Rafael Serrallet, Guitar

Biography

"Rafael Serrallet is a guitarist of altogether exceptional gifts. To effortless technical mastery is added a profound and thoughtful artistry which always gets to the heart of the expressive content of whatever he plays. There are many fine guitarists around, and it is my considered view that Rafael Serrallet stands out among them." John Rutter

With these words the foremost English composer describes Rafael Serrallet as one of the best guitar players of his generation. Born in Valencia, Spain he started his musical education with the guitarist Santiago Gras and finished his training with the great master Jose Tomas obtaining the maximum grade, and receiving special distinction at all levels of his studies. In 2004, Rafael Serrallet received his Ph.D. from the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia with a thesis about the Spanish Composer Manuel Palau.

Dr. Serrallet has won many awards in national and international competitions. He has participated in international courses given by the best teachers, including Leo Brower, David Russell, Roberto Aussel, and Manuel Barrueco. In 1993, Rafael was awarded a grant from the Festival de Musica y Danza de Granada to attend master classes with Eliot Fisk, and in 1999 he received a scholarship to travel to San Diego, California and study with The Romeros. In 2002, he received the Prize Rome.

Rafael Serrallet has presented guitar recitals internationally, including performances at such significant venues as the Lincoln Center in New York, Liceu in Barcelona, Takanawa Kumin Center in Tokyo, the National Gallery of Ottawa, the Maestranza in Seville, and Lutoslawsky Hall in Warsaw. Additionally he has performed in Panama, Belgium, England, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Vietnam, Indonesia, Jordan, and Greece, among others. His performances with orchestras include with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Panama, Novosibirsk Chamber Orchestra, Orquesta Nacional de Nicaragua, and with Jove Orquestra de la Generalitat Valenciana. His performances have been broadcast on radio and TV in Europe, Asia, and America. His four CD releases have all met with excellent response from critics.

Dr. Serrallet also leads the Iberian International Music Institute, a musical project sponsored by the Spanish Corporation AECI which fosters and develops music education in Honduras, Nicaragua, Morocco and Palestine.

Mr. Serrallet's North American appearances are supported by INSTITUT VALENCIA DE LA MUSICA