Edson Lopes

Edson Lopes (born July 23, 1957 in the São Paulo, Brazil) is a Brazilian classical guitarist, composer and arranger.

Graduating in 1978 at the Conservatory of Musical and Dramatic Arts "Dr. Carlos de Campos", Tatuí, SP (Brazil) in classical guitar, in 2003 Edson Lopes became a Licentiate in Guitar Performance at Trinity College, London.

He has won first prize in every guitar competition that he has entered, including the "Young Instrumentalists Competition" (sponsored by Rede Globo de Televisão) and the "1st National Guitar Competition" (sponsored by Banco do Brasil). In 1979, he participated in the XXII Course of "Musica en Compostela", Spain, where, under the supervision of Andrés Segovia's assistant José Tomás, he received the "most exceptional student" award and a full scholarship for the following year.

The distinguished guitarist Maria Luisa Anido declared Edson Lopes to be an extraordinary guitarist, who astonished her with his secure technique, mastery of the instrument, delicacy of tone and delightful approach to interpretation.

Edson Lopes has performed throughout Brazil as a soloist, in duos, trios and with orchestra. As a member of the Brazilian Guitar Quartet he has performed in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Albuquerque, Hollywood, Indianapolis, Washington DC, New York City and other large cities. In 2005 the Quartet participated in the "33rd Arts Festival" in Hong Kong, the "VII Internacional Guitar Festival" in Monterrey, Mexico and, in 2006, the "V International Guitar Festival" in the city of Aarhus, Denmark.

He has performed with the Quarteto Vivace Brasil (Flute, 2 Guitars e Percussion) in tours throughout the United States, including the cities of New York, Boston, New Orleans and San Francisco, receiving excellent reviews.

Edson Lopes is currently a professor at the Conservatory in Tatuí, where he teaches advanced guitar students and directs the guitar ensemble "OCTOPUS".