About

Robert Secrist, award winning classical guitar virtuoso, has impressed audiences and critics alike with his captivating lyric and dynamic musicianship since he made his New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall at the age of 21. New York Times journalist, Raymond Ericson, has hailed Secrist as a performer with, “a natural grace that never loses sight of a rhythmic base … extraordinarily poetic.” Guitar & Lute Magazine reports, “The United States presents a world-class guitarist and major interpreter. Secrist is Bream’s peer.”    His teachers have included celebrated Italian guitarist, Oscar Ghiglia, world renowned Russian violinist, Leonid Bolotine, and the legendary Spanish master, Andres Segovia. Secrist graduated from the Mannes School of Music with the “best performance award,” the only guitarist in the school’s history to receive this honor. His artistry earned him an appointment to the faculty immediately upon graduation.   Holding the further distinction of being the first North American to win the IV International “Alirio Diaz” Competition in Caracas, Venezuela, Secrist received high personal praise from the esteemed composer/guitarist Laurindo Almeida. His recording credits include two albums for the Musical Heritage Society label garnering praises from Stereo Review --- “Secrist seems to make the music come more alive with effective phrasing, dynamics, technical wizardry and panache.”   Most recently, Secrist recorded an all-Bach album entitled, “Bach to the Country” which features the most demanding works in the classical guitar literature including the Chaconne from Violin Partita (BWV1004).  His latest recording, featuring the most beloved selections in the classical guitar repertoire, is slated for release in  2022.  Secrist's own  signature arrangements from the great American Song Book, jazz standards and contemporary songs are one-of-kind gems.