The Friday Noon Concert Series

Friday, December 6, 2024

Intersections: Paris and Guatemala – Music of Ravel, Castillo, and Friends

About the Artists:

Dr. Alfonso Hernandez is a passionate musician and arts advocate, praised as “one of the best Guatemalan pianists today, thanks to his energy, precision, and delicacy” (Prensa Libre, Guatemala). He earned a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Maryland, especializing on 20th and 21st-century Guatemalan piano literature. Alfonso began his musical journey at the age of four, learning from his father, and entered the National Conservatory of Guatemala. He went on to win virtually all available national competitions and debuted as a soloist with the National Symphonic Orchestra of Guatemala at the age of 12. Alfonso obtained numerous awards, including from the Lynn Conservatory Concerto Competition, Moores School of Music Concerto Competition, TMTA, MTNA (Texas Division), the Chautauqua International Piano Competition, and the Maria Clara Cullell International Piano Competition, among others. He has participated in renowned music festivals, such as Chautauqua, Aspen, and Zeister Muziekdage in the Netherlands. Alfonso is the principal pianist of the Core Ensemble: a chamber theatre company that celebrates community through chamber music theatre, and performs consistently in colleges and universities around the United States.

Beyond the stage, Alfonso earned an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute, channeling his expertise to drive innovation, growth, and social impact through music and cultural agency. He co-founded award-winning organizations such as the International Chamber Music Festival of Guatemala – FIMCA Guatemala and the "Luis Felipe Arias" Piano Festival and Competition. Alfonso also holds degrees from the University of Houston, Eastman School of Music, and Lynn University.