Lars Ortiz was raised by a family of musicians who met while playing in the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra in Mexico. After his family settled in Minneapolis, Lars went on to study political science and music at the University of Minnesota. His passion for serving the Latinx community led him to become an English teacher in Denver Public Schools, where he specialized in the instruction of English language learners. After returning to Minnesota he was principal cellist of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis, as well as a founding member of Lux String Quartet. With Lux, he helped run a chamber music camp for kids and he worked with both Minnesota Public Radio and Schubert Club to promote music education in schools. After years of performing in concert halls and school auditoriums, he finds joy in his studio teaching budding cellists of all ages. Lars continues to pursue his passions of music, teaching, and writing while splitting his time between his homes in Minneapolis and Puebla, Mexico.