Raphaella Smits, Guitar | Setnor ¡Guitarra! Series

Guitarist Raphaella Smits presents a recital as part of the ¡Guitarra! series in the Setnor School of Music.

Smits plays worldwide in her unique way on eight-string guitars and historical instruments. In 2019, she received a unique award “Por su aporte a la Guitarra y la Cultura” in Argentina at the Festival Guitarras del Mundo. In addition to stage-work, Smits has realized 25 albums, many of which are listed as indispensable to refined music lovers. 

Smits studied classical music at the Royal Conservatories of Antwerp and Brussels. Simultaneously she went to José Tomàs to perfect her playing at the “Catedra Andrès Segovia” in Spain. At that time, she had already given her first concerts and had become a convincing advocate for the eight-string guitar. In 1986, Smits was the first woman to win the first prize of the “XX Certamen Internacional de Guitarra Francisco Tarrega,” the famous international guitar competition in Benicasim, Spain. That victory confirmed the progression of a successfully started career after previous prizes in competitions in Granada and Palma de Mallorca.

¡Guitarra! is made possible by generous support from Ronna B. Erickson ’76.

Parking

For most concert events, free and accessible parking is available on campus in the Quad lot. When parking for concert events, please inform the parking attendant that you are attending a Setnor music event so they may direct you. For more information on campus parking and locations, visit Parking and Transportation Services.