A native of Laredo, TX, Irma-Esther Borup (Arámbula) started studying the viola at age 10 and, with the support of mentors, began performing professionally at age 15. An alumnus of the Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School of Communications & Fine Arts, she went on to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX

Irma-Esther performs regularly with the Amarillo Symphony, Chamber Music Amarillo, and the Amarillo Opera, as well as string projects throughout Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Established in 2018 and based out of Amarillo, the Sunny-Side Up String Quartet has become Irma-Esther’s chamber family, performing around the panhandle for private events, at dining establishments, and recently for educational tours at area schools.

While performance is paramount, Irma-Esther is deeply invested in Amarillo’s music education community. Since 2013, she has guided the Amarillo Symphony’s six Education initiatives that serve all 26 counties of the Texas panhandle and beyond. She has also proudly maintained a thriving private viola studio out of her home since 2005.

Irma-Esther currently resides in Amarillo, TX with her talented musician-husband, Brandon, and their three cats. In her spare time, Irma-Esther enjoys quality time with family, practicing yoga, reading, hiking at the Palo Duro Canyon, and binging a good Netflix show.