Plínio Fernandes fuses two worlds together when he performs: his cultural heritage of Brazil, where his musical roots stem from, and his added western classical music experience, as he has studied and finessed his craft in Europe. Recently signed to Decca Gold, the 29-year-old’s debut album Saudade was released worldwide in 2022 to critical acclaim and debuted at #1 on Billboard Traditional Classical Albums Chart. In 2023, Fernandes won the Revelação award at the 30th annual Prêmio da Música Brasileira (Brazilian Music Awards). 2022 also saw the guitarist racking up a diverse suite of awards including Forbes Brasil’s annual Under 30 list, Classic FM’s Rising Stars list, and Revista Concerto’s Young Artist Award. Fernandes also has performed in sold-out concert halls across the world–including the Royal Albert Hall and Radio City Music Hall–and has given solo recitals as well as masterclasses in Hong Kong, Portugal, and South America. Born into a family of musicians, Fernandes received his first guitar lessons from his father. At the age of 12, after winning national youth guitar competitions, he played as a guest soloist with the Campo Grande Symphony Orchestra and took private lessons from Henrique Pinto and later, at 16, from Fabio Zanon. Encouraged by his family and teachers, he moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music under a full scholarship funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Education.