”. Roberto attended the Universidad Nacional de Heredia in Costa Rica and majored in Percussion. After relocating to the USA, he played with many of the local bands as well as international artists. “It has been like a dream to me,” Roberto says. He is very studious and is always learning as well as teaching something new. Roberto currently is a Tutor in Percussion at Rancho Santiago College (Orange County) and has participated in the “Jazz Combo Ensemble” for 8 years.

Pedro was introduced to music by his father and at the age of 16 he was already playing with some of the top notch groups in Peru. Pedro is an accomplished pianist and arranger. He has been the Musical Director for many international artists like Cano Estremera, Pedro Jesus, and has played for Celia Cruz and other big names in the Latin scene. Pedro is now a part of Opa Opa offering us not only his musical talent on the piano but also through his arrangements.

In his youth, due to the fact that his father was a Mariachi musician, Roberto was heavily influenced by Mexican music. In his household they listened to Vicente Fernandez, Pedro Infante, Javier Solis, and others. He started attending musical events with his father when he was 6 years old, until one day he told his dad that he wanted to learn a popular song by Pedrito Fernandez. His dad said, “Later my son,” but Roberto insisted and set out to learn it himself. One day when his father came home, Roberto played that song for him. His father was astonished and Roberto knew ever since then that he was going to be a musician above all else. Roberto plays the Bass as a main instrument, but he can also play the Guitar and other instruments. He has played with an extensive list of international artists too long to mention here.

Fred is an excellent trombonist from Los Angeles, California. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Music from the University of North Texas at Denton, Texas. Fred has played everything from Latin to Swing to R&B. He has even been a part of symphonic orchestras and performed and recorded with many world renowned artists. He is not only a quality musician and asset to the band, but also a very funny guy.

Ray plays the Trumpet, Flueglehorn, and Piccolo Trumpet. Originally from Rhode Island, Ray moved to Los Angeles at an early age. He studied music at California State University, Los Angeles earning a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music and a Standard Teaching Credential in Music Education.

In addition to his talent on the horns, Ray has a very soulful voice and is also responsible for the bands R&B repertoire. He writes and arranges and always does great work. Ray has been an endorsee of the world famous Calicchio Trumpets and Flueglehorns for 3 years! But where Ray feels the most pride is in his teaching. He has even taught students with severe handicaps to play instruments and read music… and let me tell you they can play!!

Oswaldo Bernard, Costa Rica

Band Leader, Arrangements & Trumpet