Marcelo Kayath
Hommage to Álvaro Pierri: A Maestro's Legacy
As we gather to celebrate the illustrious career of Álvaro Pierri, it is with a heart full of gratitude and admiration that I reflect on the profound impact this extraordinary guitarist has had on my life and the world of music. My journey with Álvaro began in the late 1970s, when I had the privilege of meeting him as a student. Little did I know then that I was encountering not just a remarkable musician, but a true maestro whose artistry would resonate across decades.
Álvaro Pierri is more than a guitarist; he is a poet of the strings, weaving intricate narratives with each pluck of the string. His performances have always transcended the mere act of playing music, inviting listeners into a realm where emotion and technical prowess coexist in perfect harmony. With a unique style that embodies both classical elegance and contemporary flair, he has captivated audiences around the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of classical guitar.
Throughout his career, Álvaro has not only dazzled listeners with his virtuosity but has also nurtured countless aspiring musicians. His dedication to teaching and mentoring has inspired generations of guitarists, instilling in them the values of discipline, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Witnessing his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering talent has reaffirmed for me the true essence of artistry — that it is not solely about individual acclaim, but about lifting others along the way.
As a passionate follower of Álvaro's career, I have marveled at his ability to push the boundaries of the guitar, exploring diverse genres and collaborating with a myriad of talented artists. From his masterful interpretations of classical compositions to his innovative works that blend various musical influences, Álvaro's artistry is a testament to his unwavering curiosity and dedication to the craft.
Now, we celebrate not only his magnificent career but also his profound influence on the world of music. Álvaro, thank you for the countless hours of inspiration and the emotions you've stirred within us. Your contributions to the art of guitar will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of musicians who will pick up the mantle you have so gracefully carried.
Your music will forever remain a soundtrack to our memories, and your spirit will continue to inspire all of us who have had the chance to learn from you and witness your genius. We wish you all the joy and fulfillment in your retirement that you have so richly earned.
Thank you, Álvaro Pierri, for being a guiding light in the world of music. Your legacy will live on, and your influence will endure.
Marcelo Kayath
As we gather to celebrate the illustrious career of Álvaro Pierri, it is with a heart full of gratitude and admiration that I reflect on the profound impact this extraordinary guitarist has had on my life and the world of music. My journey with Álvaro began in the late 1970s, when I had the privilege of meeting him as a student. Little did I know then that I was encountering not just a remarkable musician, but a true maestro whose artistry would resonate across decades.
Álvaro Pierri is more than a guitarist; he is a poet of the strings, weaving intricate narratives with each pluck of the string. His performances have always transcended the mere act of playing music, inviting listeners into a realm where emotion and technical prowess coexist in perfect harmony. With a unique style that embodies both classical elegance and contemporary flair, he has captivated audiences around the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of classical guitar.
Throughout his career, Álvaro has not only dazzled listeners with his virtuosity but has also nurtured countless aspiring musicians. His dedication to teaching and mentoring has inspired generations of guitarists, instilling in them the values of discipline, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Witnessing his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering talent has reaffirmed for me the true essence of artistry — that it is not solely about individual acclaim, but about lifting others along the way.
As a passionate follower of Álvaro's career, I have marveled at his ability to push the boundaries of the guitar, exploring diverse genres and collaborating with a myriad of talented artists. From his masterful interpretations of classical compositions to his innovative works that blend various musical influences, Álvaro's artistry is a testament to his unwavering curiosity and dedication to the craft.
Now, we celebrate not only his magnificent career but also his profound influence on the world of music. Álvaro, thank you for the countless hours of inspiration and the emotions you've stirred within us. Your contributions to the art of guitar will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of musicians who will pick up the mantle you have so gracefully carried.
Your music will forever remain a soundtrack to our memories, and your spirit will continue to inspire all of us who have had the chance to learn from you and witness your genius. We wish you all the joy and fulfillment in your retirement that you have so richly earned.
Thank you, Álvaro Pierri, for being a guiding light in the world of music. Your legacy will live on, and your influence will endure.
Marcelo Kayath
David Russell
It has been an honour and a pleasure to be a friend and colleague of Alvaro’s during so many years. He has a strong personality in his interpretations and he brings a unique musical character to everything he plays making his concerts an experience to be treasured.
As a teacher he has distinguished himself over the years, helping many talented students reach their potential and inspiring countless young guitarists to improve their abilities.
This distinction he is receiving here in the festival is highly deserved and I know he will continue to champion our instrument with his wonderful performances.
As a teacher he has distinguished himself over the years, helping many talented students reach their potential and inspiring countless young guitarists to improve their abilities.
This distinction he is receiving here in the festival is highly deserved and I know he will continue to champion our instrument with his wonderful performances.
Un Abrazo grande, Álvaro.
David Russell
Klara Tomljanovic
At the age of twenty, I left my home country, Slovenia, to pursue my musical studies in Freiburg with Sonja Prunnbauer. It was a decisive moment in my life—one that would soon lead me to an equally decisive encounter.
Only one month later, I was encouraged to attend the Mattmann Guitar Festival, where I had the extraordinary privilege of working on the Hector Villa-Lobos Concerto with the distinguished Alvaro Pierri.
During that intense week of preparation for the final concert—where I was to perform the concerto with orchestra—Alvaro Pierri revealed himself not only as a master of technique, but as an artist of profound depth. He guided me far beyond the surface of the notes, opening a window into the expressive world and the aesthetic essence of South American music.
Then came the day of the performance.
In the final moments before stepping onto the stage, I found myself overcome with doubt. A passage in the cadenza—one I had practiced tirelessly—suddenly felt uncertain. I turned to him, anxious, unsure.
His response was simple, yet transformative:
“Oh, Klara—the cadenza is the easiest part. There, you are alone. You need not worry about the conductor or the orchestra. You are free. You can play exactly as you feel in that moment.”
For him, perhaps, these were just a few words, spoken in passing as he prepared to take the stage himself later that evening.
But for me, they became a turning point.
In that brief exchange, he conveyed something far greater than reassurance. He revealed a truth about music itself: that beyond discipline and mastery lies freedom—freedom born of trust, presence, and courage in the moment.
This is the essence of Alvaro Pierri’s artistry.
His playing is not defined by virtuosity alone, remarkable as it is. It is defined by intuition, by spontaneity, and by a rare ability to transform each performance into a living, breathing experience—unique, unrepeatable, and deeply human.
Through his artistry, he has not only shaped generations of musicians, but has also elevated the guitar to a place of profound expressive power on the international stage.
Dear Maestro Pierri,
Thank you—for your artistry, for your inspiration, and for the unforgettable legacy you have given to the world of music.
Klara Tomljanovic
Duo GolzDanilov
Lieber Alvaro,
Dein Lebenswerk als Gitarrist ist weit mehr als eine beeindruckende Sammlung musikalischer Leistungen – es ist ein bleibender Ausdruck Deiner musikalischen Leidenschaft, Tiefe und künstlerischen Integrität. Mit Deiner Musik hast Du nicht nur die Konzertsäle der Welt zum Klingen gebracht, sondern Herzen berührt und Generationen inspiriert. Es war uns immer eine große Ehre und Freude mit Dir zu arbeiten. Neben Deiner Musikalität schätzen wir vor allem auch Deine Menschlichkeit und Deinen unermüdlichen Geist. Danke für alles, was Du der Musik und den Menschen geschenkt hast. Wir gratulieren Dir herzlich zum Preis für Dein Lebenswerk!
Dein Lebenswerk als Gitarrist ist weit mehr als eine beeindruckende Sammlung musikalischer Leistungen – es ist ein bleibender Ausdruck Deiner musikalischen Leidenschaft, Tiefe und künstlerischen Integrität. Mit Deiner Musik hast Du nicht nur die Konzertsäle der Welt zum Klingen gebracht, sondern Herzen berührt und Generationen inspiriert. Es war uns immer eine große Ehre und Freude mit Dir zu arbeiten. Neben Deiner Musikalität schätzen wir vor allem auch Deine Menschlichkeit und Deinen unermüdlichen Geist. Danke für alles, was Du der Musik und den Menschen geschenkt hast. Wir gratulieren Dir herzlich zum Preis für Dein Lebenswerk!
Dein Sören & Ivan – Duo GolzDanilov
Lukasz Kuropaczewski
„Congratulations, Maestro Pierri!
Your work was always an inspiration to me, since I was a very young guitarist. Thank you for what you have done for all of us!”
Your work was always an inspiration to me, since I was a very young guitarist. Thank you for what you have done for all of us!”
Lukasz Kuropaczewski
Bing Wu
您在吉他艺术领域的演奏造诣深厚，成就斐然，堪称业界典范，对您为吉他事业所做出的杰出贡献表示衷心祝贺！”——吴兵
Bing Wu
Kristina Varlid
Jeg vil gjerne ønske Alvaro Pierri mine gratulasjoner! Vel fortjent for alle hans inspirerende bidrag til den musikalske verden. Personlig var jeg heldig å få en mesterklasse med han i Koblenz, en mesterklasse jeg aldri kommer til å glemme!
Kristina Vårlid
Campbell Diamond
It’s a privilege to celebrate Álvaro Pierri, whose influence on the instrument is immeasurable. I vividly remember first hearing his recordings of Heitor Villa-Lobos, followed by many others, all of which deeply shaped the way I hear and love the guitar.
Campbell Diamond
Alfred Eickholt
Die Ehrung des Rhine Guitar Festivals & Academy für das Lebenswerk könnte kaum einem verdienstvollerem Kollegen unseres Instrumentes zu Teil werden, als dem in Montevideo geborenen Alvaro Pierri.
Seine musikalischen Wurzeln wurden zunächst durch seine Familie geprägt, in der sich seine Mutter als Klavierlehrerin und seine Tante, Olga Pierri als Gitarristin seiner Ausbildung annahmen. Später studierte er dann bei solchen Größen wie Abel Carlevaro und Guido Santorsola Gitarre und Komposition.
Schon im Kindesalter begann er eine Konzertkarriere, die bis heute anhält und die ihn in nahezu alle Kontinente und auf alle bedeutenden Bühnen dieser Welt führte. Er gewann die renommiertesten Wettbewerbe und spielte gemeinsam mit so großartigen Künstlern wie Frank Peter Zimmermann, Astor Piazzolla, dem Cherubini Quartett, dem Isaye Quartett u.v.a., aber auch zahlreichen weltbekannten Orchestern. Komponisten wie Dusan Bogdanovic, Leo Brouwer, Abel Carlevaro, Carlo Domeniconi, Jacques Hétu oder Guido Santorsola widmeten ihm Werke. Ein Teil seines grandiosen künstlerischen Wirkens ist auf CD und DVD dokumentiert und er erhielt auch dafür mehrfach internationale Auszeichnungen.
Alvaro Pierri unterrichtete u.a in Brasilien und in Kanada und wurde im Jahr 2002 zum ordentlichen Professor an die Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Wien berufen. Seine enormen künstlerischen Fähigkeiten gab er somit auch als erfolgreicher Lehrer an junge Talente weiter, von denen einige mittlerweile als Preisträger bekannter, internationaler Wettbewerbe in Konzerten zu hören sind, und so ihre Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen erfolgreich an den instrumentalen Nachwuchs vermitteln.
Ich lernte Alvaro Pierri zunächst über seine herausragenden Schallplatten bzw. CD´s von Gitarrenmusik kennen. Seine erste in Deutschland zu hörende Einspielung lies damals schon durch eine ebenso kluge wie temperamentvolle Gestaltung der Werke aufhorchen, deren Basis ein deutlich wahrzunehmender, ernsthafter wie künstlerisch individueller Auseinandersetzungsprozess mit der Komposition bildete.
Später hörte ich ihn oft bei seinen gefeierten Konzerten und ich konnte ihn dann auf Festivals oder während gemeinsamer Jury Tätigkeiten persönlich kennenlernen. Diese Begegnungen, in denen er seine musikalischen Ideen und Ideale in seiner offenen und sympathischen Art mitzuteilen wusste, waren für mich immer sehr bereichernd. Wie auch sein Humor und seine Empathie eine Gesprächsrunde stets begeistert.
Er hat als Interpret und Pädagoge Maßstäbe gesetzt, die ihn aufgrund seiner außergewöhnlichen künstlerischen Persönlichkeit zum Musiker von Weltrang erheben. Seine Interpretationen sind gleichermaßen von großer Fantasie, Intensität und Variabilität im Ausdruck, einer hohe Sensibilität mit einer reichen, selten gehörten klanglichen Palette gekennzeichnet, die er mit Präzisen und überlegender Virtuosität zu verbinden vermag.
So gratuliere ich von Herzen einem der großartigsten Musiker unseres Instrumentes zu dieser verdienten Ehrung. Die internationale „Gitarrengemeinde“ hat Alvaro Pierri sehr viel zu verdanken hat. Auf viele weitere Jahre!
Prof. Alfred Eickholt im Mai 2026
1. Vorsitzender der EGTA D
