Giovanni Guzzo

Born in Venezuela to parents of Italian and Venezuelan heritage, he started the violin at the age of six under the teachings of Emil Friedman and Luis Miguel Gonzales.

At the age of 12 he became the youngest violinist to win 1st prize at the XII National Violin Competition “Juan Bautista Plaza” in Venezuela, leading to acclaimed performances nationwide.

Giovanni performs regularly in some of the most prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including the Wigmore Hall, Lincoln centre in New York, the BBC Proms in London, Salzburg and Verbier festivals; performing with some of the today’s leading conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Ivan Fischer, Semyon Bychkov, Marin Alsop, Herbert Blomstedt, Reinhard Goebel and Juanjo Mena.

A protégé of the renowned French violinist Maurice Hasson, Giovanni was granted a scholarship at the age of 16 to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, graduating with the highest honours, and consequently being appointed as one of the youngest violin Professors in the institution’s long history.

Giovanni Guzzo plays on a 1751 Gennaro Gagliano violin, on extended loan to him; and a bow by T. Baker, awarded to him by J&A Beare.