Puerto Rican superstar Leonela Alejandro is at the pinnacle of the classical guitar world!
The Vancouver Classic Guitar Society proudly presents Leonela Alejandro, winner of the prestigious 2024 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition, in concert on Friday, March 20 at 7 pm at the Vancouver Academy of Music’s Koerner Hall. Hailed as one of the most exciting young guitarists of her generation, Leonela has captivated audiences around the globe with her powerful, energetic performance style. Her first-place finish at the GFA — widely considered the world’s most important classical guitar competition — launched her onto the international stage and confirmed her place among today’s leading artists. Reviewers call her “bold, unique, lyrical, virtuosic”.
Originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Leonela’s musical journey began at just seven years old. By 16, she was accepted into the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, studying with renowned maestro Iván Rijos. She later continued her studies in the United States, completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with Cuban virtuoso René Izquierdo, and earning her graduate degree at Columbus State University under Dr. Andrew Zohn in 2023.
Leonela’s competition résumé is nothing short of extraordinary. In addition to her GFA triumph, she has earned more than ten first-prize awards across the United States, including top prizes at the Louisville Guitar Festival, the Indiana Guitar Festival, and the Chicago Guitar Festival. Internationally, she has claimed major prizes at the Domaine Forget International Guitar Competition, the Ciudad de Coria International Guitar Competition, and the Iserlohn International Guitar Competition.
Beyond the competition stage, Leonela has established herself as a compelling concerto soloist. She has performed Antonio Vivaldi’s Lute Concerto in D Major with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. She was also featured in the premiere of Concertino for Guitar, Percussion and Strings by Atanas Ourkouzounov, and has appeared as a solo mandolinist (yes, she’s a multi-instrumentalist!) in Roman Festivals by Ottorino Respighi.
Leonela’s Vancouver performance promises an evening of virtuosic brilliance, passionate artistry, and the fresh energy of a young artist at the height of a breakthrough year. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Leonela Alejandro on Friday, March 20th at 7 pm at Vancouver Academy of Music, 1270 Chestnut Street, Vancouver. Come early at 6:15 pm and enjoy a pre-concert performance by UBC School of Music classical guitar students. Tickets from $15-45 (VCGS members always save 15%) and information available at www.vancouverguitar.org