Classical Guitarist: Pepé Romero

Pepé Romero is a world famous classical and flamenco guitarist. He is particularly famous for his outstanding technique and colorful musical interpretations on the guitar. Pepé Romero was born on March 8, 1944 in Malaga, Spain. He was the second son of Celedonio Romero, who was his only guitar teacher. Pepé was only 7 years old when he made his first professional performance in concert with his father. In 1957 Celedonio Romero left Spain for the United States with his family, and settled in Southern California. Pepé became part of a quartet with his father and brothers called The Romeros. He has played for Presidents Carter and Nixon, the Queen of the Netherlands, the Prince of Wales and Pope John Paul II. He has been a special guest at the festivals of Salzburg, Israel, Schleswig-Holstein, Menuhin, Osaka, Granada, Istanbul, Ravinia, Garden State, Hollywood Bowl, Blossom, Wolf Trap, Saratoga and Hong Kong.

Interesting Facts:

- Pepé Romero is a classical guitar professor at the USC Thornton School of Music.

- His brother, Celin Romero, is the Professor of Music and Guitar at the University of California, San Diego.

- Pepé had his first recording at the age of 15.

Source: Wikipedia

Official Website

Classical Guitarist: David Russell

David Russell is one of the world's best classical guitarists. He was born in 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland. He attended the Royal College in London. After graduating, he has won numerous international guitar competitions including the Andres Segovia Competition, the Jose Remirez Competition, and the Francisco Tarrega Competition. Today, David Russell spends most of his time traveling the world, performing at prestigious concert halls in major cities such as London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Madrid, and Toronto.

Interesting Facts:

- Away from the classical guitar scene, Russell has won amateur golf tournaments, mainly in Scotland and Spain.

- He is an avid supporter of his local football team, Celta de Vigo.

- In May 2003 he was bestowed the great honor of being made "adopted son" of Es Migjorn, the town in Minorca where he grew up. Later the town named a street after him, "Avinguda David Russell".

Source: Wikipedia

Official Website

Classical Guitarist: John Williams

John Williams is considered one of the world's best classical guitarists living today. He is especially famous for playing Cavatina by Stanley Myers, the theme song for the Oscar-winning film, The Deer Hunter. Williams is known for playing difficult pieces with a good sense of timing and musicality. Williams was born in Melbourne, Australia on April 24, 1941. He was initially taught by his father. At the age of 12, Williams went to Italy to study under Andrés Segovia. He later attended they Royal College of Music in London, studying piano because the school did not have a guitar department at the time. After graduation, the college offered him an opportunity to run a guitar department. Being such a lover of the instrument, he seized the opportunity and ran it for the first two years. Williams has maintained links with the college ever since.

Interesting Facts:

- William's mother is Australian-Chinese.

- Williams was in a classical-rock fusion duet with rock guitarist Pete Townshend of The Who.

- Williams believes Agustín Barrios is the greatest composer of guitar music.

Source: Wikipedia

Official Website

Classical Guitarist: Andrés Segovia

Andrés Segovia is the "godfather" of classical guitar. The guitar has been around for centuries, but it was not as popular as other instruments such as the piano. Segovia helped develop a repertoire and bring the guitar to the concert stage. Segovia was born in Linares, Spain on February 21, 1893. Segovia began playing the guitar at the age of 6 and was generally self taught. He held his first public performance at the age of 16. A few years later, he had his first professional concert in Madrid. Although he was always discouraged by his family, he always continued to diligently pursue his studies of the guitar. Segovia has met with many composers and expanded a repertoire for the guitar. He has recorded music and performed tours in Europe, the United States, and South America. In addition to guitar performances, Segovia also held master classes for many students. At the age of 94, Segovia died of a heart attack in Madrid. He is buried in Andalucia, Spain.

Interesting Facts:

- In recognition of Segovia's cultural contribution, he was elevated to the Spanish nobility in 1981, with the title Marques de Salobreña.

- In 1986, Segovia received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

- When Segovia travelled by air internationally, he always purchased the seat next to him for his guitar, not wanting to trust it to baggage handlers.

Source: Wikipedia