Ricardo de Menezes

Viola

Founding Member

Ricardo de Menezes plays the viola in the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra and the Calgary Civic Symphony. Unlike many of the talented players in the RMSO, music is not his full-time career. Ricardo is the Director of Southern Alberta for UFCW Local 401—the largest private sector union advocating for workers in grocery, food production, and warehousing. Music has always been his passion, and playing the viola is the ultimate release from a challenging and adversarial career. His work takes him across the province in advocacy, bargaining, and legal work, and he’s proud to fight for working people in a unique way. Ricardo began playing viola in Grade 7, when his teacher recommended it after the cello spots were taken—and he’s stuck with it ever since. He trained with Igor Motchalov, who still plays alongside him in the Civic Symphony. Ricardo performs proudly with his best friend Ross Lemon on bass—his lifeline into the music community. Outside of music, he enjoys his two big, attention-seeking dogs, time with loved ones, and queer community advocacy. He’s especially excited for the Civic Symphony collaboration and working with new conductors.