Pablo Sainz Villegas

Spanish guitarist, Pablo Sáinz Villegas, quickly established himself as one of the world’s leading classical guitarists by winning the Gold Medal at the first Christopher Parkening International Guitar Competition in May, 2006.

Sáinz Villegas’ prize-winning performance with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, has led to concerts in twenty-eight countries. These include his recent four-performance debut with the New York Philharmonic under renowned conductor, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, and the success of these performances has resulted in two subsequent engagements with the orchestra at Avery Fisher Hall.

Last year, Sainz Villegas made his debut with the Houston Symphony under conductor, Alondra de la Parra, with whom he once again collaborated for a Sony recording with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas. In June, 2009 he also completed a very successful twelve-concert-tour with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Israel under the baton of Frühbeck de Burgos. Among his other orchestral highlights include appearances with internationally-acclaimed orchestras in U.K., Spain, Russia, Denmark, France, Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, Austria and the United States.

Sainz Villegas’ worldwide recitals earned him return engagements in Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow and Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia. His upcoming recital engagements will take to various continents such as Europe, Central America, South America, North America and Asia.

Born in Spain, but now living in New York City, Sáinz Villegas’ combination of charismatic stage presence, deep passion for his music and stunning technical abilities, deliver performances that have consistently brought audiences to their feet. Recently, Sainz Villegas won Spain’s prestigious, “El Ojo Critico” Award (the Critics Eye). Only one award a year is given in the field of classical music and it is the first time the Spanish award has ever been presented to a guitarist.

Prior to winning the Parkening Competition, Sáinz Villegas was already the recipient of more than twenty-eight international awards, including the Andrés Segovia Award.

Also an accomplished teacher, Sáinz Villegas has given master classes at such distinguished universities, as the Royal College of Music in London and the National University of Australia. Known for his outreach programs to young artists and students, Sáinz Villegas will soon be heading for the Philippines where he will tour on behalf of his project, “The Music Without Borders Legacy”.

Pablo Sainz Villegas had his St. Petersburg philharmonic debut on the XII International Festival Spanish Evenings that the Art-Modern Foundation organizes. 

artists@amspb.org