BIOGRAPHY
Winner of the Naxos Recording Prize at the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, Franco Platino’s debut recording, “Guitar Recital,” received rave reviews by music magazines worldwide. The American Record Guide described him as “an extremely expressive player, his virtuosity is apparent but never pushed“ and the prestigious Gramophone magazine wrote: “This is one of the finest records of guitar playing I have encountered in many years. It is of star quality in every respect”.
Platino has performed in recitals and as a guest soloist with orchestras in Europe, Canada, and Mexico, as well as throughout the United States in such venues as the Herbst Theater for San Francisco Performances and at Carnegie Hall in New York.
As a chamber musician, Platino has worked with a wide range of distinguished artists, most notably with Manuel Barrueco, with whom he toured extensively in duo throughout Europe in renowned festivals such as the Echternach Music Festival in Luxembourg; Rheingau Musik Festival in Germany; Oporto International Guitar Festival in Portugal and Cordoba International Guitar Festival in Spain. Their concerts were broadcast on radio in Germany and Italy, and in the United States they performed live on NPR’s “Performance Today.”
Their performances were hailed as a “musical symbiosis” and Reinbeker Zeitung in Germany called their performance, “Guitar at its best”. ABC newspaper in Spain said "Virtuosity in abundance on both guitars”, and Trierisher Volksfreund in Luxembourg said their performance was: "Like four hands on one imaginary gigantic guitar, they played as though they were one man".
The duo recorded some of the repertoire’s most spectacular and breathtaking works on a recording called “Virtuoso Guitar Duos,” released on Tonar Music. Other recordings include Platino’s performance of Robert Beaser’s Mountain Songs with flutist Susan Glaser on the Koch International was hailed by UK’s Classical Guitar Magazine as “guitar playing at its best”. In addition, he recorded Liebermann’s Sonata for Flute and Guitar with flutist Alexa Still, also for the Koch International.
A highly sought-after teacher, Franco Platino is guitar faculty at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University as well as the Peabody Preparatory. His students regularly win top prizes at prestigious competitions. Devoted to teaching at the highest level, he has given master classes at conservatories and guitar festivals around the world. Since the early 2000’s, he has been the substitute teacher for Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory.
Born in Sardegna, Italy, Platino began to play the guitar at the age of ten. Six years later he made his debut for the Italian television station RAI, performing in a series of live broadcasts, which reached an audience in excess of eight million people. Platino went on to win top prizes in every national and international competition he entered.
A graduate with high honors from the Conservatorio Statale di Musica G. P. da Palestrina in Italy, Platino completed the Graduate Performance Diploma and the distinguished Artist Diploma programs at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University with Manuel Barrueco.
Platino has performed in recitals and as a guest soloist with orchestras in Europe, Canada, and Mexico, as well as throughout the United States in such venues as the Herbst Theater for San Francisco Performances and at Carnegie Hall in New York.
As a chamber musician, Platino has worked with a wide range of distinguished artists, most notably with Manuel Barrueco, with whom he toured extensively in duo throughout Europe in renowned festivals such as the Echternach Music Festival in Luxembourg; Rheingau Musik Festival in Germany; Oporto International Guitar Festival in Portugal and Cordoba International Guitar Festival in Spain. Their concerts were broadcast on radio in Germany and Italy, and in the United States they performed live on NPR’s “Performance Today.”
Their performances were hailed as a “musical symbiosis” and Reinbeker Zeitung in Germany called their performance, “Guitar at its best”. ABC newspaper in Spain said "Virtuosity in abundance on both guitars”, and Trierisher Volksfreund in Luxembourg said their performance was: "Like four hands on one imaginary gigantic guitar, they played as though they were one man".
The duo recorded some of the repertoire’s most spectacular and breathtaking works on a recording called “Virtuoso Guitar Duos,” released on Tonar Music. Other recordings include Platino’s performance of Robert Beaser’s Mountain Songs with flutist Susan Glaser on the Koch International was hailed by UK’s Classical Guitar Magazine as “guitar playing at its best”. In addition, he recorded Liebermann’s Sonata for Flute and Guitar with flutist Alexa Still, also for the Koch International.
A highly sought-after teacher, Franco Platino is guitar faculty at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University as well as the Peabody Preparatory. His students regularly win top prizes at prestigious competitions. Devoted to teaching at the highest level, he has given master classes at conservatories and guitar festivals around the world. Since the early 2000’s, he has been the substitute teacher for Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory.
Born in Sardegna, Italy, Platino began to play the guitar at the age of ten. Six years later he made his debut for the Italian television station RAI, performing in a series of live broadcasts, which reached an audience in excess of eight million people. Platino went on to win top prizes in every national and international competition he entered.
A graduate with high honors from the Conservatorio Statale di Musica G. P. da Palestrina in Italy, Platino completed the Graduate Performance Diploma and the distinguished Artist Diploma programs at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University with Manuel Barrueco.
"Platino's interpretation will stand as a high standard for any musician." - Guitar Review, USA
"An extremely expressive player, his virtuosity is apparent but never pushed. - American Record Guide, USA
"Technical difficulties seem to be nonexistent for him. His interpretation will suck you in." - Klassik Heute, Germany
"Flawless technique and sensitive, involved nuance." - Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, USA
"Platino brought an unfailingly elegant sense of phrasing as well a beguiling rhythmic elasticity. All evening Platino communicated deeply with the guitar, made it sing and sigh." - Baltimore Sun, USA
"Platino delighted the public with a solid, diamond-like performance." - Seicorde, Italy
"Platino's playing is certainly far from ordinary. He is consistently musical and technically in command regardless of the circumstances." - Soundboard, USA
"The Scarlatti's stylistic flow, the elegance and fluency of the Bach, and the expressiveness of the Mertz and Barrios are excellent." - Gendai Guitar, Japan
"Performances absolutely on focus, unquestionably professional in the impeccable cascades of notes discharged with complete ease and clarity. As a matter of fact, the first and most striking merit of this guitarist is the dominion of the instrument, his technical mastery." - Seicorde, Italy
"An extremely expressive player, his virtuosity is apparent but never pushed. - American Record Guide, USA
"Technical difficulties seem to be nonexistent for him. His interpretation will suck you in." - Klassik Heute, Germany
"Flawless technique and sensitive, involved nuance." - Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, USA
"Platino brought an unfailingly elegant sense of phrasing as well a beguiling rhythmic elasticity. All evening Platino communicated deeply with the guitar, made it sing and sigh." - Baltimore Sun, USA
"Platino delighted the public with a solid, diamond-like performance." - Seicorde, Italy
"Platino's playing is certainly far from ordinary. He is consistently musical and technically in command regardless of the circumstances." - Soundboard, USA
"The Scarlatti's stylistic flow, the elegance and fluency of the Bach, and the expressiveness of the Mertz and Barrios are excellent." - Gendai Guitar, Japan
"Performances absolutely on focus, unquestionably professional in the impeccable cascades of notes discharged with complete ease and clarity. As a matter of fact, the first and most striking merit of this guitarist is the dominion of the instrument, his technical mastery." - Seicorde, Italy
TEACHING
Please inquire to study with Franco Platino.
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Franco Platino ignites the musical passion of students at every level. As faculty at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University as well as the Peabody Preparatory, he nurtures talent from first steps to virtuoso heights. His dedication extends beyond Baltimore, inspiring students through masterclasses at renowned institutions worldwide. Since 2000, he has also been the trusted substitute for Manuel Barrueco at Peabody, showcasing his exceptional ability to guide and inspire.
Franco's commitment goes beyond technical mastery; he is passionate about helping students discover their unique musical voices and unlock their full potential. His teaching philosophy revolves around instilling a high level of artistry and technical expertise in his students while fostering creativity, confidence, problem-solving skills, effective goal-setting, and practice strategies.
Believing in the transformative power of music for self-expression and personal growth, Franco tailors his teaching approach to each student's learning style and individual needs. He sees every student as possessing something unique and strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment where they can comfortably take risks and explore new musical horizons.
Under Franco's guidance, students emerge as confident, self-directed musicians, driven by a passion for music and a thirst for continuous learning and growth. They evolve into well-rounded guitarists, seamlessly blending artistry with precision, and are equipped to achieve their musical aspirations – be it winning competitions, becoming accomplished performers, or pursuing personal musical goals.
Selected Student Achievements:
1st Prize London International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize King’s Peak International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize Music and Stars Awards - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Fanny Mendelssohn International Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize World Open Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Marlin Engel Solo Instrumental Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
Top Gold Medal Winner Quebec International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
Absolute 1st Prize World Grand Prix International Music Contest - Sofie Dardzinski
Best Interpration/Composer Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
2nd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
3rd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Junior Division - Sofie Dardzinski
3rd Prize Nouvelle Etoiles International Online Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Junior Division - Bethan Bray
1st Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
Grand Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Quebec International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Elite International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Kings Peak International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
2nd Prize Canadian International Music Competition, Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize King’s Peak International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize Elite International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
2nd Prize American Classical Musician Youth Award - Sofie Dardzinski
2nd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Bethan Bray
3rd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
3rd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Bethan Bray
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Amanie Oubrahim
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Amanie Oubrahim
2nd Prize Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize Boston GuitarFest International Youth Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize Levine Music Classical Guitar Video Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Amanie Oubrahim
2nd Prize Community Favorite Levine Music Classical Guitar Video Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize East Carolina University Classical Guitar Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize Salisbury University Guitar Festival and Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Robbie Belson
Best Interpration/Composer Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Amanie Oubrahim
1st Prize Marlin Engel Solo Instrumental Competition - Robbie Belson
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Robbie Belson
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Robbie Belson
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Robbie Belson
3rd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competitionr, Youth Division - Patrick Hoeppner
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Patrick Hoeppner
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Nicole Bonan
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Patrick Hoeppner
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Nicole Bonan
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Christopher Moy
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Christopher Moy
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Aiden Cole Pillard
From The Top, NPR, and Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award - Matar-Itai Batyonathan
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Scott Zimmermann
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Scott Zimmermann
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Christopher Moy
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Matar-Itai Batyonathan
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Simon Gigli
Franco's commitment goes beyond technical mastery; he is passionate about helping students discover their unique musical voices and unlock their full potential. His teaching philosophy revolves around instilling a high level of artistry and technical expertise in his students while fostering creativity, confidence, problem-solving skills, effective goal-setting, and practice strategies.
Believing in the transformative power of music for self-expression and personal growth, Franco tailors his teaching approach to each student's learning style and individual needs. He sees every student as possessing something unique and strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment where they can comfortably take risks and explore new musical horizons.
Under Franco's guidance, students emerge as confident, self-directed musicians, driven by a passion for music and a thirst for continuous learning and growth. They evolve into well-rounded guitarists, seamlessly blending artistry with precision, and are equipped to achieve their musical aspirations – be it winning competitions, becoming accomplished performers, or pursuing personal musical goals.
Selected Student Achievements:
1st Prize London International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize King’s Peak International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize Music and Stars Awards - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Fanny Mendelssohn International Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize World Open Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Marlin Engel Solo Instrumental Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
Top Gold Medal Winner Quebec International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
Absolute 1st Prize World Grand Prix International Music Contest - Sofie Dardzinski
Best Interpration/Composer Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
2nd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
3rd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Junior Division - Sofie Dardzinski
3rd Prize Nouvelle Etoiles International Online Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Junior Division - Bethan Bray
1st Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
Grand Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Quebec International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Elite International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
1st Prize Kings Peak International Music Competition - Damian Gadiyak
2nd Prize Canadian International Music Competition, Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize King’s Peak International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
1st Prize Elite International Music Competition - Sofie Dardzinski
2nd Prize American Classical Musician Youth Award - Sofie Dardzinski
2nd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Bethan Bray
3rd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Damian Gadiyak
3rd Prize MGI Youth Guitar Competition, Youth Division - Bethan Bray
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Amanie Oubrahim
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Amanie Oubrahim
2nd Prize Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize Boston GuitarFest International Youth Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize Levine Music Classical Guitar Video Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Amanie Oubrahim
2nd Prize Community Favorite Levine Music Classical Guitar Video Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize East Carolina University Classical Guitar Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize Salisbury University Guitar Festival and Competition - Katie Cho
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Robbie Belson
Best Interpration/Composer Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Amanie Oubrahim
1st Prize Marlin Engel Solo Instrumental Competition - Robbie Belson
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Robbie Belson
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Robbie Belson
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Robbie Belson
3rd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competitionr, Youth Division - Patrick Hoeppner
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Patrick Hoeppner
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Nicole Bonan
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Patrick Hoeppner
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Nicole Bonan
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Christopher Moy
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Christopher Moy
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Scott Zimmermann
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Aiden Cole Pillard
From The Top, NPR, and Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award - Matar-Itai Batyonathan
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Scott Zimmermann
Grand Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Scott Zimmermann
1st Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Senior Division - Christopher Moy
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Junior Division - Matar-Itai Batyonathan
2nd Prize John and Susie Beatty Music Scholarship Competition, Youth Division - Simon Gigli
VIRTUOSO GUITAR DUOS
Manuel Barrueco & Franco Platino
Guitar duos by Ibert, Falla, Albeniz, Granados, Rodrigo, Piazzolla, Assad
Tonar Music TON-CD-VGD1
Manuel Barrueco & Franco Platino
Guitar duos by Ibert, Falla, Albeniz, Granados, Rodrigo, Piazzolla, Assad
Tonar Music TON-CD-VGD1
"Guitar at its Best."
Reinbeker Zeitung, Germany
"Barrueco and Platino gave a sample of their perfect technique, their pure style and their mutual understanding, which brought about a personal and musical symbiosis. -La Cronica - Cordoba- Spain
"Like four hands on one imaginary gigantic guitar, they played as though they were one man. The seamless-ness of their musical unity was so complete that over long stretches it seemed almost academic."
Trierisher Volksfreund, Luxemourg
"Virtuosity was in abundance on both guitars, asserting the influence and relevance of classical music." -ABC - Spain
"Both concert artists sparkled with elegance in the whole repertoire" -La Cronica - Cordoba- Spain
"Truly a fruitful collaboration between Barrueco and Platino, resulting in the biggest instrumental cohesion and absolute sound control." -Diario Cordoba - Spain
Reinbeker Zeitung, Germany
"Barrueco and Platino gave a sample of their perfect technique, their pure style and their mutual understanding, which brought about a personal and musical symbiosis. -La Cronica - Cordoba- Spain
"Like four hands on one imaginary gigantic guitar, they played as though they were one man. The seamless-ness of their musical unity was so complete that over long stretches it seemed almost academic."
Trierisher Volksfreund, Luxemourg
"Virtuosity was in abundance on both guitars, asserting the influence and relevance of classical music." -ABC - Spain
"Both concert artists sparkled with elegance in the whole repertoire" -La Cronica - Cordoba- Spain
"Truly a fruitful collaboration between Barrueco and Platino, resulting in the biggest instrumental cohesion and absolute sound control." -Diario Cordoba - Spain
GUITAR RECITAL
Franco Platino
Works by Bach, Scarlatti, Rodrigo, Mertz, Ponce, Barrios
Naxos 8.554344
Franco Platino
Works by Bach, Scarlatti, Rodrigo, Mertz, Ponce, Barrios
Naxos 8.554344
"This is one of the finest records of guitar playing I have encountered in many years. It is of star quality in every respect and, given the stylistic range and difficulty of the music, that is an accolade not to be taken lightly." - Gramophone, UK, John Duarte
"Franco Platino expresses his superiority very clearly, by choosing high level masterpieces for this CD, the kind of pieces that present the ultimate limit to the repertoire of most guitarists." - Gitarre & Laute, Germany
"Confidence and sensitivity come together here in a presence that communicates energy and emotion - what else could we ask for?" - Les Cahiers de la Guitare et de la Musique, France
"The superb new recording by Franco Platino is full of life. His Scarlatti is bright and sparkling, his Bach shows his depth and understanding of the music, and his Rodrigo brings out his virtuosity. Franco is a brilliant young player who has reached maturity early in his life. He is an exciting new star in the guitar world." - David Russell
"Franco Platino expresses his superiority very clearly, by choosing high level masterpieces for this CD, the kind of pieces that present the ultimate limit to the repertoire of most guitarists." - Gitarre & Laute, Germany
"Confidence and sensitivity come together here in a presence that communicates energy and emotion - what else could we ask for?" - Les Cahiers de la Guitare et de la Musique, France
"The superb new recording by Franco Platino is full of life. His Scarlatti is bright and sparkling, his Bach shows his depth and understanding of the music, and his Rodrigo brings out his virtuosity. Franco is a brilliant young player who has reached maturity early in his life. He is an exciting new star in the guitar world." - David Russell
MOUNTAIN SONGS
Susan Glaser (flute); Franco Platino (guitar); Kari Paulnack (piano)
Works for flute and guitar, and flute and piano by Robert Beaser and Amanda Harberg
Koch International Classics KIC-CD-7533
Susan Glaser (flute); Franco Platino (guitar); Kari Paulnack (piano)
Works for flute and guitar, and flute and piano by Robert Beaser and Amanda Harberg
Koch International Classics KIC-CD-7533
"This is guitar playing at its best, musically alert, sensitive to the flute's demands, able to apply the player's own considerable powers of imagination." - Classical Guitar, UK
LIEBERMANN
Five Pieces from Album of the Young; Sonata for flute & Guitar; Eight Pieces
Alexa Still (flute); Franco Platino (guitar); David Korevaar (piano)
Koch International Classics KIC-CD-7549
Five Pieces from Album of the Young; Sonata for flute & Guitar; Eight Pieces
Alexa Still (flute); Franco Platino (guitar); David Korevaar (piano)
Koch International Classics KIC-CD-7549
I MAESTRI DELLA CHITARRA
A reprint of Guitar Recital (Naxos) annexed to the October-December 2004 issue of the Italian guitar magazine Seicorde
Michelangeli Editore - SEI 081
http://www.seicorde.it/seicorde/n81.php
A reprint of Guitar Recital (Naxos) annexed to the October-December 2004 issue of the Italian guitar magazine Seicorde
Michelangeli Editore - SEI 081
http://www.seicorde.it/seicorde/n81.php
