Summer 2023
Master Class: Pablo Sáinz Villegas
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Pablo Sáinz Villegas has earned a reputation as one of this generation’s greatest guitarists. Hailed by The New York Times for his “virtuosic playing characterized by irresistible exuberance,” he is known for his passionate, emotive, and open-hearted performances — whether performing at intimate recital halls or the world’s most prestigious concert venues. A tireless promoter of expanding the repertoire for Spanish classical guitar, Sáinz Villegas is also passionate about music education, regularly sharing his knowledge with youth. He is the founder of The Legacy of Music Without Borders, whose mission is to use music to promote understanding among cultures.
If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be…
Enjoy every single note you play and put an intention into it.
Every day a musician should…
Be grateful for being in touch with a magic reality that we cannot see or touch, but that still exists and brings people together.
To master a challenging piece of music one should…
Practice with the aim of transcending the technique so the music can flow freely. Be persistent and pay attention to both the details and the overall structure.
When performing for an audience it is important to…
Be vulnerable, give yourself to the moment, open your heart, and invite the audience to be part of it. Remind the audience that music belongs to them and they give a purpose to our dream as musicians.
Of all the people I’ve met, I’ve learned the most from…
John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma, for their inspiring and humble humanity.
They taught me…
That kindness and music together can change the world.
The best advice I’ve ever received is…
To open and let yourself go. Love every single note you give, even when you make a mistake.
My greatest joy…
Is to be on stage and to have the opportunity to look into the audience’s soul. It is together that we create the music.
My biggest regret has been…
Saying “yes” when I felt like saying “no.”