Paco Montalvo is a genius.

This short quote from Leo Brouwer -- a celebrated composer, conductor, and master guitarist from Havana, Cuba -- is a perfect summation of Paco Montalvo, an extraordinarily gifted violinist born in Córdoba, Spain in 1992 who has already acquired an international reputation for his unique sound; his emotional, exciting, and natural artistic imagination; and his technical versatility.

Paco made his American solo debut in New York City’s Carnegie Hall at the age of 18, performing Niccolo Paganini’s Concerto Nº 1 with the New England Symphonic Orchestra.  It is an achievement shared by one of the most recognizable violinists of our time: Itzak Perelman in 1963.

Although he began performing in various countries throughout Europe at age ten, Paco’s career really picked up momentum just a few short years ago.  In 2006, he was appointed a cultural ambassador of Córdoba before competing in Chicago against some of the most outstanding young soloists in the world.  There, he was awarded first prize by the Stradivari Society.

In that same year, he earned first prize in the Violin IV International Competition in Torres, Jaén and first place in the National Violin Contest in Xativa, Valencia.  He also received an anonymous donation of a rare Niccolo Amati violin dated 1660 -- a treasure that he has used well on his path to international acclaim.

To give a full account of his education, honors, and distinctions would be nearly impossible (see Paco’s Biography and Performances pages for more details).  Suffice to say, Paco became (probably) the youngest conservatory/university student of his generation in Spain at age 12.  He finished four years later, graduating with honors from the Conservatorio Superior de Músicaof Córdoba, where he studied under Luis R. Gallardo.

Since then, Paco has furthered his musical training by studying with some of the most eminent professors of the renowned Russian, French, German, and Italian schools.  He also studies regularly with his father, a professor at the CSM of Córdoba and with his mentor, Nestor Eidler.

Paco will be returning to the United States in early 2012 for a concert at the University of North Carolina with violinist Shlomo Mintz.  Full details have yet to be announced.

Videos of Paco have recorded over 300,000 total worldwide views on Enterestid's YouTube Channel.  We warmly appreciates your support.

He performs with a 1660 Niccolo Amati violin.