Pablo Sáinz-Villegas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 26, 2026) – Ensemble Arts Philly presents acclaimed classical guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, who is widely regarded as the foremost guitar virtuoso of his generation, for a powerful evening celebrating the artistry, passion, and cultural heritage of the Spanish guitar at the Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. 

Praised internationally for his extraordinary technique, emotional depth, and magnetic stage presence, Sáinz-Villegas has been heralded as the successor to Andrés Segovia and a global ambassador of Spanish culture. His performances transcend traditional classical boundaries, captivating audiences with a rare blend of virtuosity, warmth, and expressive storytelling. Sáinz-Villegas holds a singular place in classical music history. He is the first solo guitarist to perform at Carnegie Hall since Segovia in 1983, the first guitarist to appear with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 2001, and the first guitarist to perform at the Berliner Philharmoniker’s New Year’s Eve Gala since 1983. Since his debut with the New York Philharmonic under Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, he has performed in more than 40 countries and with many of the world’s leading orchestras. 

His career highlights include performances at the Musikverein in Vienna, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Palace of Versailles for the Metropolitan Opera Gala. His concerts have reached audiences of more than 85,000 at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and iconic outdoor venues across Europe and the United States. 

“Ensemble Arts celebrates artists who push boundaries and expand the world of the performing arts through their craft – presenting theater, dance, jazz, classical, and much more,” said Frances Egler, Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Presentations at Ensemble Arts Philly. “Pablo Sáinz-Villegas brings an extraordinary blend of virtuosity, rhythmic vitality, and expressive freedom to the guitar, making him a natural and exciting addition to our robust lineup.” 

Beyond the concert hall, Sáinz-Villegas is a deeply committed cultural leader. He is the founder of the U.S.-based nonprofit Strings in Common, which uses music as a vehicle for social impact, and the creator and artistic director of Spain’s La Rioja Festival. An exclusive artist with SONY Classical, he has released three albums, including his most recent recording, The Blue Album, released in June 2023. 

Born in La Rioja, Spain, and based in the United States since 2001, Pablo Sáinz-Villegas continues to redefine the role of the classical guitarist for audiences around the world, bringing timeless music to life with unmatched brilliance and humanity. 

Other featured upcoming performances include Kurt Elling: Wildflowers (February 27, 2026, Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center); Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (February 27–March 1, 2026, Academy of Music); An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi (March 2, 2026, Miller Theater); Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 (March 20, 2026, Miller Theater); Endea Owens & The Cookout (March 28, 2026, Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center); Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer (April 21, 2026, Miller Theater); Rhiannon Giddens (May 5, 2026, Miller Theater); and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (May 26, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center). 

Tickets 
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org, by calling 215-893-1999, or in person at the Academy of Music Box Office (240 S. Broad Street) daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For more information, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.   

Pablo Sáinz-Villegas 
Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center
February 21, 2026, 8:00 p.m.  

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Pablo Sáinz-Villegas's appearance is sponsored by Arthur Alan Wolk. 

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ABOUT ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY 
For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.       

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For photography, please visit www.ensembleartsphilly.smugmug.com/2025-2026-Season  

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