Rafael Aguirre comes to dazzle once again and show just how versatile the guitar can be
A returning artist to the Billings Symphony, he was previously a part of our Spanish Nights concert in 2021 as a guest artist in our Classic Series. This season he joins us in our Sukin Series for a more intimate chamber concert.
Aguirre’s talents lie in expanding the repertoire of his instrument. Employing influence from both classical and flamenco guitar, his music is sure to connect deeply and inspire all who listen.
Rafael Aguirre is one of the most sought-after guitarists at an international level, having performed in 49 countries and received 13 top First Prizes for his instrument and obtaining important awards in all instrumental categories such as the Pro Musicis in New York. He was named Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in London (ARAM), in recognition of his international career and he received the National Award “Cultura Viva” in Madrid.
He has performed at esteemed venues, including the first performance of Concierto de Aranjuez in 23 years at Carnegie Hall, where he has performed 4 times, and a sold-out concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam performing Concierto de Aranjuez alongside the Castilla y León Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Thierry Fischer.
With a solid classical training, the result of the inheritance of the tradition of Andrés Segovia and Narciso Yepes, Rafael Aguirre has multiple musical interests beyond recitals and performances with orchestra. He is also committed to expanding the repertoire of his instrument, working with living composers and including in his performances flamenco, Latin American and Spanish popular music and even reaching pop and film music.
A native of Málaga (Spain), at the age of 16 he made his orchestral debut with the Málaga Youth Orchestra on a tour of Spain and Morocco. He was awarded a scholarship by the Junta de Andalucía and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Bonn to study in Germany with Professor Joaquín Clerch at the Hochschule Robert Schumann in Düsseldorf, where he graduated with honors. He later studied with Professor Michael Lewin at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He currently resides in Mexico City.
Rafael Aguirre: Grande Musica is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, at MSU Billings Cisel Hall. The performance begins at 7:00PM, doors open at 6:00PM. To purchase tickets, call 406-252-3610 or visit www.billingssymphony.org.