Rafael Gutierrez-Velez Piano Recital

Rafael Gutiérrez Vélez is an accomplished pianist with extensive performance experience in Europe
and internationally. He has performed in prestigious venues such as Steinway Hall and St. Martin-in-
the-Fields in London, the Rachmaninoff Hall in Moscow, and the Petit Palau de la Música in
Barcelona. His repertoire spans a wide range of styles, and he has worked with renowned orchestras,
performing major works such as Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Schumann’s Piano Concerto
in A minor.
In 2024, Rafael expanded his artistic journey by taking on a conducting role, leading the Göppingen
Chamber Orchestra. This experience allows him to apply his holistic approach to music, combining
his skills as both a performer, chamber musician and conductor.
On the same year, Rafael recorded the first of several planned CD productions with RCD Classics. This
recording featured a unique and challenging repertoire centered around the key of F-sharp.
Rafael is also deeply committed to education. He has served as a piano instructor at the State
University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, guiding young musicians and holding
masterclasses in countries including England, Germany, Serbia, Mexico, the Czech Republic, and
Poland. His teaching philosophy emphasizes both technical proficiency and artistic expression, aiming
to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.
Rafael’s educational background is rooted in studies with the major piano traditions in the world. His
early training began in Mérida, Mexico, with the celebrated Cuban pianist Alberto Álvarez. At 14, he
moved to the UK to study at the Purcell School of Music in London with Tatiana Sarkissova and Ilana
Davies. He later continued his studies at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow under the tutelage
of Prof. Elena Richter. Rafael completed his Master’s degree at the State University of Music and
Performing Arts Stutgart, studying with Prof. Peter Nagy, and in 2023, he was accepted into the
prestigious Soloist Program (Konzertexamen) with Prof. Dr. Noam Sivan.
Throughout his career, Rafael has been honored with several awards and scholarships, including the
Deutschlandstipendium, the Maria Rosa Oubiña de Castro Piano Prize, the 2023 FONCA Fellowship,
the Kölner Gymnasial Stiftungsfonds Scholarship, and the Dance and Music Scheme in London,
recognizing his exceptional talent and dedication to classical music.
With a combination of international performance experience and a strong commitment to teaching,
Rafael Gutiérrez Vélez brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his students, aiming to foster
both their technical and artistic development.
The recital is free to attend but donations to a retiring collection will be gratefully received.