Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 7, 1956 in Minneapolis, MN

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Crossover

 

 

Vocal

 

Sharon Isbin is a renowned classical guitarist who has made a significant impact on the world of music. Born on August 7, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, Isbin grew up in a family of music lovers. Her father was a doctor and amateur guitarist, and her mother was a pianist. Isbin began playing the guitar at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Isbin's early musical education was diverse, including studies in piano, flute, and violin. However, it was the guitar that captured her heart, and she began to focus her attention on mastering the instrument. She studied with several renowned guitarists, including Andrés Segovia, Oscar Ghiglia, and Alirio Diaz. In 1977, Isbin graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. She then went on to study at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris, where she received a diploma with honors. Isbin continued her studies in Italy with Oscar Ghiglia and in Germany with Michael Lorimer. Isbin's career as a professional musician began in the early 1980s when she won the prestigious Toronto Guitar Competition. This victory launched her career and led to numerous performances throughout North America and Europe. In 1985, she made her Carnegie Hall debut, which was a significant milestone in her career. Throughout her career, Isbin has collaborated with many renowned musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, and Sting. She has also performed with several major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Isbin has recorded over 25 albums, many of which have received critical acclaim. Her album "Journey to the New World" won a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2001. She has also received several other awards, including the Madrid Queen Sofia Prize for Guitar and the American Classical Music Hall of Fame Award. In addition to her performing career, Isbin is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Aspen Music Festival, and the University of Southern California. She has also written several instructional books and produced instructional videos to help aspiring guitarists improve their skills. Isbin's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant. She has helped to elevate the guitar to a level of respectability and recognition that it had not previously enjoyed. Her performances and recordings have inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world, and her dedication to education has helped to ensure that the guitar will continue to be a vital part of the classical music tradition for generations to come.

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