Meet René
Cuban-born René Izquierdo is a unique artist and passionate educator whose career has been dedicated to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. Whether passionately performing on stage, devotedly mentoring his students, fundraising, or leading community outreach, René’s multi-faceted approach endeavors to continue creating experiences that enrich people’s lives and add beauty to our world.
Through his “unforgettable versatility, sensitivity and sublime musicianship” (Classical Guitar Magazine), René has firmly established himself as one of the world’s classical guitar virtuosos. He is celebrated for his ability to weave an unparalleled technical command of his instrument with his gift of storytelling, accomplishing an intimate musical experience with his audience.
With over seventy engagements per year, whether as a solo performer, chamber musician, or as a guest soloist with orchestras, he has performed to critical acclaim touring extensively throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He is frequently invited by renowned festivals and institutions, having played at stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Manaus Opera House in Brazil, and National Recital Hall in Taiwan.
Self-described as a lifelong learner and explorer, his recording projects reflect his wide-ranging interests. Through his discography, René seeks to expand the guitar repertoire frequently performing new arrangements, lesser-known music of the 20th century as well as world premieres of concertos and new compositions.
As an educator, René is passionate about engaging the mind and the heart. Through his teachings all around the world, he shares his belief that the greatest musicians not only have the technical mastery to communicate effectively but also are deeply curious, and equally adept at analytical and emotional modes of thought.
“You’ve got to love the guitar so she can love you back!”
Downloads
Biography (English) | Biography (Spanish) | Photos & Press Kit
Artistic Statement
Why I Do What I Do
I believe that art is the human manifestation of natural beauty. Art is how we connect with nature, how we process and transform it. Music as an art form is a way of revealing beauty.
As humans, we long to discover our inner feelings, to glimpse into our soul and vulnerability. Music naturally evokes a reaction from its listeners and the emotions will always be honest.
My purpose as an artist is to offer a musical experience that will inspire and help us understand what it is we yearn for, so that the music will reveal the inner feelings where words cannot. Since the first time I experienced this reaction at my first live concert as a child, I discovered my own yearning and wanted to be able to make people connect in the same way. This is my life’s work.
I believe that the power of art and beauty has no limits and is as essential as the air we breathe.
“Music is like breathing. Often we do not notice how essential it is.”
- René Izquierdo
Some Fun Facts
01. René was born in Havana, Cuba in the magical town of Cojímar, across the street where Hemmingway was inspired to write “The Old Man and the Sea”.
02. One of his dreams is for all of his guitar students to enjoy a scholarship. He believes no financial obstacle should stand in your way as you follow your passion for music.
03. His mother was a ballerina of the Cuban Ballet. Thus ballet is one of his most esteemed art forms.
04. Beyond his many awards as a musician, René has equally received awards as a teacher - his favorites have been nominated and voted by his own students throughout the years.
05. He loves playing chess to relax as well as doing outdoor sports
Reviews and Periodicals
The Austin Chronicle — April 9, 2004
“String theory: Cuban René Izquierdo does for the guitar what Stephen Hawking does for physics.”
— The Austin ChronicleThe New York Times — April 25, 2011
“…eloquent and deeply musical…”
— The New York TimesSoundboard Magazine — 2020
“Flawless technique wedded to a perfectly refined aesthetic sensibility… notes are etched in place with gorgeous sound and infallible musical direction.”
— Soundboard MagazineGramophone — September 2016
“A masterful combination of soulfulness, colorfulness and playfulness… Izquierdo’s virtuosic playing is evident, yet always serves the music. Together, they create a unique fabric of sound that transports the listener across places, times, and spaces.”
— GramophoneMilwaukee Journal Sentinel — April 12, 2009
“A dazzling performance by a world-class player.”
— Milwaukee Journal SentinelSoundboard Magazine — Spring 1998
“During a day that saw performances by many well-known concert guitarists, Izquierdo’s playing provided the most exciting performance of the day.”
— Soundboard MagazineMilwaukee Journal Sentinel — November 20, 2004
“Izquierdo is a painterly guitarist… His sound carried the hall with power to spare… producing a wide spectrum of sonic color.”
— Milwaukee Journal SentinelMilwaukee Journal Sentinel — May 6, 2014
“Izquierdo brought along a world of sound and colors, playing with grace, intensity and character, making the melodies and infectious rhythms sing.”
— Milwaukee Journal SentinelShepherd Express — November 29, 2016
“Izquierdo’s playing is nimble, stylish, fluent and innately expressive… a persuasive performance that makes the ear hear familiar music afresh.”
— Shepherd ExpressClassical Guitar Magazine — October 2007
“Izquierdo is a very self-assured performer who demonstrated amazing technical and expressive command of the music.”
— Classical Guitar MagazineEliot Fisk — 2003
“Izquierdo is already a seasoned performer of great accomplishment. His tone is clear, warm and robust, his musicianship impeccable.”
— Eliot FiskBenjamin Verdery — 2001
“I have rarely seen a musical talent equal to René Izquierdo. He is a virtuoso guitarist and a profound musical thinker.”
— Benjamin Verdery