Edel Munoz Set to Perform in the PCG Series November 13

Portland Classic Guitar (PCG) proprietor William Jenks is proud to present esteemed guitarist Edel Muñoz, performing on Friday, November 13, at 8 p.m., at Marylhurst University’s Wiegand Hall—with a program of material ranging from Baroque masters (like Bach and Scarlatti) to much-loved modern composers (like Rodrigo and Torroba). Muñoz will offer a master class the following day (November 14), from 11-1 p.m., also at Wiegand Hall.

 A Cuban native and United States resident, Edel Muñoz is one of the most acclaimed and sought-after classical guitarists in the world. Segovia protege Michael Lorimer is one of many who have noted (and participated in) the standing ovations that seem to occur whenever he performs. And no wonder: Muñoz has been the first-prize winner in more than twenty international guitar competitions, including the Boston Guitar Fest, the Miguel Llobet International Competition in Barcelona, the Montreal International Guitar Competition, and the Havana International Guitar Competition. When only thirteen years old, he was singled out by Maestro Leo Brouwer, who has since described the younger guitarist’s playing as “magisterial,” noting that he exudes an “exceptional professionalism.” Guitarist Ernesto Bitetti has called Muñoz “an outstanding performer with a commanding stage presence,” adding that his music is a “revelation.” 

Muñoz has performed in major theaters and recital halls throughout the world. Career highlights include concerts at Carnegie Hall (New York), Palau de la Musica Catalana (Barcelona), Teatro Municipal de Viña del Mar (Chile), Sala Nezahualcóyotl (Mexico), the Zitarrosa Theater (Uruguay), Salle Gothique del Hotel de Ville de Bruxelles (Belgium), Goethe Institute Santiago (Chile), IFT Theater Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Teatro Nacional (Cuba). Muñoz has performed as both a solo recitalist and chamber musician with orchestras such as the Barcelona Sinfonietta, the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra. 

Muñoz began his guitar studies at the age of seven at the Vocational School of Art in his native town of Matanzas. In 1994, he graduated from the National School of Music in Havana. Along the way, he studied with such luminaries as Arsenio Diaz, Maria Victoria Oliver, Martha Cuervo, Victor Pellegrini, Jesús Cantero, Isaac Nicola, and Leo Brouwer. After leaving Cuba, Muñoz continued his studies with Eduardo Isaac in Argentina; Luis Orlandini at the University of Santiago de Chile; and Alex Garrobe, in Barcelona, Spain. He also performed in the master classes of some of the greatest guitarists in the world. An increasingly sought-after teacher himself, Muñoz is regularly invited to give master-classes in universities and conservatories.