Biography
Born on 17 February 1904 in Barcelona, Spain, and passing away on 7 September 1975, the violinist demonstrated extraordinary early talent, performing publicly across Spain and France prior to formal instruction under Leopold Auer at the Barcelona Conservatory. Following his relocation to the United States, he appeared as featured soloist with both the Boston and Chicago Symphony Orchestras; while still in his twenties he assumed leadership of the Cuban Philharmonic before taking the concertmaster post at NBC in New York. During a visit to Colombia he served as musical director for the local Columbia Records affiliate, an experience that sparked his interest in dance repertoire and prompted formation of his initial ensemble for the Havana Casino. Upon returning to New York he cut sides with that group for the parent Columbia label. For the ensuing eight years he led a society orchestra whose violin chair he occupied, the unit making its debut in 1932 at the Commodore, Biltmore and Weylin hotels. Helen Ward sang with the band before her tenure with Benny Goodman; Patricia Gilmore later assumed the vocal role and eventually became Madriguera’s wife. By 1940 his repertoire had shifted almost entirely to Latin-American material under contracts with RCA Records and Brunswick in addition to Columbia, earning him the designation “Musical Ambassador Of The Americas.” His own works encompassed the stage musical The Moor And The Gipsy, the ballet Follies Of Spain, and such songs as “Adios” and “The Minute Samba.” Once the band era concluded, the couple withdrew to a historic inn and country residence in Connecticut, where they continued hosting guests until his death in 1975.
Albums
