Antonis Hatzinikolaou is a renowned classical guitarist from Greece, known for his virtuosic performances and innovative interpretations of classical guitar repertoire. He was born on December 22, 1978, in Athens, Greece, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a guitarist and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music from a young age. Hatzinikolaou began playing the guitar at the age of six, and by the time he was ten, he had already won his first guitar competition. He continued to study the guitar throughout his childhood and teenage years, and in 1996, he was accepted into the Athens Conservatory, where he studied with the renowned Greek guitarist Evangelos Assimakopoulos. After completing his studies at the Athens Conservatory, Hatzinikolaou continued his education at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany, where he studied with the world-renowned guitarist and pedagogue, Franz Halasz. During his time in Munich, Hatzinikolaou won several international guitar competitions, including the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition in 2004. Since then, Hatzinikolaou has established himself as one of the leading classical guitarists of his generation, performing in major concert halls and festivals around the world. He has collaborated with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Munich Chamber Orchestra, the Athens State Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Hatzinikolaou's repertoire is diverse and includes works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, which he has recorded on several critically acclaimed albums. His recordings have received numerous awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. In addition to his performing career, Hatzinikolaou is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Athens Conservatory, the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, and the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is known for his innovative teaching methods, which combine traditional pedagogy with modern technology. Throughout his career, Hatzinikolaou has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious "Young Artist of the Year" award from the Greek Ministry of Culture in 2002. He has also been awarded the "Artist of the Year" award by the Greek National Opera and the "Guitarist of the Year" award by the Guitar Foundation of America. In conclusion, Antonis Hatzinikolaou is a world-renowned classical guitarist who has established himself as one of the leading guitarists of his generation. His virtuosic performances and innovative interpretations of classical guitar repertoire have earned him numerous awards and critical acclaim. As a teacher, he is known for his innovative methods and dedication to his students. Hatzinikolaou's contributions to the world of classical guitar have made him a true icon of the instrument.

More....