“Nimble fingers, a prismatic sense of timbre, and a serene dignity that informs all she plays” —New York Times
Raphaella Smits plays worldwide on eight-string guitars and historical instruments. Recognized as “an uncommonly musical guitarist” (New York Times), her solo recitals as well as her performances with distinguished colleagues have met with enthusiastic audiences and press. Smits has made 21 recordings and is internationally praised as an inspiring teacher for both guitar and chamber music, serving on the juries of many international music competitions. In 1986, Smits was the first woman to win the first prize of the Certamen Internacional de Guitarra Francisco Tarrega, the famous international guitar competition in Benicàssim, Spain, earning praise from chairmen Andrés Segovia and Narciso Yepes. She holds a chair at the Lemmens Institute in Belgium and regularly gives master classes across Europe, the Americas, and Japan.