Pablo Sáinz Villegas, guitar: Americano

Born and raised in La Rioja, Spain, guitarist Pablo Villegas is distinguished by performances as charismatic as they are intimate. With singing tone and consummate technique, his interpretations conjure the passion, playfulness, and drama of his homeland's rich musical heritage, routinely drawing comparisons with such legendary exponents of his instrument as Andrés Segovia. He has performed for both the Dalai Lama and the Spanish royal family, and it was he who gave the world premiere of Rounds, the first composition for guitar by five-time Academy Award-winner John Williams. A born communicator, Villegas explains: "Music is a social tool, and opening people's hearts, and helping them connect to the inner life of the emotions, is my mission."

In his new album and accompanying tour, Americano, Villegas treats audiences to a musical journey from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, featuring sensual Brazilian beats, vivid Venezuelan rhythms, and vibrant American bluegrass, and highlighting favorite composers of the Americas, including John Williams, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Agustín Lara, and Leonard Bernstein.

ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival special event

This performance will run approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and includes a 20-minute intermission.