Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

July 22, 1959 in Orange, NJ

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Crossover

 

William Kanengiser is a renowned classical guitarist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on February 27, 1959, in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in Southern California. Kanengiser's parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue music from a young age. He began playing the guitar at the age of seven and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Kanengiser's early musical education was primarily focused on classical guitar. He studied with several renowned guitarists, including Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening, and Andrés Segovia. Kanengiser's dedication to his craft paid off when he won the prestigious Concert Artists Guild International Competition in 1987. This award helped launch his career as a soloist and chamber musician. Throughout his career, Kanengiser has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. He has also performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Kanengiser's most significant achievements was his founding of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ) in 1980. The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their innovative arrangements and virtuosic performances. They have since released over 20 albums and won a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2005. Kanengiser's solo recordings have also received critical acclaim. His album "Echoes of the Old World" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1994, and his album "Classical Guitar Favorites" was named one of the top classical guitar recordings of all time by Classic FM. In addition to his performing career, Kanengiser is also a respected educator. He has taught at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music since 1983 and has also taught at the Aspen Music Festival and School, the New England Conservatory of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Kanengiser's contributions to the world of classical guitar have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Grammy Award and Concert Artists Guild International Competition win, he has also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Southern California and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guitar Foundation of America. Despite his many accomplishments, Kanengiser remains dedicated to his craft and continues to perform and teach around the world. His passion for music and his commitment to excellence have made him one of the most respected and admired classical guitarists of his generation.

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