Giovanni Guzzo, Violin
Twenty-seven year old violinist Giovanni Guzzo is rapidly rising as one of the most versatile performers of his generation. Born in Venezuela to parents of Italian and Venezuelan heritage, he has captivated audiences around the world with his unique and passionate approach to his performances. Following his solo debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London last season, critics described him as a wonderfully 'magnetic' and 'commanding' performer.
Giovanni started his musical studies with the piano at the 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.
A keen recitalist and chamber musician, Giovanni has worked closely with some of today’s leading musicians, including Martha Argerich, Joshua Bell, Colin Carr, Martin Fröst, Daniel Hope, Stephen Hough, Mats Lidstrom, Gerhard Schulz, Gábor Takács-Nagy, the Maggini and Takacs Quartets and Maxim Vengerov, to name but a few. His talent has been recognised with numerous awards including Her Majesty the Queen’s commendation for Excellence, Gold medal at the Marlow Music Festival 2006, HRH Princess Alice's Prize, PROMIS award given by the London Symphony Orchestra, finalist at the YCAT (Young Concert Artists Trust) competition and the Manoug Parikian and Myra Hess award.
Giovanni has performed on several occasions for the Royal Family, most recently performing for Her Majesty the Queen on the famous 'Viotti ex-Bruce' Stradivarius violin.
He appears regularly in live Television and Radio broadcasts, most recently on BBC’s Radio 3 performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Manchester Camerata under Gábor Takács-Nagy. He was also the youngest musician ever invited to perform a solo recital at the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland), in front of world leaders and some of today’s most influential personalities.
A protégé of the renowned French virtuoso violinist Maurice Hasson, Giovanni was granted a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, from where he graduated with the highest honours. He previously studied with Zakhar Bron at the 'Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia' in Madrid.
Giovanni continues to perform as soloist in some of the most prestigious venues around the world, including the Wigmore Hall and Zurich Tonhalle, and is a regular guest at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, Schloss Cappenberg and Mecklenburg Vorpommern festivals in Germany.
He is principal guest leader of the Budapest Festival Orchestra conducted by Ivan Fischer.
Giovanni Guzzo plays on a 1709 Antonio Stradivarius Violin, kindly on extended loan to him by Philanthropist Jonathan Moulds; and a bow by T. Baker awarded to him by J&A Beare.