Swiss classical guitarist, Johan Smith, is a highly acclaimed musician, bringing virtuositic interpretation to his instrument. Winner of numerous international competitions, including the very prestigious Guitar Foundation of America and the 8th Changsha International Guitar Festival, he was also defined as the Classical Guitar Revelation by Guitare Classique magazine. Johan completed several tours in Canada, Japan, and USA, where he made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New-York, and he is currently preparing the release of his third album (Naxos, June 2023).
Born in Geneva, Johan obtained a Bachelor in 2015 and a Master of Arts in Instrumental Pedagogy in 2017 at the University of Music of Lausanne, in the class of Dagoberto Linhares. In addition to his activity as a guitar teacher, he also obtained in 2019 the most important academic title in the field of musical performance in Switzerland: the Master of Arts specializing in Music Performance Soloist, awarded by the highest grade and prize.
In a completely different approach, he is the founder, composer, performer and graphic designer in the extreme metal band Stortregn, with whom he has already recorded four albums and played in three continents since 2005.
« Johan Smith is clearly a guitarist to follow, one with [a] compelling sense of touch and musicality. »
Gramophone, Editor's Choice (Sept.2020）
« As one listens to Johan Smith play, it’s manifestly obvious why he won the 2019 GFAC. Here is a tremendously gifted guitarist and musical artist, and his Naxos album compels hearing by all guitar lovers. »
Fanfares Magazine (Oct.2020）