Denis Azabagić


Denis Azabagić is a Bosnian classical guitarist.

Musical background

In 1993, at the age of 20, he became the youngest winner of one of the most prestigious international guitar competitions Jacinto e Inocencio Guerrero, in Madrid, Spain. After listening to Azabagić, the distinguished Spanish composer, Anton Garcia Abril said, “I am sure that with time, he is going to be one of the greatest guitarists of the world.”
Between 1992 and 1999, Azabagić won twenty-four prizes in international competitions, of which eleven were first prizes including Concurso Internacional de Guitarra Alhambra in 1996 and Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition in 1998.
He has written a book published by Mel Bay, On Competitions, based on his experience during these years.
Azabagić has recorded seven CDs for international labels such as Naxos, Cedille, Opera Tres and Orobroy as well as two DVDs for Mel Bay.
As a guest instrumentalist and soloist Azabagić has appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Sacramento Chamber Orchestra, Madrid Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie, among others.
He is a regular guest at such venues as Chicago's Symphony Center, Masters of the Guitar at the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Radio France in Paris, Aix-en-Provence Festival, France, El Palau de la Musica, Valencia, Spain, Savannah on Stage, United States, Omni Foundation, USA, Ravinia Festival, USA, National Chang Kai Shek Cultural Center, Taiwan, and the National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing, China.
Azabagić's performances have been broadcast live on radio and television in Asia, Europe and the United States.