He was born in Lima and studied composition with Rodolfo Holzmann in Peru's National Conservatory.
He was admitted into Universidad de Chile's Theatre Institute as composer and music advisor, and worked there for 10 years.
Celso Garrido Lecca entered Universidad de Chile's Composition Department, and was eventually chief of that section.
In 1964, he was awarded a scholarship in Tanglewood, and studied there with Aaron Copland.
His most important works include "Antaras" for double string quartet and double bass, "Laudes I" and "Laudes II", "Elegía a Macchu Pichu", "Sonata Fantasía" for cello and piano.