Raúl Díaz is a hornist, who plays on modern and natural instruments. He was born in Venezuela in 1963. He attended The Vicente Emilo Sojo Conservatory and performed professionally for several years before going to England in 1983 . In England he continued his musical studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he was taught by Anthony Halstead and . While there he won a number of prizes including the Philip Jones Brass Prize and, inspired by Anthony Halstead, he became interested in the natural horn and baroque performance practice.