Mario Zelaya is a highly accomplished violinist whose musical journey commenced at the age of 13 at the National School of Music in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. By the age of 15, he made his inaugural solo performance during a tour of Central America with the Chamber Orchestra of the National School of Music. That same year, Zelaya secured second prize in the National Competition, followed by first prize at the age of sixteen in his hometown. Subsequently, he was appointed concertmaster of the Honduran Philharmonic, where he regularly performed as a soloist.

Zelaya holds both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from the Lynn Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, Florida, where he studied under the renowned violinist and conductor Guillermo Figueroa. During his studies, he emerged victorious at the Cremona International String Competition in Italy, receiving special accolades for Best Bach and Best Virtuoso Piece.

As a soloist, Zelaya has performed extensively in recitals throughout Italy, Central America, and the United States. In addition to his solo career and chamber music engagements, Zelaya has been a member of numerous orchestras in the United States, including the Palm Beach Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, South Florida Symphony, Symphony of the Americas, Southwest Symphony, Boca Symphonia, Venice Symphony, San Antonio Opera and Ballet, Texas New Music Festival, Andrea Bocelli Orchestra, and the Fabian Almazan Jazz Ensemble.

Zelaya has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Andres Cardenes, James Buswell, Elmar Oliveira, Guillermo Figueroa, Kathleen Battle, Glenn Dicterow, Leon Fleisher, and Gerard Schwartz, among others. His diverse appearances include recording the concert “There’s No Place Like Home” with the rock band Kansas and performing live at the 2023 Miami Grand Prix, which was live-streamed by ESPNF1.

Presently residing in Houston, Texas, Zelaya teaches at his private Zelaya Violin Studio and performs regularly in various ensembles, contributing to both classical and contemporary music scenes.