BIO
“John Quijano is at the forefront of the new breed of classical guitar virtuosi. He possesses a refined, flawless, and powerful technique, and a state-of-the-art knowledge of performance practices from all style periods. He communicates, motivates and inspires with the precision of intellectual curiosity, the confidence of strength, and the capacity for fiery sensitivity. He has a proven track record of musical leadership to build audiences and programs on behalf of the art and the profession.” -Nicholas Goluses
Colombian concert guitarist John Quijano has built a distinguished international career, establishing himself as one of the leading classical guitarists of his generation. In 2026, he was invited as both performer and jury member at the Southwest Guitar Symposium (Texas, USA) and participated in the Cartagena International Music Festival. In 2025, he completed a concert tour of Italy, performing at the Conservatories of Rimini and Bologna, the University for Foreigners of Perugia, and in recital series in Assisi, in collaboration with the Egea Records label.
His discography includes the album Bosquejos y Retratos (2023), a recording that reflects his commitment to the concert repertoire and interpretive exploration. He has been invited to perform at major festivals, including the 33rd Morelia International Music Festival (Mexico), the Mangostino de Oro Festival (2023), the International Guitar Meeting at the University of Cauca, the El Nogal Guitar Festival (2022), the International Guitar Meeting at Compensar, the Fernando Sor International Guitar Festival, and the Uniquindío GuitarArt Festival. In the United States, he appeared as a Guest Artist at Oral Roberts University (Tulsa).
As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with the José White String Quartet, violinist Juan Carlos Higuita, and flutist Julie Koidin, expanding his artistic activity through chamber repertoire and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Winner of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Young Performers Competition (2009), he has appeared as a soloist with the Colombian Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Tolima Conservatory Symphony Orchestra. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving the Distinguished Graduation Recital Award under the mentorship of Carlos Posada. He furthered his studies in the United States with Bruce Holzman and Nicholas Goluses, and in Spain with José Luis Rodrigo.
He served on the faculty of the Master's Program in Music at Universidad Central and has collaborated with the Colombian Youth Symphony Orchestra. Since 2016, he has been Director of the Guitar Department at the Tolima Conservatory of Music.