[Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists.
A comprehensive introduction to the world’s famous classical guitarists!
From the greats who laid the foundation of classical guitar to distinctive players known for their unconventional performances, we’ve picked a wide range.
Compared to genres like rock or blues, the classical guitar world is often said to have many exceptionally skilled guitarists.
This time, we’ve selected world-famous guitarists with truly top-tier abilities!
We’re also introducing lesser-known guitarists who enjoy strong support abroad but are still relatively unknown in Japan.
If you love classical guitar, this is a must-see!
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[Guitar] World-Famous Classical Guitarists: Recommended Guitarists (11–20)
La PalomaPepe Romero
Pepe Romero, who is also active as a flamenco guitarist, possesses top-tier technique even among the many classical guitarists—unsurprising given his flamenco background.
He began to distinguish himself at a young age, performing with his father when he was just seven.
A veteran guitarist, he has appeared with numerous orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra.
His technique is superb, so be sure to check him out!
Sonata Op.15Marcin Dylla
Marcin Dylla is a classical guitarist from Poland.
After taking lessons at the Ruda Śląska Music High School, he attended the Academy of Music in Katowice, studying guitar with Oscar Ghiglia and Carlo Marchione.
In 2007, he won the gold medal at the international competition organized by the Guitar Foundation of America, establishing himself as a top-tier classical guitarist.
Until 2007, he focused on honing his technique and competing as a classical guitarist, but after winning the international competition, he has been active as an artist.
Concierto de Aranjuez, First Movement: Allegro con SpiritoThibaut Garcia
Thibaut Garcia is a classical guitarist from Toulouse, France, born in 1994.
He began playing the guitar at the age of seven and entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris at sixteen.
In 2015, he won the Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition, attracting worldwide attention.
The following year, he signed with Warner Classics/Erato and made his debut with the album “Leyendas.” He has since released works including “Bach Inspirations” and “Aranjuez,” and his duo album with Philippe Jaroussky, “À sa guitare,” also garnered acclaim.
In 2019, he appeared in the Japanese film “At the End of the Matinee,” boosting his popularity in Japan.
With exceptional technique and a wide-ranging repertoire, he is a young yet accomplished guitarist who fully conveys the appeal of the classical guitar.
AzureAmano Kiyotugu
A guitarist who has been active on the Japanese music scene since making his solo debut in 1991.
Centered on jazz infused with elements of classical music, he showcases his talent across a wide range of genres.
The title track of his debut album, “AZURE,” was featured in a commercial for JT’s Peace Light Box cigarettes, drawing major attention.
Since then, he has pursued a variety of musical projects, including the Heaven Project with Hiroko Kokubu and TAOS featuring AMANO.
He continues to captivate listeners with a broad musical palette, from albums that deepen his exploration of jazz to solo acoustic guitar records.
His unique style—blending classical guitar technique with contemporary arrangements—suggests new possibilities for guitar music.
Three Études, Op. 29: No. 23 in G Major (Allegro)William Carter
William Carter, a native of Florida, is an American musician known for his performances on the baroque guitar, lute, and theorbo.
He made his solo debut in 2005 with the album “La Guitarre Royalle: The Music of Francesco Corbetta,” which received high acclaim, including being selected as a Critics’ Choice by Gramophone magazine.
He has since released acclaimed recordings such as “La Guitarra Española: The Music of Santiago de Murcia” and “Fernando Sor: Early Works,” both chosen as Editor’s Choice.
Dedicated to the performance and teaching of early instruments, he serves as a professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.
He is a highly recommended performer for those interested in historical plucked string instruments.
Black Orpheus (Song of Orpheus / Morning of the Carnival)Yō Setsuhi (Yan Shuefei)
Ms.
Yang Xuefei is a classical guitarist born in Beijing in 1977.
She began playing the guitar at the age of seven, and by ten had appeared at the China International Guitar Art Festival, where her talent was recognized early—she was even presented with a concert guitar by the Spanish consul.
After graduating from the Central Conservatory of Music in 1999, she went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in the United Kingdom.
In 2002, she earned the Academy’s highest performance distinction, the dipRAM.
She has won prizes at numerous international competitions, including the Stotsenberg International Classical Guitar Competition in the United States.
With a wide-ranging repertoire spanning Baroque to contemporary music and traditional Chinese music, she performs in diverse formats, including solo recitals, collaborations with orchestras, and chamber music.
Pursuing new possibilities for the classical guitar, Ms.
Yang captivates audiences with a unique style that fuses tradition and innovation.
[Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists (21–30)
Tango de la CaderaManuel Barrueco
Classical guitarist Manuel Barrueco, who won the Concert Artists Guild Award in 1974.
Born in Cuba, he attended the Esteban Salas Conservatory, one of the country’s renowned music schools, but later became a political refugee and emigrated to the United States.
Perhaps because of these hardships, his tone carries a sense of weight and depth.
He continues to perform at the forefront as a classical guitarist today, so be sure to check him out!