Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

1949

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Ricardo Iznaola is a renowned classical guitarist, composer, and educator. He was born on October 19, 1949, in Havana, Cuba. Iznaola grew up in a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known composer and conductor. At the age of six, Iznaola began studying the piano, but he soon switched to the guitar, which became his lifelong passion. Iznaola's early musical education was in Cuba, where he studied with renowned guitarists such as Isaac Nicola and Leo Brouwer. In 1967, he won first prize in the National Guitar Competition in Havana, which launched his career as a performer. He went on to study at the Moscow Conservatory with the legendary guitarist and pedagogue, Lev Naumov. After completing his studies in Moscow, Iznaola moved to the United States in 1972 to pursue his career as a performer and educator. In the United States, Iznaola quickly established himself as a leading classical guitarist. He won numerous competitions, including the Guitar Foundation of America Competition in 1978, and he performed extensively throughout the country. He also began to compose his own music, which has been performed by many other guitarists. Iznaola's performances are known for their technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. He has a deep understanding of the guitar and its repertoire, and he is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of J.S. Bach. He has recorded several albums, including "Guitar Recital" and "The Segovia Legacy," which showcase his virtuosity and musicality. In addition to his performing career, Iznaola is also a highly respected educator. He has taught at many prestigious institutions, including the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the University of Denver, and the University of Miami. He has also written several influential books on guitar technique and pedagogy, including "Kitharologus: The Path to Virtuosity" and "On Practicing: A Manual for Students of Guitar Performance." Iznaola's contributions to the world of classical guitar have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he was awarded the Andrés Segovia International Prize for his contributions to the guitar world. He has also been awarded the Order of Merit by the government of Spain, and he has been named a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in London. Throughout his career, Iznaola has remained committed to promoting the guitar as a serious instrument and to advancing the art of guitar playing. He has inspired countless students and performers with his passion for the guitar, and his legacy will continue to influence the world of classical guitar for generations to come.

More....