By Ricardo Balderas. SPR Informa. Mexican Press Agency.
For years, the Reina Sofía School of Music has stood as a symbol of musical excellence in Europe. Its commitment to training young talent has borne fruit in the form of musicians who now perform with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras. Yet beyond its historic halls and well-known European names, there are stories that renew the very meaning of merit and vocation. One such story is that of Nedley Antonio Robles Jiménez, a young Mexican oboist recently recognized as the most outstanding student of the academic year.
At just 20 years old, Nedley has proven that talent knows no borders. Born in Oaxaca de Juárez, Nedley’s musical journey is impressive not only for its early start—he began studying music at the age of five—but also for the clarity with which he has charted his path. From the “Libertad” children’s and youth orchestra to his current training in the Fundación Damm Oboe Chair at the Reina Sofía School of Music, under the mentorship of the legendary Hänsjörg Schellenberger, every step has been a conquest in a setting where competing with the global elite is no small feat.
Nedley’s arrival at the Reina Sofía School in 2023 marked a turning point. It is an intensely competitive environment, bringing together exceptional young musicians from around the world. There, Nedley has not only held his own—he has stood out with admirable discipline and musical sensitivity. His participation in ensembles like Quinteto O Globo and Ensemble Cassadó, as well as in orchestras such as Freixenet and the Camerata Fundación EDP, attest to a level of artistic maturity far beyond his years.
But beyond his virtuosity, what truly moves people about Nedley is his story of perseverance. A scholarship recipient from institutions such as Pan American Energy, Fundación Albéniz, and Santander México, and playing an F. Lorée Étoile oboe provided through an instrument grant, his journey has been made possible thanks to a support system that invests in talent regardless of background. He is, without a doubt, a prime example of how academic and artistic mobility can create real opportunities.
The Reina Sofía School naming him its most outstanding student is not just a personal accolade—it is also a celebration of cultural diversity and a testament to the impact a young man from southern Mexico can have at the heart of Europe’s classical music scene.
In a world where we often hear about closing borders, Nedley Robles opens horizons. And with every note that flows from his oboe, he reminds us that genuine art needs no passport.
From Oaxaca to the World
Nedley’s journey also highlights the role of public and community-based musical education as a breeding ground for excellence. His early training in Oaxaca within a system of youth orchestras proves that talent can flourish even in resource-limited settings—so long as there is will, vision, and commitment. The continuity he found later in institutions such as the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) was key in building a solid technical and artistic foundation, preparing him to eventually cross the Atlantic.
Moreover, Nedley’s record of masterclasses with renowned figures such as Ramón Ortega and William Welter shows the seriousness with which he has embraced every phase of his education. Far from settling for what was within his immediate reach, Nedley has actively sought out challenges and spaces for growth—something that undoubtedly contributed to his success in competitions such as the Sally van den Berg Prize, where he placed second as the youngest contestant.
This recognition from the Reina Sofía School not only validates his hard work, but also opens up a broader conversation about the need to expand access to elite artistic institutions for young Latin Americans. The scholarships that support him—some coordinated from Mexico—are a testament to international cooperation that should be replicated more often. Because when real support is given to talent, the results are both visible and transformative.
Ultimately, Nedley’s impact goes beyond the personal: it inspires. His story is already serving as a reference for young musicians in Oaxaca and throughout Mexico. It reminds us that behind every note lies hours of practice, family sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. And that sometimes, a single oboe in the hands of a young person can become a symbol of hope, hard work, and triumph.
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
