Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Ricardo Gallén is a renowned classical guitarist from Spain, known for his virtuosic performances and innovative interpretations of classical guitar repertoire. Born on January 1, 1972, in Linares, a small town in the province of Jaén, Andalusia, Gallén grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Antonio Gallén, was a guitarist and composer, and his mother, María del Carmen López, was a singer and pianist. From an early age, Gallén showed a keen interest in music and began playing the guitar at the age of six. Gallén's early musical education was under the guidance of his father, who taught him the basics of guitar technique and music theory. He also received training in classical guitar from the renowned Spanish guitarist, Andrés Segovia, who was a family friend. Segovia recognized Gallén's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1989, Gallén enrolled at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Granada, where he studied under the tutelage of the celebrated Spanish guitarist, Javier Hinojosa. During his time at the conservatory, Gallén honed his skills as a guitarist and developed a deep understanding of classical guitar repertoire. He also began to perform in public, giving recitals and concerts in Spain and other European countries. In 1993, Gallén won first prize at the prestigious Francisco Tárrega International Guitar Competition, held in Benicàssim, Spain. This was a major milestone in his career, as it brought him international recognition and opened up new opportunities for him to perform and record. In the years that followed, Gallén continued to win accolades and awards, including first prize at the Andrés Segovia International Guitar Competition in Granada in 1995, and the Manuel de Falla International Guitar Competition in Granada in 1996. Gallén's reputation as a virtuoso guitarist grew rapidly, and he became known for his innovative interpretations of classical guitar repertoire. He was particularly admired for his performances of the works of Spanish composers such as Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, and Joaquín Rodrigo. His recordings of these composers' works, including his critically acclaimed album, "Albéniz: Complete Works for Guitar," have become classics of the classical guitar repertoire. In addition to his solo performances, Gallén has collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles, including the Spanish National Orchestra, the Granada Symphony Orchestra, and the Spanish Brass Quintet. He has also performed with other guitarists, such as Pepe Romero and David Russell, and has recorded duets with the Spanish soprano, María Bayo. Gallén's performances have taken him to many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also performed in Asia, South America, and the United States, where he has been a guest artist at many of the country's leading music schools and festivals. In addition to his performing career, Gallén is also a respected teacher and has taught at many of Spain's leading music schools, including the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Granada and the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía in Madrid. He has also given masterclasses and workshops in many other countries, including the United States, Japan, and China. Gallén's contributions to the classical guitar world have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

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