Giovanni Guzzo
Giovanni Guzzo (born 1986 in Margarita Island, Venezuela) is a Venezuelan violinist.
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. He then continued his studies with the Zakhar Bron in Madrid and later moved to London to study with the famous pedagogue Maurice Hasson at the Royal Academy of Music.
He regularly performs as soloist in some of the most prestigious venues in Venezuela, USA, China, Japan, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the UK, including recitals at the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room and the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.
Giovanni has performed on several occasions for the British Royal Family, most recently performing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the famous 'Viotti ex-Bruce' Stradivarius violin (one of the most precious Stradivarius violins in the world). He has also been awarded with Her Majesty the Queen’s commendation for Excellence and HRH Princess Alice's Prize (presented by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester).
He teaches violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and is principal guest leader of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, conducted by Ivan Fischer.
Giovanni Guzzo plays on a 1799 Nicola Gagliano Violin, on extended loan to him; and a bow by T. Baker, awarded to him by J&A Beare.