Giovanni Guzzo

 

Venezuelan-born Giovanni Guzzo has established himself as one of the most versatile and charismatic musicians of his generation. Through his work as soloist, conductor and leader of some of today’s leading ensembles, he continues to captivate audiences around the world with his thrilling performances. His appointment as Konzertmeister/Leitung of the legendary Camerata Salzburg, cements an exciting partnership, carrying forward the ensemble's rich legacy through acclaimed performances and recordings worlwide.

Born to parents of Italian and Venezuelan heritage, Giovanni performs regularly in some of the most prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including the Wigmore Hall, Lincoln centre in New York, the BBC Proms in London, Salzburg and Verbier festivals; performing with some of the today’s leading conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Ivan Fischer, Semyon Bychkov, Marin Alsop, Herbert Blomstedt, Reinhard Goebel and Juanjo Mena.

A protégé of the renowned French violinist Maurice Hasson, Giovanni studied at the Reina Sofia music school in Madrid, and was then granted a scholarship at the age of 16 to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, graduating with the highest honours, and where he was later appointed as one of the youngest violin Professors in the institution's long history.

A keen recitalist and chamber musician, he has worked closely with influential musician such as Joshua Bell, Martha Argerich, Martin Fröst, Miklós Perényi, Daniel Hope, Helene Grimaud, Janine Jansen, Gerhard Schulz, Gábor Takács-Nagy, the Maggini and Takacs Quartet. His talent has been recognised with numerous awards including HM Queen Elizabeth II commendation for Excellence, HRH Princess Alice's Prize, Gold medal at the Marlow Music Festival and the PROMIS award given by the London Symphony Orchestra. Giovanni has also performed on several occasions for the Royal Family, most recently performing for Her Majesty the Queen on the famous 'Viotti ex-Bruce' Stradivarius violin.

His latest recording of the complete Ysaye violin solo sonatas for Rubicon classics received worldwide acclaim, being awarded five stars in The Strad and BBC Music magazines, and being described by The Guardian as a recording deserving “extra attention” amongst all discography of these works.

Giovanni started his musical studies with the piano at the early age of five, and violin at the age of six under the guidance of Emil Friedman and Luis Miguel Gonzales. At the age of 12 he became the youngest violinist to win 1st prize at the XII National Violin Competition “Juan Bautista Plaza” in Venezuela.

Giovanni Guzzo plays on a 1759 Gennaro Gagliano Violin, kindly on extended loan to him; and a bow by T. Baker awarded to him by J&A Beare.