Gabriel Bianco - a leading figure in today’s classical guitar world
Gabriel Bianco, born in Paris in 1988, is widely regarded as one of the finest classical guitarists of his generation. Known for his clarity, refinement and depth of interpretation, he has performed in more than fifty countries across all continents and recorded eight acclaimed albums.
Early years and education
Gabriel began playing guitar under the guidance of his father and later joined the Conservatoire National de Région in Paris, studying with Ramon de Herrera. In 2005 he was unanimously admitted to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP) in the class of Olivier Chassain. He received his guitar diploma in 2008 and his chamber music diploma in 2015, both with highest honors.
Competitions and recognition
Bianco’s exceptional artistry has been recognized with numerous international prizes. Among them are the first prizes at Sernancelhe (Portugal, 2005), Ile de Ré (France, 2006), the Vienna Guitar Forum (Austria, 2006), the “Silesian Autumn” in Poland (2006), the “Hubert Käppel” competition in Koblenz (Germany, 2007), Barbezieux (France, 2007), the Guitar Foundation of America (USA, 2008), “Fundación Gredos San Diego” in Madrid (Spain, 2011) and the “Andrés Segovia” competition in Almuñécar (Spain, 2012). In 2011 he was named ADAMI Classical Revelation.
Concert career
Gabriel Bianco has appeared at major concert halls and festivals, including Théâtre du Châtelet, the Radio-France Occitanie Festival, Paris International Guitar Festival, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, Herbst Theatre in San Francisco, Luis Ángel Arango Auditorium in Bogotá, the Central Conservatory of Beijing, Yamaha Hall in Tokyo, Zurich Opera and Lausanne Opera. His performances are known for their precision, warmth and effortless communication with the audience.
Chamber music and collaborations
A passionate chamber musician, Bianco founded the Quatuor Éclisses in 2012. The ensemble has recorded four albums for the Ad Vitam label and features his own arrangements of works from the classical and modern repertoire. He also performs regularly with mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti, with whom he explores both classical and popular music. Their first album was released in 2023 on the Aparté label.
He has also recorded with oboist Michaela Hrabánková for Ad Vitam Records and frequently collaborates with musicians such as Edgar Moreau, Maïté Louis, Mathilde Caldérini, Lola Descours, Kévin Amiel and Romuald Grimbert-Barré.
Recordings and new music
Gabriel Bianco’s solo recordings showcase his technical mastery and interpretative range. His first solo album for Naxos includes works by Bach, Mertz and Koshkin, while his second album on Ad Vitam features music by Da Milano, Scarlatti, Regondi and Paganini.
Dedicated to contemporary music, he has premiered works by composers including Atanas Ourkouzounov, Sergio Assad, Karol Beffa, Orestis Kalampalikis, Matthieu Stefanelli, Jules Matton, Camille Pépin, Inès Halimi and Thomas Viloteau.
Teaching and artistic direction
Since 2018, Gabriel Bianco has been Senior Lecturer and head of the classical guitar department at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. There he teaches individual lessons and directs the advanced program for guitar. He plays exclusively on Savarez strings.
Through his international performances, teaching and collaborations, Gabriel Bianco continues to shape the landscape of classical guitar with artistry, precision and a timeless sense of musical integrity.