Plínio Fernandes fuses two worlds together when he performs: his cultural heritage of Brazil, where his musical roots stem from, and his added western classical music experience, as he has studied and finessed his craft in Europe. Recently signed to Decca Gold, the 29-year-old’s debut album Saudade was released worldwide in late 2022 to critical acclaim and debuted at #1 on Billboard Traditional Classical Albums Chart.
In 2023, Fernandes won the Revelação award at the 30th annual Prêmio da Música Brasileira (Brazilian Music Awards). 2022 also saw the young guitarist racking up a diverse suite of awards including Forbes Brasil’s annual Under 30 list, Classic FM’s Rising Stars list, and Revista Concerto’s Young Artist Award. Actively touring, Fernandes has performed in sold-out concert halls across the world–including the Royal Albert Hall and Radio City Music Hall with acclaimed pianist Lang Lang–and has given solo recitals as well as masterclasses in Hong Kong, Portugal for the MIMO festival in Porto, and throughout South America.
Born into a family of musicians, Fernandes received his first guitar lessons from his father. At the age of 12, after winning national youth guitar competitions, he played as a guest soloist with the Campo Grande Symphony Orchestra and took private lessons in São Paulo from the renowned teacher Henrique Pinto and later, at 16, from Pinto’s student and protégé, Fabio Zanon. Fernandes then received a full scholarship to attend the International Campos do Jordão Winter Festival from 2011-2014. Encouraged by his family and teachers, he made the move to London to pursue a career as a concert musician. Under a full scholarship funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Education, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Fabio Zanon, Michael Lewin, Steve Goss, and David Russell. Fernandes is also committed to music education and is an ambassador for the Music Masters charity.
