Giovanni Guzzo
Giovanni Guzzo is a Venezuelan violinist.
Born in Venezuela to parents of Italian and Venezuelan heritage, he started the violin at the age of six under the teachings of :es: Emil Friedman|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, leading to acclaimed performances nationwide. He then continued his studies with Zakhar Bron at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid and later moved to London to study with the famous pedagogue Maurice Hasson at the Royal Academy of Music.
A keen recitalist and chamber musician, Giovanni has worked closely with some of today's leading musicians, including Sir Colin Davis, Martha Argerich, Joshua Bell, Martin Fröst, Daniel Hope, Maxim Vengerov, Stephen Hough, Mats Lidstrom, Gerhard Schulz, Colin Carr, Gábor Takács-Nagy, the Maggini and Takacs Quartets.
He regularly performs as soloist in some of the most prestigious venues in Venezuela, USA, China, Japan, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the UK, including recitals at the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room and the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.
Giovanni has performed on several occasions for the British Royal Family, most recently performing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the famous 'Viotti ex-Bruce' Stradivarius violin. He has also been awarded with Her Majesty the Queen’s commendation for Excellence and HRH Princess Alice's Prize.
He teaches violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and is principal guest leader of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, conducted by Ivan Fischer.
Giovanni Guzzo plays on a 1759 Nicolò Gagliano violin, on extended loan to him; and a bow by T. Baker, awarded to him by J&A Beare.
