FRANCISCO BERNIER / SEVILLA GUITAR DUO

Spain

concert
master classes
jury

With more than 500 concerts across 40 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, Francisco Bernier is internationally recognized as one of the leading classical guitarists of his generation. His illustrious career has taken him to renowned venues such as Salle Cortot and Théâtre Mogador in Paris, Salle Corum in Montpellier, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, Oji Hall in Tokyo, Kyoto Concert Hall, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Teatro Maestranza in Seville, Merkin Hall in New York, and Zellerbach Hall in San Francisco. A finalist of the Concert Artist Guild Competition in New York, Bernier has received twenty international awards. At the age of twenty, he became the first Spanish guitarist to win the prestigious Michele Pittaluga International Guitar Competition in Alessandria, Italy. He has performed with prominent ensembles such as the St. Petersburg Camerata, Manchester Symphony, and the Berkeley Symphony conducted by Kent Nagano.

Bernier began his studies at the Conservatorio Superior in his hometown before moving to Paris to study at the Ecole Normale “Alfred Cortot” with Alberto Ponce, earning the Diplôme Supérieur de Exécution and the Diplôme de Concertiste with unanimous distinction. He continued advanced studies at the Université du Québec à Montréal with Alvaro Pierri and at the Conservatoire National Supérieur in Paris with Roland Dyens. He also benefited from masterclasses with David Russell, Leo Brouwer, José Tomás, and Oscar Ghiglia. He has recorded nine albums for labels such as Harmonia Mundi and Radio France, and has been featured on major international radio and television networks. His commitment to contemporary music includes collaborations with leading composers and long-standing membership in the Zahir Ensemble. Bernier holds a Doctorate in Arts from the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw and is an Academician of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Santa Isabel de Hungría in Seville. He combines his career as a Professor at the Conservatorio Superior “Manuel Castillo” with his role as Artistic Director of the Festival de la Guitarra de Sevilla.

Arrival of Francisco Bernier at the Guitar Art Festival is supported by PICE - AC/E Accion cultural Espanola.

SEVILLA GUITAR DUO

Celebrated for their refined artistry and compelling stage presence, the Sevilla Guitar Duo – formed by renowned guitarists Francisco Bernier and Antonio Duro – stands among today’s most distinguished ensembles in the classical guitar world. Both musicians enjoy prominent international careers and serve as professors at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Sevilla. Since their debut as a duo in 2017, they have appeared at leading festivals and concert series throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, earning widespread acclaim for their expressive depth, technical excellence, and remarkable musical chemistry.

Specializing in Spanish repertoire from the 19th to the 21st centuries, the duo is deeply committed to presenting this rich musical heritage to audiences worldwide. Their artistic projects have frequently received the support of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (AECID). Critics have praised their performances for their “exceptional palette of colours and delicate poetry” (Diario de Sevilla, 2017).

The Sevilla Guitar Duo offers festival audiences a refined, vibrant, and authentic musical experience, illuminating the depth and diversity of the Spanish guitar tradition.