Jaime Belmonte began his musical training in Spain at the Murcia Conservatory, where he studied from 1995 to 2011. In 2013, he moved to Finland to continue his studies at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, where he studied composition, music theory, orchestration, conducting, computer music, and voice. He earned his master’s degree in composition and music theory in 2020, studying with Lauri Kilpiö and under the mentorship of Kaija Saariaho.

He is currently pursuing a doctorate in music under the supervision of Veli-Matti Puumala and Heidi Partti. His artistic research focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration methodologies, examining their impact on creative freedom, efficiency, power dynamics, and collective authorship. He explores how collaborative environments reshape the composer’s creative process.

Belmonte’s music is structured around four core dimensions of sound: materiality, grammar, representation, and space. Each composition is a balanced ecosystem of these elements. His works often feature intricate, richly textured sounds articulated through a clear grammatical structure that guides the listener through a compelling narrative. Space plays a key role in shaping how sound is perceived. His music blends tradition with electronic hybridizations and spatialization.

He incorporates extramusical elements that give his work poetic and sociopolitical meaning, drawing on themes such as the sonification of data and natural phenomena, ecological and social issues, cultural identity, vulnerability, fragility and failure, memory, mourning, and intercultural dialogue.

Belmonte’s compositions have been performed worldwide at leading festivals including Musica Nova, Impuls, Mixtur, Ung Nordisk Musik, Rome New Music Week, and Sound of Stockholm. His works have been interpreted by renowned ensembles such as Ensemble Recherche, Mdi Ensemble, the Helsinki Chamber Choir, Norrbotten NEO, and the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra.

Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous residencies and workshops, including TENSO (2016), the Mixtur Festival (2017), Impuls Academy (2019), and Sound of Stockholm (2020).

Belmonte has received numerous awards, including fourth place in the Irino Prize for Chamber Music, first place in the Witold Szalonek International Composition Competition, and selection for the inaugural PAMPA composition residency. His work is currently supported by the Finnish Music Foundation and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland.

In addition to his compositional and research activities, Belmonte is the artistic director of the Ruamjai choir, which explores the intersections of choral music, folk traditions, and performance art. He also maintains an active career as a professional vocalist in vocal ensembles and teaches transcultural composition at the Sibelius Academy.

Belmonte teaches at the International School of Music Finland. He is a member of the Korvat Auki society for young composers, the Society of Finnish Composers, and the Catalysti association for transcultural artists.

He lives in Helsinki.

Awards and Distinctions

• Otto A. Malm Foundation Grant, 2023
• Taike (Arts Promotion Centre Finland) Grant, 2023
• Sibelius Academy Foundation Grant, 2023
• Taike Working Grant, 2022
• Finnish Music Foundation (MES) Working Grant, 2022
• Pro Musica Foundation Grant, 2021
• 42nd Irino Prize for Chamber Music Composition, 2020
• Armas Paloheimo Foundation Grant, 2019
• Finalist, First Witold Szalonek International Composition Competition, 2018
• Sibelius Fund Working Grant, 2018
• Wegelius Foundation Study Grant, 2018
• Swiss-European Mobility Program Grant, 2017
• Laura and Marketta Simes Foundation Study Grant, 2016
• PAMPA, the first Buenos Aires composition residency, 2014
• Participant, Ruta Quetzal educational and cultural exchange program, 2005