Izhar Elias is a renowned classical guitarist and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on 22nd May 1960 in Haifa, Israel, Elias grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Elias started playing the guitar at the age of six and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Elias received his formal music education at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned guitarists such as Hein Sanderink and Hubert Käppel. He also attended masterclasses with legendary guitarists such as Julian Bream, John Williams, and Pepe Romero. Elias made his debut as a soloist in 1985, performing Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was a huge success, and Elias received critical acclaim for his virtuosity and musicality. This performance marked the beginning of Elias's career as a soloist, and he went on to perform with many leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. One of the highlights of Elias's career was his performance at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam in 1990. He performed a solo recital that included works by Bach, Sor, and Giuliani, among others. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it established Elias as one of the leading classical guitarists of his generation. Elias has also collaborated with many renowned musicians and composers throughout his career. He has worked with composers such as Theo Loevendie, Guus Janssen, and Chiel Meijering, and has performed with musicians such as cellist Larissa Groeneveld and violinist Liza Ferschtman. In addition to his career as a performer, Elias is also a prolific composer. He has written numerous works for the guitar, including solo pieces, chamber music, and concertos. His compositions have been performed by many leading guitarists and ensembles around the world. Elias has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1992, he was awarded the Dutch Music Prize, the highest honor for a musician in the Netherlands. He has also received the Edison Classical Music Award, the VSCD Classical Music Award, and the Silver Medal of the City of Amsterdam. Elias is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at many prestigious music institutions around the world. He has been a professor of guitar at the Conservatory of Amsterdam since 1992 and has also taught at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne. In addition to his teaching, Elias is also involved in various educational projects aimed at promoting classical music and the guitar. He has organized guitar festivals and workshops in the Netherlands and abroad and has also written educational materials for guitar students. Elias's contribution to the world of classical music has been significant, and his virtuosity, musicality, and dedication to the guitar have inspired many young musicians around the world. His performances and compositions have enriched the classical guitar repertoire, and his teaching has helped to shape the next generation of guitarists.

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