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NEDERLANDSE
VERSIE |

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In a nutshell
Raphaella Smits plays worldwide in her unique
way on eight-string guitars and historical instruments. Recognized
as ‘an uncommonly musical guitarist’ (Tim Page, New York
Times), she always commits to the soul of the music. Her solo recitals
as well as her performances with the most distinguished colleagues
always meet enthusiastic audiences and press.
Besides stage-work Raphaella Smits has made 21 recordings, many of them being listed
as indispensable to refined music lovers.
Raphaella Smits is internationally praised as an inspiring teacher
for both guitar and chamber music. In addition to her chair at the
Lemmens Institute in Belgium, she regularly gives master-classes in
West and East Europe, in North and South America and in Japan.
Organizers of international music competitions ask Raphaella as a
member or as president of the jury because of her ability to listen and to judge so
accurately. Here again she shows her talent to combine professional
skills with a great sense of empathy.
Raphaella studied classical music at the Royal Conservatories of Antwerp
and Brussels. She also went to José Tomàs to perfect
her playing at the "Catedra Andrès Segovia" in Spain.
At that time she was giving her first recitals and became a persuasive
advocate of the eight-string guitar.
In 1986 Raphaella Smits was the first woman to win the first prize
of the "XX Certamen Internacional de Guitarra Francisco Tarrega",
the famous international guitar competition in Benicasim, Spain. That
victory confirmed the progress of a successful career, which over
the previous years had included prizes in the Granada and Palma de
Mallorca contests.
Chairmen Andrès Segovia and Narciso Yepes, both expressed their
admiration for Raphaella's musicality and put prophetically confidence
in her future achievements.
Today Raphaella Smits is called quite rightly ‘une Grande Musicienne’
and ‘one of the most delicate and most cultivated performers
of our time’ (Jean Bernard, Diapason, FR).
More info at http://www.rsmits.com
Read more about Raphaella's ...
- Childhood
- Student days
- International Guitar Happening Initiative
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