Joaquin Antonio Estella Del Prado (born August 1, 2007) is a Filipino and Spanish composer and conductor who was known for his title as the "Philippine Waltz Prince." In addition to waltzes, he composed multiple songs and a string quartet at the age of 16.

Biography

Joaquin Antonio Del Prado
Joaquin Antonio Del Prado
Born	Joaquin Antonio Estella Del Prado; August 1, 2007
Occupation	Musician • Composer
Known for	Modern Freelance Composer / Conductor
Height	5'1
Title	Philippine Waltz Prince
Website	https://youtube.com/@delprado0801?si=eLIFyp6v6lwwbu7C

Joaquin Del Prado was born in Parañaque, Metro Manila, in 2007. He first started learning a little of the piano with his mom when he was 4, but after her death in 2013, Del Prado stopped completely, not until 2020, when he moved to Tagaytay and started to pick up the piano once more. He soon became a student at the Yupangco Music Academy and also became the youth's choir conductor at Saint Andrew the Apostle Church in 2022. During the same year, he composed his first composition, entitled Bailando en Luna Oscura (Del Prado Waltz no. 1 in D minor DP no. 1), which he dedicated to RomantiKa. By 2023, he was noticed by the people of Barangay Valenzuela and was given the title of "Prince of Philippine Waltzes" because of his blood relations with the Filipino composer Jose A. Estella.

By the 12th of March, 2024, is when Del Prado starts working a lot more; by this time he'd publish his 3rd Cantada in E Flat Minor called "Ay Por Que, Angela," and his 6th Cantada in E Flat Major entitled "La Doncella RomantiKa" dedicated to RomantiKa.

although one of his most stressful memories in composing was on April 15, 2024, when he started composing his first string quartet. Originally, it was supposed to be called "The Family Quartet," but things escalated in his private life, and on May 14, 2024, he published the first movement of the string quartet as "The Lonely Quartet." the final movement of the quartet was finally published on June 8, 2024, but then 3 months later published the full composition from movement 1 - 4 on September 26, 2024 as an Anniversary of his composing journey.

Back in March 2024, he'd promised RomantiKa to write a serenade, but his genuine being as a workaholic perfectionist kept him from publishing nor even finishing it. He explained to his friend Zack that "I don't want to give my beloved something half-assed. I want to give her the stars, the moon, and the sun. Not some crappy-looking piece of junk that can possibly sound like anything but love." It took him 7 months to finally be satisfied with the serenade and published it on October 9th, 2024, with the title "Lirio-The Lily Serenade. " he called it that, because RomantiKa's favorite flowers are lilies.

On Dec. 14, 2024, he and his friend were invited to listen to a small concert gathering called Himig Pasko, which featured the Manila Symphony Jr. Orchestra, Katrina Poblador, and Jed Marcelo. That day he met the conductor and professional violinist, Maestro Jeffrey Solares. There he'd begin to form a plan to perform his first string quartet with an actual group of musicians in a concert hall. Sadly, Del Prado's life hit a horrible downfall on November 21, 2024. He'd begin to spiral onto his works, composing more and more by the day. His frustration and sadness could be heard in his works. One of them is his Bagatelle No. 12, to which he entitled Mi Cien Adios. When it was published, he explained that "The work is a poignant piano composition that I've composed that delves into the emotional aftermath of a horrible event. It captures the bittersweet struggle of letting go while still yearning for a love that lingers in every note. The melody is a delicate interplay between longing and silence, with moments of tender remembrance juxtaposed against the weight of unspoken pain. This piece evokes the ache of missing someone deeply, the lingering sound of their voice in memory, and the quiet turmoil of saying goodbye a hundred times over, yet never truly letting go." Since then, he'd fall under a serious set of struggles and thoughts of suicide. Through his music, Del Prado seeks not only to confront his own pain but also to connect with others who may be navigating similar challenges. By laying bare his vulnerabilities, he hopes to remind others that they are not alone and that beauty and meaning can emerge even from the darkest places. Despite the shadows that threaten to consume him, he continues to channel their emotions into art, transforming his pain into something transcendent.

In the later months of February, Del Prado was diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, also known as “broken heart syndrome.” Despite the emotional weight and physical toll of this diagnosis, he poured himself into his work, using music as both an escape and a lifeline. During this time, he composed some of his most raw and vulnerable pieces, including his 19th waltz; Desolated, and his fourth sketch; The Unloved Pianist, both capturing the loneliness, heartbreak, and internal collapse he was experiencing. Alongside these musical expressions, Del Prado also began writing poetry. often deeply confessional in tone as a way of confronting the emotional battles he could not put into melody alone. Financial hardship compounded his suffering, adding yet another layer of anxiety and despair.

By early May, Del Prado would receive another life-altering diagnosis: Bipolar Disorder. This brought a new dimension to his struggles, as he wrestled with episodes of intense emotional highs and lows, often unsure of how to process the rapid shifts in his mood and perception. Instead of turning away from his suffering, he chose to face it head-on through relentless creativity. Music and poetry became his constant companions, his only means of stability amid internal chaos. Works such as Miserable, Rondó Caprichoso, Depressione Maniacale, and Devil’s Pianist – EvoKa emerged from this storm. Each piece a vivid reflection of his psychological torment, raw vulnerability, and unfiltered pain.

By late May, after weeks of emotional unraveling and cathartic creation, Del Prado would announce his Piano Concerto No. 2, entitled Achelois. Named after the Greek moon goddess associated with sorrow and healing, the concerto does not offer a resolution or a cure. Rather, it follows the journey of an artist at his breaking point—isolated, disillusioned, and desperate—not in search of salvation, but of understanding. Achelois, in the concerto’s narrative, does not rescue him from his pain, but walks beside him through it, guiding him gently through the shadows. In this way, Achelois stands as a testament to Del Prado’s enduring resilience, his confrontation with suffering, and his ability to transform deep emotional wounds into hauntingly beautiful works of art.

Notable works

Bailando en Luna Oscura

Composed in July 2022. A waltz-like lullaby composed and dedicated to RomantiKa. This is Del Prado's first ever composition. A week after he composed it, he got a call from his aunt explaining to him that he was indeed related to the composer Jose A. Estella.

La Dama y La Blanca Flor

Composed in 2022, it is a duet for piano and violin, based on the poem La plaza tiene una torre by the Spanish poet of 1875–1939, Antonio Manchado. Del Prado then remade the piece and published it on YouTube in 2024.

La Femme en Violette ( The Woman in Violet )

This was one of Del Prado's other works. an unfinished opera based on a story written by his friend, Alana N. Takeda. The story is about a man named Alexander who falls in love with a woman named Cecilia. The love fell apart when Cecilia's abusive lover Oliver found out and decided to execute her. The opera ends with Cecilia being beheaded by the guillotine.

The Nemesis Concerto

Composed on Dec 26, 2024 and finished by Jan 27, 2025. The Nemesis Concerto begins by introducing the listener to the fierce and commanding presence of the goddess of vengeance. Dark, intense, and relentless, the first movement embodies her traditional role through bold orchestration and virtuosic piano passages. The second movement offers a striking contrast, unveiling the compassion hidden beneath her wrath. Delicate yet powerful melodies portray Nemesis not as a being of blind rage, but as a divine force of balanced justice, with uplifting harmonies that reveal grace within her power. The final movement unleashes her full fury. Fast-paced and electrifying, it delivers judgment with fiery piano runs and dramatic orchestral surges. It serves as the emotional and musical climax, leaving the listener in awe of her unyielding authority and the raw force of divine retribution.

Strangers to Lovers

Composed on April 3, 2025. It Tells the enchanting story of two strangers who meet by chance in a grand hall. Initially hesitant, they begin to dance, gradually finding comfort in each other’s presence. As the music swells, their steps align, expressing a growing bond through graceful movement. Each turn and gentle sway reflects the elegance of the ballroom and the quiet joy of connection. With flowing melodies and tender rhythms, the waltz captures the warmth of newfound companionship and the timeless magic of a shared dance.

Symphony no.1 in B Flat Major - ' Sinfonía RomantíKa '

Composed on Nov 21, 2024 and completed on April 1, 2025. Sinfonía RomantíKa is a deeply personal journey through love, loss, and healing. The first movement introduces the central theme with radiant melodies that paint a tender portrait of a blonde-haired girl, capturing the warmth of shared laughter and the beauty of companionship. The second movement continues this affection with lighthearted grace, recalling playful days and pure connection—moments untouched by time. But the third movement takes a darker turn, plunging into heartbreak and longing, as separation brings anguish and unresolved emotion. The final movement begins in silence and sorrow, reflecting sleepless nights filled with grief. Yet through this darkness, memories begin to offer solace, and the music slowly transforms—growing with hope, acceptance, and quiet strength. Just before the end, a final outcry of longing emerges, a last plea for what once was. As it fades, the artist finds peace, understanding that love still lives within him, even in absence.

Other Works

A mi amada Muerte ( Del Prado Waltz no.9 in B flat Minor DP no.29 ) • Zephaniah ( Del Prado Bagatelle in B flat Major DP no.49 ) • Nacimiento del Melancólico ( Del Prado Bagatelle no.8 in C minor DP no.46 )

Tirso, una vez mas! ( DelPrado Cancion Poetica para ser Cantada in E Flat Major, Cantada No.7 DP no.30 )

El Maleficio ( Del Prado Cancion poetica para ser cantada in E flat Minor Cantada no.8 DP no.33 )

La Doncella RomantiKa ( Del Prado Cancion poetica para ser cantada in E Flat Major Cantada No.5 DP no.26 ) • El Diablo Enmascarado ( Del Prado Waltz no.13 in G Minor DP no.48 )

El Vals Prometido ( Del prado Waltz no.8 in B flat Minor DP no.27 )

Ay! Por que, Angela? ( Del Prado Cancion poetica para ser cantada in E Flat Minor DP no. 21 Cantada no.3 ) • The Rain Before my Love ( Del Prado Waltz no.12 in B flat Major DP no.47 )

Historia de Amor ( Del Prado Waltz no.7 in G minor DP no.20 )