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Sharon Isbin
Sharon Isbin
Sharon Isbin
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Key Information

Sharon Isbin is a multiple GRAMMY Award-winning American classical guitarist and the founder and director of the guitar department at the Juilliard School.[1][2]

Personal life and education

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Sharon Isbin was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Katherine Brudnoy, an attorney,[3] and Herbert S. Isbin,[4] a nuclear scientist and professor at the University of Minnesota.[5] She began her guitar studies at the age of nine with Aldo Minella in Varese, Italy.[6] She later studied with Jeffrey Van, Sophocles Papas, Andrés Segovia, Oscar Ghiglia, Alirio Díaz, and for 10 years with keyboard artist and Bach scholar Rosalyn Tureck.

She received a B.A. cum laude from Yale University and a Master of Music (M.M.) from the Yale School of Music.

She began practicing the Transcendental Meditation at age 17.[7]

Career

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Performing and recording

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In 2005, Isbin performed the world premiere with Steve Vai of his Blossom Suite composed for her at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Her initial crossover collaborations included Brazilian guitarist Laurindo Almeida and jazz guitarist Larry Coryell. In 2014, she performed a 20-city Guitar Passions tour with jazz musicians Stanley Jordan and Romero Lubambo.

In 2015, she performed with Josh Groban on the PBS Billy Joel: Gershwin Prize concert,[8] and was featured on the Tavis Smiley PBS television series in February 2015.[9]

On November 5, 2015, the David Lynch Foundation organized a benefit concert at New York City's Carnegie Hall named "Change Begins Within," to promote transcendental meditation for stress control. Sharon Isbin participated alongside Katy Perry, Sting, Jerry Seinfeld, Angelique Kidjo, and Jim James.[10]

Teaching and other work

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In 1989, Isbin established the Master of Music degree, Graduate Diploma, and Artist Diploma programs for classical guitar at the Juilliard School, and later added Bachelor of Music and DMA degree programs to the department. She is the founding director and faculty of the Juilliard School's guitar department.[11]

Isbin is the author of the Classical Guitar Answer Book and serves as the director of the Guitar Department at the Aspen Music Festival which she created in 1993.[12]

Awards and nominations

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Awards and Recognitions

  • Won first prize at the Toronto Guitar Competition (1975)
  • Won the Munich ARD International Music Competition (1976)
  • A winner of the Madrid Queen Sofia International Competition (1979)
  • Concert Artists Guild Virtuoso Award (2013)
  • Germany's Echo Klassik Award (2002)
  • Musical America Worldwide Instrumentalist of the Year (2020)
  • JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)[13]
  • Guitar Foundation of America HALL OF FAME and Artistic Achievement Award (2023) [14]

In 2020, Isbin became the first guitarist named Musical America's Instrumentalist of the Year.[15] She was also the first guitarist to win the Munich ARD International Competition. She received a 1999 Grammy nomination for "Best Classical Crossover Album" for her recording Journey to the Amazon. She played on Aaron Jay Kernis' Double Concerto with violinist Cho-Liang Lin and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. This album received a Grammy nomination in 2000 for "Best Contemporary Classical Composition" for Kernis' Air for Violin.

Isbin won a Grammy in 2001 for her album Dreams of a World: Folk-Inspired Music for Guitar (Warner Classics), becoming the first classical guitarist to win a Grammy in 28 years. On September 11, 2002, Isbin performed for the memorial tribute at Ground Zero, which was televised live throughout the world on international networks. Her recording of world premiere concertos written for her by Christopher Rouse and Tan Dun won a Grammy in 2002. She received a 2005 Latin Grammy nomination for "Best Classical Album" and a 2006 GLAAD Media Award nomination for "Outstanding Music Artist" for her recording of Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the New York Philharmonic. The recording also featured concertos by Mexican composer Manuel Ponce and Brazilian Heitor Villa-Lobos. Isbin was the first guitar soloist to perform with the New York Philharmonic in 26 years; this was the orchestra's first-ever recording with the guitar.

In November 2009, Isbin performed at the White House by invitation of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.[16]

In 2010, Isbin won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist for her CD, Journey to the New World (Sony) in which Joan Baez and Mark O'Connor performed with her as guests. The album spent 63 consecutive weeks on Billboard charts and ranked as the number one bestselling classical CD on Amazon and iTunes during that time.

The PBS American Public Television documentary Sharon Isbin: Troubadour won the 2015 ASCAP Television Broadcast Award and has aired internationally and on more than 200 PBS stations across the U.S. [17]

Awards

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Grammy

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Source:[18]

  • 1999: Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover Album, Journey to the Amazon
  • 2000: Grammy nomination, Kernis: Double Concerto for Violin and Guitar with Cho-Liang Lin and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
  • 2001: Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist, Dreams of a World
  • 2002: Grammy Award for Rouse: Concert de Gaudi
  • 2005: Latin Grammy nomination for Best Classical Album, Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del Sur with the New York Philharmonic
  • 2010: Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist, Journey to the New World

Other awards

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  • Toronto Guitar competition, first prize, 1975
  • Winner Munich ARD International Music Competition, 1976
  • Madrid Queen Sofia International Competition, 1979
  • Echo Klassik Award, Winner Best Concert Recording, 2002
  • Best Classical Guitarist, Guitar Player magazine
  • Concert Artists Guild Virtuoso Award, 2013
  • ASCAP Television Broadcast Award, 2015
  • Little Orchestra Society's Artistic Excellence Award, 2019
  • Musical America 2020 Instrumentalist of the Year Award
  • Guitar Foundation of America HALL OF FAME and Artistic Achievement Award, 2023

Discography

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Compact Discs (CDs)
Date Title Label Catalog number Format Total Playing Time Notes
1978 Sharon Isbin Classical Guitar Sound Environment TR-1010 1 LP Music by Brouwer, Ponce, Sor, Lauro, Albeniz
1980 Sharon Isbin Classical Guitar Vol. II Sound Environment TR-1013 1 LP Music by Bach, Britten, Brouwer
1981 Sharon Isbin Spanish Works for Guitar Denon OF-7012-ND 1 LP With Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony; music by Tarrega, Sainz de la Maza, Rodrigo "Concierto de Aranjuez"
1981 Sharon Isbin Guitar Recital Denon OX-7224-ND 1 LP Music by Dodgson, MacCombie, Scarlatti, Bach
1984 Dances for Guitar Pro Arte CDD 343 1 CD/LP Music by Barrios Mangore, Rodrigo, Lauro, Vianna, Savio, Turina, Granados, Castelnuovo-Tedesco
1985 3 Guitars 3 Pro Arte CDD 235 1 CD/LP With Larry Coryell and Laurindo Almeida; music by Nazareth, Gnattali, de Falla, Almeida, Rodrigo, Coryell
1987 Brazil, With Love Concord CCD-4320 1 CD/LP With Carlos Barbosa-Lima; music by Jobim, Nazareth, Vianna
1988 Rhapsody in Blue/West Side Story Concord CCD-42012 1 CD/LP With Carlos Barbosa-Lima; music by Gershwin and Bernstein
1989 J.S. Bach Complete Lute Suites EMI/Virgin Classics VC 7 90712-2 1 CD (DDD) 78:45 Sharon Isbin performs landmark editions for guitar created in collaboration with Rosalyn Tureck
1990 Road to the Sun EMI/Virgin Classics VC 7-59591-2 1 CD Music by Sainz de la Maza, Rodrigo, Barrios Mangore, Abreu, Jobim, Tarrega, Brouwer, Villa-Lobos, Albeniz
1991 Love Songs & Lullabies EMI/Virgin Classics VC 7-91750-2 1 CD With soprano Benita Valente, baritone Thomas Allen, organic percussionist Thiago de Mello
1991 Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez EMI/Virgin Classics 07777-59024-2 1 CD Sharon Isbin with Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne conducted by Lawrence Foster in Rodrigo Fantasia para un gentilhombre, Concierto de Aranjuez and Vivaldi Concerto in D Major
1994 Nightshade Rounds EMI/Virgin Classics VC 5 45024 2 1 CD (DDD) Five bagatelles/ William Walton (13:54) – Nightshade rounds / Bruce MacCombie (10:06) – Preludes for piano/ George Gershwin;arr. Carlos Barbosa-Lima (5:48) – Clocks/ Joan Tower (9:07) – Folk song from English suite : op. 31/ John W. Duarte (4:20) – Nocturnal : op. 70/ Benjamin Britten (17:53).
1995 American Landscapes EMI/Angel 72435-67672-2 1 CD (DDD) With Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra conducted by Hugh Wolff. World premiere recording of concertos written for Sharon Isbin by John Corigliano, Joseph Schwantner and Lukas Foss.
1995 Black Topaz New World Records 9322-80470-2 1 CD With flutist Carol Wincenc performing world premiere recording of Snow Dreams by Joan Tower written for Isbin and Wincenc.
1995 The Slatkin Years: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra LSC LSC 51204 1 CD Sharon Isbin and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin—World Premiere live in concert January 1988 of Joseph Schwantner From Afar...A Fantasy for Guitar & Orchestra commissioned by SLSO for Sharon Isbin
1997 Journey to the Amazon Warner Classics 0630-19899-2 1 CD With Paul Winter, and Gaudencio Thiago de Mello. Music by Almeida, Lauro, Barrios Mangore, Thiago de Mello, Montana, Savio, Brouwer, Canonico, Vianna. 1999 GRAMMY Nomination
1998 Wayfaring Stranger Warner Classics 3984-23419-2 1 CD With mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer, music by Schubert, Seiber, Niles, Sainz de la Maza, Rodrigo, Granados, Martini, Tarrega,
1999 Ami Maayani: Viola & Guitar Concerti FONS FONS 36-2007 1 CD Sharon Isbin with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kazuhiro Koizumi—Live in Concert in Jerusalem November 1979
1999 Kernis Double Concerto for Violin & Guitar Decca/Argo 289-460226-2 1 CD With violinist Cho-Liang Lin and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra conducted by Hugh Wolff. World premiere recording of concerto written for Sharon Isbin by Aaron Jay Kernis.
1999 Dreams of a World Warner Classics 3984-25736-2 1 CD (DDD) Folk-inspired Music for Guitar. 8 World Premieres; Music from Appalachia, Ireland, Greece, Israel, Spain, Cuba, Venezuela and Brazil. 2001 GRAMMY AWARD
2001 Rouse: Concert de Gaudí/Tan Dun: Guitar Concerto Yi2 Warner Classics 8573-81830-2 1 CD (DDD) With the Gulbenkian Orchestra conducted by Muhai Tang. World premiere recording of concertos written for Sharon Isbin. 2002 GRAMMY AWARD, ECHO KLASSIK AWARD
2002 Sharon Isbin's Greatest Hits Warner Classics 2435-62075-5 2 CDs Rodrigo, Vivaldi, Bach, Albeniz, Barrios, Villa-Lobos, Foss
2003 Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar Warner Classics 0927-45312-2 1 CD With the Zurich Chamber Orchestra and Howard Griffiths (conductor), music by Bach, Vivaldi, Albinoni
2004 Sharon Isbin – Artist Portrait Warner Classics 2564-61591-2 1 CD Music by Vivaldi, Bach, Rodrigo, Sainz de la Maza, Lauro, Almeida, Thiago de Mello, Niles, Tan Dun, Albinoni, Takemitsu, Tarrega, Martini, Schubert, Rouse
2005 Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur Warner Classics 2564-60296-2 1 CD With the New York Philharmonic conducted by José Serebrier. 2005 LATIN GRAMMY Nomination
2006 The Departed New Line 39078 1 CD Howard Shore's soundtrack to Martin Scorsese's Academy Award-winning film. 2008 GRAMMY Nomination
2009 Journey to the New World Sony Classical 88697-45456-2 1 CD Guest artists: folk singer Joan Baez and violinist Mark O'Connor. 2010 GRAMMY AWARD
2011 Sharon Isbin & Friends: Guitar Passions Sony Classical 88697-84219-2 1 CD Guest artists: Steve Vai, Stanley Jordan, Nancy Wilson, Steve Morse, Romero Lubambo, Rosa Passos, Thiago de Mello, Paul Winter
2011 Sharon Isbin - Great Masterworks of the Guitar Warner Classics 50999-083412-2 4 CDs Rodrigo Concerti, Schwantner Concerto, Nightshade Rounds, Romances for Guitar, JS Bach Complete Lute Suites
2014 Sharon Isbin: 5 Classic Albums Warner Classics 2564-62436-4 5 CDs Journey to the Amazon, Dreams of a World, Baroque Favorites, Rouse-Tan Dun Concertos, Rodrigo/Villa-Lobos/Ponce Concertos with New York Philharmonic
2015 Sharon Isbin: Troubadour Video Artists International DVD 4580 Blu-ray 8202 Award-winning documentary presented by American Public Television. Guests include Joan Baez, First Lady Michelle Obama, Martina Navratilova, Garrison Keillor, Steve Vai, Stanley Jordan, Mark O'Connor, John Corigliano, Christopher Rouse, Tan Dun, Joan Tower, Romero Lubambo, David Hyde Pierce, Janis Ian & more. WINNER 2015 ASCAP TELEVISION BROADCAST AWARD
2017 Alma Española: Isabel Leonard & Sharon Isbin Bridge Records 9491 1 CD Composers: Federico García Lorca, Joaquín Rodrigo, Agustín Lara, Manuel de Falla, Xavier Montsalvatge, Francisco Tárrega, Enrique Granados
2019 Souvenirs of Spain & Italy: Sharon Isbin & Pacifica Quartet Cedille Records CDR 90000 190 1 CD Composers: Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Vivaldi, Turina, Boccherini
2020 AFFINITY: World Premiere Recordings Zoho Music ZM 202005 1 CD Guest artists: Maryland Symphony Orchestra & conductor Elizabeth Schulze; Isabel Leonard, voice; Colin Davin, guitar
2020 STRINGS FOR PEACE: Premieres for Guitar & Sarod Zoho Music ZM 202004 1 CD Sharon Isbin with Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, sarods; Amit Kavthekar, tabla
2024 LIVE IN ASPEN: Recorded Live in Concert at the Aspen Music Festival Zoho Music ZM 202405 1 CD Sharon Isbin with Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, sarods; Amit Kavthekar, tabla
2025 ROMÁNTICO KL2 KLM026 1 CD Sharon Isbin with Orchestra of St. Luke's & conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez

World Premiere recordings of Latin dance-inspired music for guitar by Karen LeFrak including her Miami Concerto for Guitar & Orchestra

References

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[edit]
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Sharon Isbin

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Sharon Isbin (born August 7, 1956) is an American classical guitarist acclaimed for her technical mastery, lyrical expressiveness, and pioneering expansions of the guitar's classical repertoire. Born in , , she began studying the guitar at age nine while living in and later trained under renowned masters including , Oscar Ghiglia, Alirio Díaz, Jeffrey Van, and , with whom she collaborated extensively on Bach's lute works. Isbin earned a B.A. cum laude in 1978 and a in 1979 from and the , where she also won the Gina Bachauer Memorial Scholarship. Throughout her career, Isbin has performed as a soloist with more than 200 orchestras worldwide across 40 countries and premiered nearly 100 new works by leading composers, significantly broadening the canon. She has appeared at prestigious venues and events, including the in 2009, alongside Sting in 2015, the in 2017, and the telecast in 2010, where she was the only classical artist featured. Her recordings exceed 40 albums, with over one million CDs sold and 30 million streams; notable releases include the Grammy-winning Dreams of a World (2001), Journey to the New World (2010) featuring , Alma Española (2018), and Romántico (2025). Isbin has received two Grammy Awards: in 2001 for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra) for Dreams of a World and in 2010 for the same category for Journey to the . She was the first named Musical America's Instrumentalist of the Year in 2020 and was inducted into the Guitar Foundation of America's Hall of Fame in 2023; earlier accolades include wins at the International Guitar Competition in 1975, the International Competition (ARD) in 1976, and the Concurso Internacional de Guitarra Reina Sofía in 1979, as well as Germany's Echo Klassik Award. In education, Isbin founded and has directed the guitar department at The Juilliard School since 1989, the first such program in its history, and serves as director of the guitar program at the . Her innovative teaching and advocacy have elevated the classical guitar's status in major conservatories and festivals, including her role as artistic director of the eclectra Guitar Festival at .

Early life and education

Early life

Sharon Isbin was born on August 7, 1956, in , , to a Jewish family of Russian and Polish immigrant heritage. Her father was a and at the , while her mother, a graduate and instructor, was a naturally gifted who exposed the family to diverse sounds. As one of four children, Isbin grew up in the suburb of St. Louis Park, initially showing a strong interest in science; she spent much of her childhood dissecting , building cloud chambers, and launching model , aspiring to become a rocket like her father. At age nine, Isbin's family relocated to , , for her father's year-long consulting . There, her older brother Ira briefly expressed interest in guitar lessons, leading their parents to arrange instruction with Aldo Minella, a renowned classical and former student of , who was performing across . When Ira lost interest upon learning the lessons would focus on classical rather than rock guitar—having been inspired by —Isbin eagerly took his place, beginning her studies with Minella and receiving a custom-sized guitar from a local . This serendipitous start ignited her passion; she practiced diligently for 20 minutes daily and performed in her first recital the following spring. Early influences included hearing recordings of , whose warm tone captivated her family and shifted their focus to , convincing young Isbin of its profound beauty and prompting her to envision a professional future in the instrument despite her scientific inclinations. Beyond music, Isbin's formative years were shaped by active outdoor pursuits and personal practices that fostered resilience and balance, including trekking, cross-country skiing, snorkeling, mountain hiking, and starting Transcendental Meditation at age 17 to manage stress and enhance focus. As a female entering the guitar world during this period, she encountered significant challenges in a male-dominated field, where traditions like flamenco reinforced gender barriers and few women served as role models, motivating her to practice even harder to prove her capabilities.

Education

Sharon Isbin graduated from in , where she had begun formal guitar studies earlier in her youth. Her early competition successes, including a first-prize win at the Toronto International Guitar Competition in 1975 shortly after her freshman year at , helped solidify her path toward advanced musical training. Isbin earned a B.A. cum laude in 1978 and a in 1979 from and the , where she won the Gina Bachauer Memorial Scholarship. During her time at Yale, she continued intensive studies with renowned teachers, including lessons with starting at age 14, summer sessions with Alirio Díaz, and guidance from Oscar Ghiglia, Jeffrey Van, and Sophocles Papas. In her final two undergraduate years, she collaborated closely with Bach specialist for a decade, focusing on Bach interpretation and suites. A pivotal milestone came in 1976 when Isbin won first prize at the ARD International Music Competition, becoming the first guitarist to claim victory in that category. She also pursued additional training at the Aspen Music Festival, studying for five summers with Oscar Ghiglia in a program that highlighted the male-dominated nature of at the time, where she was one of only two female students among fifty. These academic and mentorship experiences equipped her with the technical mastery and interpretive depth essential for her professional career.

Career

Performing

Sharon Isbin has established herself as a premier classical through extensive live performances as a soloist with over 200 orchestras worldwide. Her orchestral debuts include engagements with the , , and international ensembles such as the . These collaborations have spanned major symphonic works, showcasing her technical mastery and interpretive depth in concert settings. Isbin's live appearances have graced prestigious venues across 40 countries, including , the Kennedy Center, and in the United States, as well as London's , Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, and Paris' . Her global tours have reached audiences in , , , and beyond, often featuring sold-out recitals that highlight her command of the guitar in intimate and grand hall environments alike. Key collaborations have expanded Isbin's reach into crossover realms, including joint tours with folk icon , comedian and banjoist on shared programs, and sarod master in the "Strings for Peace" initiative, which blends Indian ragas with Western classical elements during international performances. These partnerships underscore her ability to bridge musical traditions through live improvisation and dialogue. Demonstrating versatility across classical, folk, and crossover genres, Isbin's performances have included unique events such as the 1995 Space Shuttle Atlantis launch, where her album American Landscapes was carried aboard and presented to Russian cosmonauts during a rendezvous with the Mir space station, symbolizing cultural exchange. Her repertoire in live settings ranges from Baroque concertos to contemporary premieres, adapting fluidly to diverse artistic contexts. In recent years, Isbin has continued her active touring schedule, performing with the Pacifica Quartet at the Institution's Lenna Hall on June 23, 2025, and headlining with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA at the Vancouver Arts in August 2025. These engagements reflect her ongoing commitment to and orchestral innovation. A 2024 live recording from the Aspen Music Festival captures one such dynamic performance.

Recordings

Sharon Isbin has released over 40 albums throughout her career, with more than one million CDs sold and over 30 million streams across various platforms. Her recordings span Baroque, Spanish, and 20th-century classical repertoire to innovative crossover projects, reflecting a stylistic evolution from pure classical solo works to genre-blending collaborations that incorporate Latin, jazz, and world music elements. This progression is evident in her notable albums, such as Alma Española (2017) with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, which explores Spanish art songs and earned a Grammy Award for its producer, David Frost. Early in her discography, Isbin's American Landscapes (1990) marked a milestone as the first recording of American guitar concerti, featuring works by composers such as , Joseph Schwantner, and ; the album was carried aboard the in 1995 and presented to Russian cosmonauts during a rendezvous with the . Her breakthrough crossover success came with Journey to the New World (2009), a Grammy-winning on that fused with folk and bluegrass influences through collaborations with and , achieving 63 consecutive weeks on the classical charts. These releases highlight Isbin's role in expanding the guitar's visibility in mainstream audiences, blending technical precision with accessible, narrative-driven programming. In recent years, Isbin's studio work has emphasized live captures and new commissions, as seen in Live in Aspen (2024, Zoho Music), a collaborative recording with sarod master and his sons, capturing an East-meets-West fusion performed at the Aspen . Her latest release, Romántico (2025, KL2), features world premiere recordings of Latin dance-inspired works by composer Karen LeFrak, including the Miami Concerto for guitar and , performed with the Orchestra of St. Luke's under Enrico Lopez-Yañez. Production-wise, Isbin has partnered with major labels such as for crossover hits like Journey to the New World and Teldec for earlier classical efforts including the Grammy-winning Dreams of a World (2000), allowing her to explore diverse sonic landscapes while maintaining high-fidelity classical standards.

Teaching

In 1989, Sharon Isbin founded and became the chair of the guitar department at , establishing the institution's first comprehensive program in its over 100-year history. Initially offering a degree, the program expanded under her direction to include a degree in 2011 and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2019, broadening access to guitar at the undergraduate and doctoral levels. Isbin's emphasizes technical mastery, historical context through courses like fretboard and guitar history, and the integration of new compositions to enrich the . Isbin also directs the guitar program at the , where she restarted the department in 1993 after having been a there in the late . This intensive four-week summer program provides performance classes and collaborative opportunities, attracting aspiring guitarists from around the world. Her teaching at both institutions draws s from over 20 countries, fostering a global perspective on guitar . Through her mentorship, Isbin has guided numerous alumni to success, including four first-prize winners of the Guitar Foundation of America's International Artist —Antigoni Goni, Kevin Gallagher, TY Zhang, and Bokyung Byun—as well as recipients of awards from Young Artists, Artists Guild, and the Career Grant. These graduates have advanced to prominent careers as performers, recording , and educators, extending Isbin's influence in the field. As an advocate for elevating the guitar within higher education, she conducts masterclasses and workshops worldwide, often highlighting the instrument's versatility across diverse musical traditions such as , Spanish and Latin American, 20th-century, and crossover styles. Her initiatives, including the authorship of The Answer Book, further support curriculum development and accessible learning resources for guitarists.

Awards and honors

Grammy Awards

Sharon Isbin has won two , both in the category of Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra), making her the first classical guitarist in over four decades to achieve multiple wins in this field. Her victories highlight her pioneering role in elevating the within mainstream recognition, with each album achieving significant commercial success on classical charts. In 2001, at the , Isbin received the award for her album Dreams of a World (Teldec), featuring folk-inspired works by composers such as Lauro, Ruiz-Pipo, and Duarte. This marked the first Grammy win for a classical in 28 years, underscoring the genre's breakthrough into broader acclaim and topping the classical charts ahead of releases by . The album's cultural impact lay in its fusion of global folk traditions with classical technique, expanding the instrument's repertoire and audience. Isbin's second win came in 2010, at the , for Journey to the New World (), a collaboration incorporating American folk elements with guests like . This achievement positioned her as the first classical guitarist in 43 years to secure a second Grammy, further cementing her influence amid the album's 63-week run on . The recording's success amplified the visibility of guitar in crossover contexts, blending historical and contemporary American music to resonate with diverse listeners.
YearCategoryAlbumLabel
2001Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra)Dreams of a WorldTeldec
2010Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra)Journey to the New World

Other awards

In 1976, Isbin became the first to win a prize at the , marking a significant early recognition in her career. Three years later, in 1979, she received second prize at the Queen Sofia International Music Competition, further establishing her prominence on the international stage. In 1981, she won first prize at the International Guitar Competition. Isbin has earned several other distinguished honors throughout her career, including Germany's Echo Klassik Award for Best Concert Recording in 2002 and magazine's Best Classical Guitarist award. In 2005, she received a Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album for her recording of works by and Villa-Lobos. The 2015 ASCAP Foundation / Television Broadcast Award was given to the documentary Sharon Isbin: Troubadour, recognizing its outstanding contribution to broadcasting. In 2020, Isbin was named Musical America Worldwide's Instrumentalist of the Year, the first guitarist to receive this honor in the award's 59-year history. Her accolades complement her two Grammy wins, underscoring her broad impact in . Most recently, in 2023, she was inducted into the Guitar Foundation of America Hall of Fame and received its Artistic Achievement Award.

Contributions and legacy

Premieres and commissions

Sharon Isbin has significantly expanded the through her advocacy for , commissioning and premiering nearly 100 works written specifically for the instrument, including more guitar concerti than any other guitarist. Her collaborations with leading composers have introduced innovative pieces that highlight the guitar's versatility, often blending classical traditions with diverse influences. Among her notable commissions and premieres are guitar concerti by prominent composers. Isbin premiered John Corigliano's Troubadours (Variations for Guitar and Orchestra) in 1993 with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra under Hugh Wolff, a work she had persistently requested over a decade. Christopher Rouse composed Concert de Gaudí for her in 1999, which she first performed with the NDR Symphony Orchestra, followed by the U.S. premiere with the Dallas Symphony. Tan Dun's Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra (Yi2), incorporating Eastern and Western elements, was written for Isbin and premiered by her in 1996 at the Donaueschingen Festival; she gave the North American premiere in 2023 with the Chicago Philharmonic. Other significant commissions include Leo Brouwer's El Decameron Negro, dedicated to her in 1981, which fuses Afro-Cuban rhythms with classical forms. Isbin's efforts extend to world music fusions, such as her collaboration with sarod master , for whom she commissioned four ragas adapted for guitar and in Strings for Peace, premiered in live performances including at the Aspen Music Festival. These works, alongside premieres like Joseph Schwantner's Song of a Dreaming Sparrow at 92NY in 2022 and Richard Danielpour's Of Love and Longing for Carnegie Hall's 125th anniversary, have been presented with major orchestras such as the , National Symphony, and Chamber Orchestra, enriching the guitar literature with genre-blending innovations. In 2025, Isbin released the album ROMÁNTICO featuring world premiere recordings of three Latin dance-inspired works by Karen LeFrak, and she performed the Northwest premiere of LeFrak's Miami Concerto for guitar and orchestra at the Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival. Through these initiatives, Isbin has elevated the guitar's role in contemporary orchestral settings, demonstrating its capacity for expressive depth across cultural boundaries.

Documentary

"Sharon Isbin: Troubadour" is a one-hour released in 2014 that chronicles the life and career of ist Sharon Isbin. Directed and produced by Susan Dangel, the film explores Isbin's evolution from a young prodigy to a pioneering figure in , emphasizing her challenges and breakthroughs as a woman in a male-dominated field. It features interviews with Isbin, her colleagues, and notable figures such as , , , and , narrated by NPR's , to illustrate her personal and professional journey. The documentary highlights key themes including Isbin's trailblazing role as a female guitarist in , her foundational work in establishing the guitar department at in 1989, and her innovative genre-crossing collaborations across classical, rock, pop, and . These elements underscore her contributions to expanding the guitar's presence in mainstream and educational contexts, portraying her not only as a performer but as an educator shaping future generations. Originally distributed by , "Sharon Isbin: Troubadour" aired on over 200 stations worldwide, reaching millions of viewers and introducing Isbin's story to a broad audience. The film premiered at notable venues including the Bruno Walter Auditorium at in , and has been screened at festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival and Rockport Chamber Music Festival, with continued showings up to 2025. In recognition of its excellence in music broadcasting, the documentary received the 2015 ASCAP Foundation / Television Broadcast , honoring Isbin, Susan Dangel, and /editor Dick Bartlett for their insightful portrayal of her artistic impact. The film plays a vital role in documenting Isbin's multifaceted journey, preserving her legacy through personal anecdotes, archival footage, and live performances. It is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray, with bonus performance content, and can be streamed on platforms including .org, the App, and .

Discography

Solo recordings

Sharon Isbin's solo recordings highlight her mastery of , spanning masters like Bach to Latin American influences and contemporary commissions. Her albums emphasize intricate solo performances, often featuring world premieres that expand the instrument's boundaries. The Album, released in 1989 on Warner Classics, pays homage to the legendary guitarist through a selection of works he championed, including J.S. Bach's Suite in , BWV 996, and Suite No. 1, BWV 1006a (transcribed for guitar), Isaac Albéniz's and , Mangoré's , Joaquín Rodrigo's Fantasía para un gentilhombre (excerpts), and Heitor Villa-Lobos's Etude No. 1. Critics praised its technical precision and interpretive depth, with the American Record Guide declaring it "stupendous, faultless, finer even than ." In 2000, Isbin's Dreams of a World appeared on Teldec (Warner Classics), showcasing folk-inspired solo guitar music drawn from traditions of , , , , , , , and Brazil. The album includes eight world premieres by composers such as , , and Dusan Bogdanovic, blending classical technique with global rhythms. It achieved commercial success by topping the classical charts and displacing , while earning Isbin her first Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra) in 2001—the first such win for a classical in nearly three decades. Reception highlighted its emotional range, with the Star Tribune noting its "lush and sultry" passion delivered with "great subtlety." Journey to the , issued in 2009 on , explores Latin American guitar traditions as a solo-led project, featuring Isbin's arrangements of pieces by , , , Villa-Lobos (including Prelude No. 4), and , alongside guest contributions from on select tracks evoking Spanish colonial influences. The repertoire draws from the "" theme, incorporating original commissions and historical works that reflect Isbin's interest in classical fusion. Critics lauded its vibrant execution and historical insight, positioning it as a milestone in her exploration of Iberian and Latin repertoires. Romántico, released on May 30, 2025, under the KL2 label, presents world premiere recordings of Latin dance-inspired works composed by Karen LeFrak, including the Concerto for guitar and orchestra performed with the Orchestra of St. Luke's under Enrico Lopez-Yañez, alongside chamber pieces like Festivo and Sentimental Melody. Centered on as the solo voice, the album integrates tango, bolero, and salsa rhythms into contemporary structures, fulfilling Isbin's vision for rhythmic vitality in the genre. It debuted as SiriusXM's of the Week and reached #2 on Amazon's classical bestseller list, with reviews commending its "dazzling" energy and Isbin's lyrical command.

Collaborative recordings

Sharon Isbin has extensively explored crossover genres through her collaborative recordings, blending with folk, , , and rock elements to create innovative fusions that expand the instrument's . These projects often feature shared billing with renowned artists and ensembles, highlighting her versatility in integrating diverse musical traditions. Her collaborations emphasize dialogue between guitar and other instruments, such as in Indian ragas or in American folk arrangements, resulting in albums that bridge cultural boundaries and attract broad audiences. One of her seminal crossover works is Guitar Passions (2011, Sony Classical), where Isbin unites with rock and jazz luminaries including Steve Vai on electric guitar for Agustín Barrios's La Catedral, Stanley Jordan on acoustic guitar for Leo Brouwer's El Decamerón Negro, and Nancy Wilson of Heart providing vocals and guitar on a Brazilian arrangement. The album also includes contributions from Steve Morse, Romero Lubambo, Paul Winter on soprano saxophone, and Brazilian percussionist Gaudencio Thiago de Mello, focusing on Spanish and Latin American repertoire to showcase genre-blending improvisations and virtuosic interplay. In the realm of world music integration, Strings for Peace: Premieres for Guitar & Sarod (2020, ZOHO Music) pairs Isbin with sarod master Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, accompanied by tabla player Amit Kavthekar. The recording presents four original ragas composed by Khan—By the Moon (Raga Behag), Love Avalanche (Raga Bhoop), The Eternal Flame (Raga Yaman), and In Search of Peace (Raga Bhairav)—tailored for the classical guitar's resonance alongside the sarod's intricate bends, fostering a serene East-West dialogue steeped in North Indian classical traditions. Isbin's partnership with the Pacifica Quartet yields Souvenirs of Spain & Italy (2019, Cedille Records), an ensemble exploration of chamber works by (Quintet for Guitar and Strings, Op. 143), Antonio Vivaldi (arrangements of lute concertos), Joaquín Turina (La oración del torero), and (Fandango). This collaboration highlights the guitar's role within string textures, evoking Mediterranean landscapes through rhythmic vitality and lyrical expressiveness. Alma Española (2017, Bridge Records), a Grammy-winning collaboration with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, features arrangements of Spanish songs by composers including , , and , blending voice and guitar to capture the soul of Spanish musical traditions. The album earned Isbin her third Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo in 2018 and was praised for its passionate interpretations and cultural depth. Her orchestral collaborations include American Landscapes (1995, EMI Classics), recorded with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra under Hugh Wolff, featuring contemporary American compositions: John Corigliano's Troubadours, Joseph Schwantner's From Afar (with its evocative, cosmic imagery), and Lukas Foss's folk-infused Three American Pieces. The album earned Gramophone's Critics' Choice and was notably carried into space by astronaut aboard the space station, symbolizing its transcendent appeal. Extending her folk-classical fusions, Isbin contributes to Alison Brown's On (2023, Compass Records), joining banjoist on the track "Foggy Morning Breakdown," a lively that merges precision with bluegrass energy alongside violinist and clarinetist . This project underscores the 's multicultural history through eclectic arrangements. More recent efforts like Live in Aspen (2024, ZOHO Music), captured in concert with , his sons, and , blend Indian ragas with Western pieces to commemorate the Aspen Music Festival's 75th anniversary, exemplifying Isbin's ongoing commitment to live collaborative energy.

References

  1. https://classical.music.apple.com/us/artist/762747
  2. https://www.sharonisbin.com/biography.html
  3. https://www.juilliard.edu/music/faculty/isbin-sharon
  4. https://www.grammy.com/artists/sharon-isbin/13587
  5. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/isbin-sharon
  6. https://www.ajwnews.com/sharon-isbin-minnesota/
  7. https://www.sharonisbin.com/articles/musos_1111.pdf
  8. https://www.sharonisbin.com/pressfeaturestext.html
  9. https://www.minnpost.com/news/2014/11/guitarist-sharon-isbin-instead-traveling-stars-she-became-one/
  10. https://nafme.org/blog/a-cultural-treasure-interview-with-sharon-isbin/
  11. https://slphistory.org/isbinsharon/
  12. https://acousticguitar.com/sharon-isbin-has-expanded-the-reach-reputation-and-repertoire-of-classical-guitar/
  13. https://yalealumnimagazine.org/articles/2820-school-notes
  14. https://sharonisbin.com/SoundboardCoverFeatureAugust2023.pdf
  15. https://www.chq.org/event/chautauqua-chamber-music-sharon-isbin-and-pacifica-quartet/
  16. https://vancouversymphony.org/vamf-2025/
  17. https://www.sharonisbin.com/tour.html
  18. https://www.sharonisbin.com/alma_espanola_reviews.pdf
  19. https://www.sharonisbin.com/guitars.html
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/8772974-Sharon-Isbin-Saint-Paul-Chamber-Orchestra-Hugh-Wolff-Corigliano-Schwantner-Foss-American-Landscapes
  21. http://www.zohomusic.com/cds/isbin_liveinaspen.html
  22. https://www.sharonisbin.com/
  23. https://www.sharonisbin.com/news.html
  24. https://guitargirlmag.com/interviews/classical-guitarist-sharon-isbin-a-passionate-and-dedicated-teacher-and-performer/
  25. https://www.sharonisbin.com/teachingmusic0415.pdf
  26. https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/students-welcome/admissions/programs-of-study/classical-guitar
  27. https://grammy.com/artists/sharon-isbin/13587
  28. https://www.deseret.com/2001/2/22/19571007/list-of-the-43rd-annual-grammy-award-winners/
  29. https://www.npr.org/2001/05/04/1122458/sharon-isbin
  30. https://music.umbc.edu/events/event/125309/
  31. https://www.latingrammy.com/awards/6th-annual-latin-grammy-awards-2005
  32. https://www.ascap.com/press/2015/11-17-47th-annual-ascap-foundation-deems-taylor-virgil-thomson-awards
  33. https://www.guitarfoundation.org/page/HoFFront
  34. https://www.johncorigliano.com/works/troubadours-1993
  35. https://www.boosey.com/cr/music/Christopher-Rouse-Concert-de-Gaudi/452
  36. https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/work/33548/Concerto-for-Guitar-and-Orchestra-Yi2--Tan-Dun/
  37. https://classicalguitarmagazine.com/no-boundaries-sharon-isbins-multihued-musical-experience/
  38. https://acousticguitar.com/review-sharon-isbin-and-amjad-ali-khan-live-in-aspen/
  39. https://acousticguitar.com/review-classical-guitar-great-sharon-isbin-elevates-new-release-from-composer-karen-lefrak/
  40. https://www.karenlefrak.com/performances-and-events
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6015388/
  42. https://www.medici.tv/en/documentaries/sharon-isbin-troubadour-susan-dangel
  43. https://aptonline.org/offer/SHARON-ISBIN-TROUBADOUR
  44. https://www.sharonisbintroubadour.com/
  45. https://www.pbs.org/show/sharon-isbin-troubadour/
  46. https://www.guitarfoundation.org/page/HoFIsbin
  47. https://www.sharonisbintroubadour.com/screenings.html
  48. https://www.ascap.com/press/2015/10-06-deems-taylor
  49. https://www.sharonisbintroubadour.com/press.html
  50. https://www.vaimusic.com/product/4580.html
  51. https://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Isbin-Troubadour-Blu-ray/dp/B00TGNLVC8
  52. https://www.sharonisbin.com/music.html
  53. https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/i/io-iz/sharon-isbin/
  54. https://open.spotify.com/album/4lt373Qasm5ZSFtfqFSmwF
  55. https://www.karenlefrak.com/romntico-album
  56. https://classical.music.apple.com/us/album/1812141054
  57. https://www.cedillerecords.org/artists/sharon-isbin/
  58. https://www.npr.org/2011/12/27/144316386/the-guitar-passions-of-sharon-isbin-and-steve-vai
  59. https://www.amazon.com/Strings-Peace-Premieres-Guitar-Sarod/dp/B085KT9BGR
  60. https://music.apple.com/us/album/strings-for-peace-premieres-for-guitar-and-sarod/1509838905
  61. https://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/souvenirs-of-spain-italy/
  62. https://www.amazon.com/Souvenirs-Spain-Sharon-Pacifica-Quartet/dp/B07TKNGMF1
  63. https://bridgerecords.com/products/9491
  64. https://www.allmusic.com/album/american-landscapes-mw0000151613
  65. https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/american-landscape-sharon-isbin
  66. https://www.discogs.com/release/8772974-Sharon-IsbinSaint-Paul-Chamber-Orchestra-Hugh-Wolff-Corigliano-Schwantner-Foss-American-Landscapes
  67. https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/alison-brown-on-banjo-album-out-now
  68. https://www.amazon.com/Live-Aspen-Sharon-Isbin/dp/B0D1819M35
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