Rene Izquierdo, is currently a professor of classical guitar at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. As a concert artist, Rene has performed throughout Europe, Asia, Russia, North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean as solo recitalist, chamber musician and soloist with orchestra. He has received wide critical acclaim for his performances, and is recognized as one of America's classical guitar virtuosos. Rene has shared the stage with prestigious guitarists Eliot Fist, Benjamin Verdery and Jorge Morel, renowned flutist Ransom Wilson, soprano Lucy Shelton, Carlo Aonzo, The Quintet of the Americas, David Jolley and recorded with Paquito d’Rivera among others. Composers such as Jorge Morel and Carlos R. Rivera have dedicated works to him. A native from Cuba, Rene graduated from the Guillermo Tomas, Amadeo Roldan Conservatory and Superior Institute of Art in Havana. In the United States, he earned a Master of Music and Artist Diploma degrees from the Yale University School of Music. As one of the leading classical guitarists Mr. Izquierdo is a recipient of numerous awards. He is a winner of JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition in 2004, Extremadura International Guitar Competition, Schadt String competition, Stotsenberg International Guitar Competition among others.