Denis Azabagic
Denis Azabagic, (b. Bosnia-1972) is one of the
most compelling classical guitarists on the international concert circuit
today. He performs concerts around the globe, maintaining a balance
between his solo recitals, chamber music with the Cavatina Duo and
engagements as soloist with orchestras.
Critics are raving: “...And once he started playing his guitar he became
ageless. One couldn't imagine where the man, the instrument and the music
separated, if at all.” Los Angeles Valley Star, USA
“Azabagic’s playing is virtually flawless and his technical facility is a
joy to see as well as hear; increasingly I hear him mentioned in the same
breath as John Williams, and while such comparisons are invidious, this
one is not without merit” Soundboard Magazine, USA. In 1993, at the age of
20, he became the youngest winner of one of the most prestigious
International Guitar Competitions “Jacinto e Inocencio Guerrero,” in
Madrid, Spain. After listening to Mr. Azabagic, distinguished Spanish
composer, Anton Garcia Abril said: “I am sure that with time, he is going
to be one of the greatest guitarists of the world.” Between 1992 and1999
he won twenty-four prizes in international competitions, of which eleven
were first prizes. He has written a book, “On Competitions”, based on his
experience. Azabagic has recorded nine CDs for international labels
such as Naxos, Cedille, Opera Tres, Bridge records and Orobroy, as well as
two DVD’s for the Mel Bay Company. His recordings and live performances
are highly praised by music critics, for his elegant approach to music and
his unique way of communicating and reaching the audiences’ hearts.
As a guest instrumentalist and soloist Azabagic has appeared with the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Illinois
Symphony Orchestra, Sacramento Chamber Orchestra, Madrid Symphony,
L’Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Mons, among others. He is a regular guest
at such venues as Chicago’s Symphony Center, Masters of the Guitar at the
Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Radio France in Paris, Aix en Provence
Festival, France, El Palau de la Musica, Valencia-Spain, Savannah on
Stage, USA, Omni Foundation, USA, Ravinia Festival, USA, National Chang
Kai Shek Cultural Center, Taiwan, National Center for the Performing Arts,
Beijing, China. Azabagic’s performances have been broadcasted live on the
Radio (NPR, WFMT) and Television in Asia, Europe and the United States.
His repertoire includes solo and orchestral music from the Baroque era to
the present. An active member of the Cavatina Duo, their chamber music
repertoire is vast, including many works written expressly for the duo.
Azabagic’s love for performing extends to sharing with others the
knowledge of music making. He frequently offers master-classes while on
tour and currently teaches at the Roosevelt University in Chicago.
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