Born in Leganés (Madrid) in 1996, Carlos Ordóñez de Arce began his musical studies under the guidance of his father, Juan Carlos Ordóñez, as well as with the master Ángel Luis de la Rosa, with whom he completed his training in Spain.
He then continued his academic development, both musical and pedagogical, at the PESDM de Bordeaux Aquitaine (France), under the direction of Marie-Bernadette Charrier. During his stay in Bordeaux, he further enriched his education through numerous masterclasses given by internationally renowned performers and educators.
« I continue to place my trust in a brand that has enabled me to explore and benefit from the very best equipment, allowing me to adapt to all situations. »
Throughout his career, he has received awards in more than ten national and international competitions, including the First Prize at the 7th Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition in Bangkok (Thailand) in July 2017. This achievement made him the youngest laureate in the history of one of the most prestigious saxophone competitions in the world.
Currently, Carlos is a member of the Music Unit of the Spanish Royal Guard and director of the “Villa de Esquivias” Band. He is also a member of the Mayrit Trio and the Thesis Quartet. As a performer, he maintains an intense concert activity across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, performing in countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Morocco, China, and Thailand. He has appeared as a soloist with numerous ensembles, including the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, in auditoriums of national and international renown.
He has participated in many festivals worldwide, regularly being invited as a soloist, pedagogue, and jury member. Among these are the Pan-American “Henri Selmer Paris” Competition within the Clari-Sax Yucatán Festival in Mexico, as well as his participation as a jury member at the Andorra Sax Fest in 2025.
« As a saxophonist and pedagogue, I use BG France products on a daily basis, both on stage and in teaching. »
As an educator, Carlos has over ten years of teaching experience, giving masterclasses at festivals, courses, and academies. His pedagogical activity has taken place in numerous institutions and conservatories in Spain, at the Faculty of Music in Mexico, Mahidol University in Bangkok (Thailand), the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte (Brazil), the Rossini Conservatory in Pesaro (Italy), the Accademia Italiana del Sassofono in Ostra Vetere (Italy), as well as at the Andorra Sax Fest.
Carlos Ordóñez de Arce is a founding member of the Madrid Sax Academy, an innovative project based in Madrid that combines lessons, workshops, concerts, and lectures. Between 2019 and 2024, he was part of the Henri Selmer Paris family, and since late 2024 he has been a Yamaha artist.
