Christopher Parkening

American virtuoso classical guitarist and international celebrity through his concerts, records and TV appearances. He specializes in the Spanish masters and in Bach, playing with virtuoso technique and profound musicianship, using his classical guitar with great skill to achieve intimacy with his audience.

A protégé and personal friend of the great Andre Segovia, he made his first recital at age 11, in 1959, and has been performing in formal concerts since he was 14.

When he suffered from burnout, he withdrew in 1975 for a decade, moving to a ranch in Montana with his wife, whom he had married the prior year. During that period he made no more than a few concert engagements and taught a few classes at Montana State. He continued making records selectively. By 1986-87, he resumed performing with some 80 concerts.

Parkening likes horseback riding and fly fishing, and has the rugged good looks of an outdoorsman.