Rostyslav Holubov – Guitarist and Composer
Rostyslav Holubov, born in 1994 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, is a classical guitarist and composer whose artistry unites depth, emotion and innovation. His music bridges classical tradition with a distinctly personal expression, earning him recognition across Europe.
Early years and education
Rostyslav began playing guitar at the age of ten. His talent quickly became apparent, and his studies at Kharkiv Music College provided a strong foundation under the guidance of dedicated teachers. There he developed a lasting passion for both classical and flamenco styles.
He continued his education at the Kharkiv National University of Arts, studying with Professor Volodymyr Dotsenko. During this time, he took part in the Erasmus+ program and spent a period of study with Professor Margarita Escarpa in Vigo, Spain. This experience broadened his artistic outlook and refined his interpretative style.
In 2023 he began his master’s degree in performance at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, studying with Professor Tomasz Zawierucha. Alongside performance, he studies composition with Professor Matthias Schlothfeldt, combining both crafts in a way that shapes his musical identity.
Compositions and creative voice
Rostyslav is an active composer whose works reflect his Ukrainian heritage and his interest in contemporary expression. His pieces La Despedida, Clouds. Forced., Happiness Exists, Road to the Dream, Waiting for Summer and Fantasy on a Ukrainian Folksong are performed internationally by artists such as Tomasz Zawierucha, Stephanie Jones and Irene Kalisvaart.
His composition Clouds. Forced., written for the project Striving for Greatness – 150 Years of Villa Hügel – 150 Projects for the Ruhr Area, is dedicated to his hometown Kharkiv and expresses the resilience of its people in times of war.
Awards and performances
Rostyslav has received major awards for both performance and composition. In 2023 he won first prize at the Nürtingen International Guitar Competition, followed by the Folkwang Guitar Prize in 2024. He performs regularly in Ukraine, Germany and throughout Europe, where audiences value his expressive tone and calm, focused stage presence.
Artistry and vision
As a performer and composer, Rostyslav Holubov represents a new generation of guitarists who combine technical mastery with creative individuality. His sound is precise yet lyrical, his interpretations sincere and deeply felt. Beyond the concert stage, he has also contributed to art therapy projects, using music as a means of healing and communication.
Through his work, Rostyslav continues to enrich the classical guitar world – rooted in tradition, yet open to new ideas and emotions.
