Virtuoso Showcase Classical Guitarist: José Antonio Escobar March 28, 2010

The 2010 Virtuoso Showcase will bring four world-class guitarists to Nashville Public Library. Now in its eighth year, has a loyal following of classical guitar students and music lovers in general. José Antonio Escobar was born in Santiago de Chile, and studied from an early age under the renowned Ernesto Quezada at the University of Chile, graduating summa cum laude. He obtained his Master’s Degree after winning a Chilean Government scholarship to study under Franz Halász at the Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg-Augsburg.

His ability has been recognized with more than sixteen awards obtained at major international guitar competitions. He has toured numerous cities throughout Europe, North, Central and South America, as well as the Asia/Pacific region, Middle East and North Africa, and has given concerts at the Purcell Room at the Southbank Centre in London, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Teatro Monumental in Madrid, the Sala Teresa Carreño in Caracas, the Sala Cecilia Meireles in Rio de Janeiro, and the Cairo Opera House.
José Antonio Escobar has played as a soloist with various notable orchestras. In 2001 he recorded his first recital CD with Naxos (8.555719), this was particularly well received by critics. His second CD, in 2004, included Guitar Sonatas for Spanish RTVE. He has taught at various universities in Chile and Germany. He is frequently invited to teach master-classes at prestigious festivals and universities in several countries. Currently, he serves as Professor at the Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile.

Sponsored by Chet Atkins Music Education Fund, Ida F. Cooney Fund for the Arts, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Friends of the Nashville Public Library. All concerts are presented to the public free of charge.

Official Website: http://www.library.nashville.gov