Rafael Jimenez - Guitar

Rafael Jimenez won first prize in three international competitions, Alessandria, Italy 1984, Manuel M. Ponce Mexico 1986 Jalapa 1991 and First place in Paracho Michoacan. In Havana Prize for the best interpretation in Latin American Music in 1984. Mencion of Honour in the National Prize for the Young in 1984. Winner of the National Youth Prize in 1985 and Mention of Excellence in the Distinction of Music by the President of Mexico in1986.

Rafael commenced his studies in the Faculty of Music at the University of Veracruz with Alfonso Moreno and Enrique Velasco. Graduated with honours as Concert Guitarist in 1986. In 1992 received his Diploma of the Study of Art in Guitar completing his master classes with the legendary Manuel López Ramos.

Rafael appeared as soloist with the principal orchestras in Mexico as well as the orchestras of El Paso, San Diego, El Salvador, Caracas Venezuela, Laredo Philharmonic, Bournemouth Sinfonietta under the baton of Mendi Rodan, Manuel Duchesne, Dominique Jonckheere, Germán Cáceres, Rafael Jiménez, Louis J. Campiglia, Enrique Bátiz, Eduardo Díaz Muñoz, Fernando Lozano, José Guadalupe Flores, Ronald Zollman, Ramón Shade, Jorge Velasco,
Terence Frazor, Manuel de Elias, Ma. Teresa Cortinas, Pedro Cortinas, Victor Manuel Cortes, Enrique Barrios, Virgilio Valle, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Enrique Pérez Mesa etc.

Rafael appeared in many festivals including "Europalia" and "Flandes" in Belgium, the International Guitar Festival in Caracas, Oviedo in Spain, the Cervantino in Guanajuato, "MORELIA" "Xalapa", "Tamaulipas 94" "Cuernevaca
95" "Saltillo 97" "Morelia 98" etc.

He was awarded the "Medal of Merit" by the University of Veracruz for his work in the field of music. He has given numerous courses on interpretation and been a member of the jury on numerous occasions. In 1992 he received a
scholarship from FONCA.

Rafael has recorded 4 Cds one for solo guitar and the second with the Concerto for Guitar and small Orchestra by Heitor Villa-Lobos with the Carlos Chavez Orchestra on Forlane. His recording of the Pavana real with the State of Mexico Orchestra appears on EMI Eminence.

Actually he is Director of the Classical Ensemble of Guitars of the University of Veracruz, and, in an intense cultural programme has recorded a further 3 CDs with the famous ensemble. Rafael plays a guitar constructed in Tokyo, Japan by Masaru Kohno No. 50 made in 1978 with strings Premier 220 W (Sonatina) made in Paracho, Michoacan, Mexico.

Rafael Jimenez on Guild Music

Page revised 03.09.2000