Pedro Fuentes has been in love for 12 years.

His love requires a daily commitment and  much discipline.  But the rewards are limitless. His love has taken him to the other side of the world and introduced him to people who know the kind of love he has. It has given him purpose, security and a home.  Every day he holds his beloved in his arms. His love: the double bass.

At 5pm on a weeknight, you are likely to see Pedro down Lygon Street, Carlton sipping his coffee and preparing for his street performance. Latte in winter, iced coffee during summer.

Sitting across from him, he cannot stop smiling, his eyes so alive it is almost jarring.

They say a man in love transcends to the highest level, being in his presence, you cannot help but be pulled into a world where life is beautiful.

It was not love at first sight. Chello was his first choice, but he was turned away, told he was too old.

So, at 23, in Chile the country of his birth, Pedro Fuentes picked up the double bass.

It consumed all most all of his waking hours. Ten hours a day.

The key to his success?  “Discipline. And more discipline,” he says with a grin.

On paper, it would be easy to assume Pedro is a creative genius. He is in Australia on a Distinguished Talent visa and plays for the esteemed Victoria College of the Arts Orchestra.

It’s tempting to imagine the blood, sweat and tears spent laboring over his instrument, to paint him as an obsessive character.

But that would be to make him into Hollywood stereotype. And that, he is not.

“Big dreams? I dream about being the best I can be,”

Pedro hopes to join a professional orchestra and secure a teacher so he can further master his skills.

 “I do it because I really like it.”

He is calm and happy.

The sun starts to set over Lygon Street and Pedro leans forward in excitement and anticipation. It is almost time for the beginning of his (near) nightly street performance.

Suits start to arrive at the busy strip to wash away the working day and be carried to a place where life is beautiful. Occasionally, they are brought to tears.

Pedro fixes his posture, inhales and it starts:

(Filmed by MW Sellwood – 18 July 2012)