Sergio Castelló López is a Spanish classical guitarist and composer who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and innovative compositions. Born on May 22, 1989, in Valencia, Spain, López began playing the guitar at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He received his first formal training at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Valencia, where he studied under the guidance of renowned guitarists such as Carles Trepat and David Rodes. López's early years as a musician were marked by a series of impressive achievements and accolades. In 2005, he won first prize in the prestigious Concurso Internacional de Guitarra de Xátiva, a competition that has launched the careers of many of Spain's most celebrated guitarists. He went on to win numerous other awards, including first prize in the Concurso Internacional de Guitarra de Petrer in 2007 and the Concurso Internacional de Guitarra de Sevilla in 2008. In 2009, López was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he continued to hone his skills under the tutelage of renowned guitarists such as Michael Lewin and Fabio Zanon. During his time at the academy, López also began to explore his passion for composition, and his works were performed at several prestigious venues, including the Wigmore Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. López's career as a performer and composer has continued to flourish in the years since he graduated from the Royal Academy of Music. He has performed at some of the world's most renowned concert halls, including the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona. He has also collaborated with some of the most respected musicians in the classical music world, including the conductor Sir Simon Rattle and the cellist Yo-Yo Ma. One of López's most notable achievements as a composer came in 2015, when he was commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society to write a new work for the London Symphony Orchestra. The resulting piece, entitled "Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra," was premiered at the Barbican Centre in London to critical acclaim. The Guardian praised López's "dazzling virtuosity" and "richly imaginative" writing, while the Times hailed the concerto as "a major addition to the guitar repertoire." López's music has been recorded and released on several labels, including Naxos, Eudora Records, and the Royal Academy of Music's own label. His debut album, "Sergio Castelló López: Guitar Recital," was released in 2012 and features a selection of works by composers such as Francisco Tárrega, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Manuel de Falla. His second album, "Sergio Castelló López: Guitar Music by Spanish Composers," was released in 2016 and features López's own compositions alongside works by other Spanish composers. In addition to his performing and composing work, López is also a dedicated teacher and has given masterclasses and workshops at several institutions around the world, including the Royal Academy of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. He is currently a professor of guitar at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia, where he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of classical guitarists. In conclusion, Sergio Castelló López is a highly accomplished classical guitarist and composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music.

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