Assistant Conductor
A native of Cordoba Argentina, Damián studied Contrabass while playing in the Córdoba Youth Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Carlos Giraudo, who to this day is a role model and source of inspiration to him. His enthusiasm for the orchestra led him to his first professional position at age 20 with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Córdoba as a Contrabass player.In 2002 Damián received sponsorship to study at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge Massachusetts where he studied Double Bass Solo and Orchestral Performance under Pascale Delache-Feldman. After graduating in 2006 from the Longy School of Music Damián continued his education in Los Angeles at CalArts where he received his MFA in Orchestra Conducting and Double Bass Performance. While at CalArts Damián had the opportunity to lead the CalArts Chamber Orchestra in concerts and rehearsals as well as many chamber ensembles.In 2007 Mr. Berdakín joined the faculty of the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra as the Strings Coach and Assistant Conductor. In September 2008 he began his first season as conductor of the South Pasadena Youth Orchestra.Damián currently lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife Reba. When he is not conducting, studying scores or playing bass he enjoys playing tennis, the outdoors and grilling on a cool evening with family and friends.