Alexandre Salles is a Brazilian classical guitarist and composer who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and innovative compositions. Born on August 22, 1985, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Salles showed an early interest in music and began playing the guitar at the age of six. He was inspired by the music of Brazilian composers such as Heitor Villa-Lobos and Baden Powell, as well as by the classical guitarists Julian Bream and Andrés Segovia. Salles studied music at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in guitar performance. He also studied composition with Brazilian composer Marisa Rezende and attended masterclasses with renowned guitarists such as Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, and Pepe Romero. In 2008, Salles won first prize in the prestigious Villa-Lobos International Guitar Competition, which launched his career as a soloist. He has since performed in major concert halls and festivals throughout Brazil, Europe, and the United States, including the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, and the Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Morelia in Mexico. Salles is known for his dynamic and expressive performances, which showcase his technical mastery of the guitar as well as his deep musicality. He has a particular affinity for the music of Villa-Lobos, and has recorded several of the composer's works on his debut album, "Villa-Lobos: Complete Works for Solo Guitar," which was released in 2012 to critical acclaim. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Salles is also an accomplished chamber musician and collaborates regularly with other musicians and ensembles. He has performed with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, the Rio de Janeiro State Symphony Orchestra, and the Orquestra Sinfônica Nacional, among others. Salles is also an active composer, and has written works for solo guitar, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions are influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including Brazilian folk music, jazz, and contemporary classical music. He has received commissions from the Brazilian Ministry of Culture, the Rio de Janeiro State Symphony Orchestra, and the Brazilian Guitar Quartet, among others. Salles has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Young Artist Award from the Brazilian Ministry of Culture, the Carlos Gomes Award for Best Instrumental Album, and the Medalha Villa-Lobos from the Villa-Lobos Museum in Rio de Janeiro. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Virtuosi Prize, which recognizes outstanding musicians in Brazil. Despite his success as a performer and composer, Salles remains committed to music education and outreach. He has taught masterclasses and workshops throughout Brazil and the United States, and has worked with organizations such as the Guitar Foundation of America and the Brazilian Guitar Society to promote classical guitar and support young musicians. In conclusion, Alexandre Salles is a talented and versatile musician who has made significant contributions to the world of classical guitar and music composition. His virtuosic performances, innovative compositions, and dedication to music education have earned him a place among the most respected and admired musicians of his generation.

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