UWM alum Leonela Alejandro (from left) and master’s student Alberto Daniel Quintanilla won major guitar competitions this summer, and student Chandler Dillingham took third in the open division of the Chicago Guitar Festival. (Photo collage created from submitted photos)
UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts guitar students and alumni took center stage over the summer at a variety of festivals throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. And several of those artists found great success and brought accolades back to Milwaukee.
Alum takes top prize at biggest international guitar competition
Leonela Alejandro (BFA 2020, Music) took first prize at the Guitar Foundation of America, widely considered the biggest international guitar competition.
Alejandro first competed in the festival’s youth division in 2017 and 2018. This past June in Fullerton, California, she performed a mix of required and chosen repertoire across three rounds of competition, winning the Rose Augustine Grand Prize.
Alejandro says that sharing the stage with other guitarists she finds inspirational was as important an achievement as winning the competition.
“Even just getting to the final round felt insane,” said Alejandro. “I was playing alongside three other musicians who I admire so much, and I have so much respect for… I felt like I had already won by just getting to finals and being on that stage.”
Alejandro received a cash prize and will embark on a GFA-sponsored international concert tour next year of 50 shows in North America and beyond.
“(The tour) is such an incredible opportunity,” Alejandro said. “My favorite part of (guitar) is traveling to new places, meeting new people, making new connections through guitar and those not linked to guitar… that’s very exciting to me.”
Master’s student wins first prize in Mexico
Meanwhile, at Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Mexico, second-year master’s student Alberto Daniel Quintanilla walked away with first prize.
Quintanilla performed pieces from primarily South American composers that he had previously worked on with Professor Rene Izquierdo, director of the Classical Guitar Program at the Peck School, with whom he credits much of his success.
“Studying with Professor Izquierdo has been a great opportunity to refine and polish musical and technical aspects,” Quintallia said. “In my opinion, Rene is one of greatest guitar teachers in the world. His teaching was very important for getting this prize.”
Performing at the Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Mexico fulfilled a childhood dream, Quintanilla said.
“This competition is one of the most prestigious in Mexico,” said Quintanilla. “I am very proud of my growth at UWM and think our department is doing a very nice job at recent festivals.”
Milwaukee guitarists make a mark in Chicago
Quintanilla and Alejandro achieved further success at this year’s Chicago Guitar Festival, respectively winning first and second prizes in the open division.
Taking home third prize was Chandler Dillingham, who performed three classical pieces he selected. Dillingham said the reward of the festival was the ability to make connections with artists and fellow attendees.
“To be able to share the stage with other members of my guitar program sparks intense feelings of pride,” said Dillingham. “I am happy to be a part of this group of talented musicians in Milwaukee, and I am glad that it can be recognized in a festival such as this one.”
Dillingham credited Izquierdo as a source of inspiration who played an integral role in his guitar development.
“René tailors his guidance to each student’s personal needs, ensuring that no two students play the same way or feel that they are merely imitating someone else,” said Dillingham. “This adaptability in his teaching style helps his students discover the tools to thrive professionally and express their perspectives through music.”
BFA student Annika Nelson was awarded fourth prize in the competition’s collegiate division.
A legacy of success
At the Domaine Forget Academy Guitar Competition, Master of Music student Kyle Khembunjong brought another first prize back to the Peck School. This two-week program invites advanced guitar and lute players to Quebec, Canada, to take part in lessons and master classes. This culminates with a competition.
Khembunjong got to assemble a repertoire of music to perform for the contest. He was awarded a cash prize and a full scholarship for the 2025 Domaine Forget program.
Izquierdo, who has mentored each of these musicians, shares his pride and enthusiasm for the long list of successes that have come recently from UWM’s esteemed guitar program.
“Since 2012, over 100 of our students have excelled in competitions, as well as secured professional opportunities in our field,” Izquierdo said.
“This summer has been a continuation of our success. As their teacher, my focus is to nurture a long-term commitment and connection to music and the guitar. I strive for my students to have a balanced, fulfilling experience and to create beautiful moments wherever they go.”
Written by Jason McCullum
Link to original story: https://uwm.edu/news/guitar-students-and-alumni-win-major-festivals-throughout-north-america/