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«Meet the artist» Pablo Sáinz-Villegas

Artist portrait

Veröffentlicht: 01/07/2026

Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas captivates audiences worldwide with his stirring musicality and virtuoso technique, carrying on the tradition of classical guitar in a truly impressive manner. On 11 July, he will be performing as part of the «Fiesta Española» in Grafenegg, promising an unforgettable evening of concert music full of rich timbres and emotion.

Get to know Pablo Sáinz-Villegas a little better! In an exclusive interview, he talks about his artistic work and offers fascinating insights into the concert in Grafenegg.

«What I hope visitors experience in Grafenegg is not simply a concert, but a moment of connection. The setting is extraordinary, the music is extraordinary, and I look forward to sharing an evening of beauty, emotion and celebration together.»

Pablo Sáinz-Villegas über «Fiesta Española»

6 questions to Pablo Sáinz-Villegas

You are hailed as the «global ambassador of the Spanish guitar», the successor to Andrés Segovia, and a «master of the guitar». What do such descriptions mean to you personally?

Was bedeuten Ihnen solche Beschreibungen persönlich?

I receive such descriptions with gratitude and responsibility. Andrés Segovia opened a path that transformed the history of our instrument. To be mentioned in the same conversation is something I never take for granted. What matters most to me is not a title, but the possibility of touching people’s hearts through music and sharing the beauty, poetry and humanity that the guitar can express. In the end, music is not about us; it is about the connection we create with others and giving the best of ourselves.

You have performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic, under conductors such as Riccardo Muti and Kirill Petrenko.

What does it mean for the guitar to be featured on these stages, and what role do you believe the instrument can play in the orchestral world today?

For me, every time the guitar appears on the stage of a great orchestra, it is a celebration not only of the instrument itself, but of its ability to connect cultures and people. The guitar has often been associated with intimacy and smaller venues, yet it possesses an extraordinary expressive range that can speak just as powerfully in the symphonic world.

Performing with orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or the Berlin Philharmonic, and working with conductors like Riccardo Muti and Kirill Petrenko, has shown me how naturally the guitar can contribute its unique voice to the orchestral palette. Its sound brings a sense of intimacy, warmth and humanity that complements the grandeur of the orchestra in a very special way.

I also feel a responsibility to continue expanding the guitar’s presence in major concert halls. Thanks to pioneers such as Andrés Segovia, the instrument found its place on the world's great stages. Today, through new commissions, collaborations and performances, we have the opportunity to continue building on that legacy and introducing audiences to the remarkable depth and beauty of the guitar.

Ultimately, I believe the guitar has a unique ability to remind us that even within the largest musical forces, it is often the most intimate voice that speaks most directly to the heart.

From performances at Carnegie Hall to concerts in front of more than 85,000 people at the Santiago Bernabéu: you have performed in over 40 countries and collaborated with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

How have these international experiences shaped your musical expression?

Wie haben diese internationalen Erfahrungen Ihren musikalischen Ausdruck geprägt?

Traveling the world through music has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Every country, every audience and every collaboration has taught me something new about human nature and about myself.

What has struck me most is that while cultures may differ, emotions are universal. Whether performing in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Buenos Aires or a small village in Spain, I have witnessed how music speaks directly to the heart. These experiences have made me a more open and curious musician. They have encouraged me to listen more deeply, to embrace different perspectives and to search for greater authenticity in my own voice.

I believe that every encounter leaves a trace in my artistic expression. The musician I am today is the sum of thousands of conversations, friendships, performances and shared moments across the world.

You have recorded a duo album with Plácido Domingo, YoYo-Ma or John Williams.

What do you take away from such encounters with other great artists for your own music-making?

Working with great artists is always a lesson in humanity as much as in music. What inspires me most is not only their extraordinary talent, but their commitment, generosity and passion.

All these artists, possess an incredible ability to communicate emotion with sincerity and vulnerability. Being in the presence of artists of that caliber reminds me that technique is only a tool. What truly reaches an audience is authenticity.

I have been fortunate to collaborate with remarkable musicians throughout my career, and each encounter has reinforced the same lesson: music is ultimately about listening and being in the moment. Listening to others, listening to ourselves and listening to what the music is asking us to say in that particular moment.

In 2006, you founded the charitable project «The Legacy of Music Without Borders», which has already reached over 45,000 children and young people.

In your opinion, what role can music play in bringing people together and driving social change?

I believe music has the unique ability to remind us of our shared humanity. It transcends language, culture, politics and social circumstances. It allows us to see one another not through our differences, but through our common emotions.

When a child discovers music, something profound happens. Music nurtures creativity, discipline, confidence, empathy and hope. It teaches us to listen, and listening is one of the foundations of a more compassionate society.

Through The Legacy of Music Without Borders, I have witnessed how music can transform lives and create opportunities where they did not previously exist. I do not believe music alone can solve all the world’s challenges, but it can help us imagine a better future and inspire us to build it together.

What can visitors to your performance on 11 July in Grafenegg look forward to?

Are there any particular moments in the «Concierto de Aranjuez» that mean a lot to you personally?

The «Concierto de Aranjuez» is one of the great treasures of the musical repertoire. Every time I perform it, I feel as though I am rediscovering it. It contains joy, nostalgia, beauty, mystery and a profound sense of humanity.

For me, one of the most moving moments is the Adagio. There is a timeless quality to that music that speaks directly to the soul. It is a reminder of both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. Every performance becomes a unique emotional journey shared with the audience.

What I hope visitors experience in Grafenegg is not simply a concert, but a moment of connection. The setting is extraordinary, the music is extraordinary, and I look forward to sharing an evening of beauty, emotion and celebration together.