About | fernandocordas

Soloist

As a soloist Fernando Cordas plays different programmes that each focus on a specific era, composer, music style or stem from another specific thematic starting point. A common thread between all programs is the well balanced equilibrium between music performance and verbal explanation. Please refer to Agenda to browse through current and future programmes.

Fernando has performed as soloist with various orchestras, for example: L'Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg and The Noord Nederlands Orkest.

Ensemble

As an ensemble musician Fernando Cordas plays with guitarist Izhar Elias, Clarinettist Roeland Hendrikx, soprano Josefin Bölz and cellist Pepijn Meeuws. Please refer to Agenda to browse through current and future programmes.

Lectures & Masterclasses

Fernando Cordas is lecturer on the history of the guitar and lute at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. He is regarded as an expert on the history of the history of the guitar in de early 19th century. One of his most recent accomplishment in this field is a research done on the Viennese guitar and the connection between composer Franz Schubert and the guitar. This research materialised in 'The Poetic Guitar' - a double CD in a richly illustrated hardcover book.

Fernando has performed as a lecturer at a variety of guitar-festivals and -organisations. In order to and deepen the audience's understanding and enrich the experience, Fernando Cordas combines spoken word with performance.

For further information on lectures and masterclasses please contact us.

Biography

Fernando Riscado Cordas was born in the Netherlands in 1975 and started playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. After graduating from high school Fernando studied classical guitar at the Royal Conservatoire with Robby Faverey, Raphaëlla Smits and Zoran Dukic. Because of his devotion and excellent progress during his studies Fernando was awarded a special prize by the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds to have a concert guitar built for him. After having obtained his Masters degree in 2001, which he received with two distinctions for both professionalism and interpretation of 19th century repertoire, Fernando embarked on a concert career and at the same time, as a teacher, devoted himself to the development of young, talented musicians.

In 2007 Fernando recorded his debut CD 'Classical Guitar' which received outstanding reviews.

“Fernando Cordas plays with such ease, mastery and expressiveness; it simply makes the music sound like new.” - Luister Magazine.

In 2014 Fernando produced 'The Poetic Guitar'; a double CD packaged within a luxurious hardcover book. The Poetic Guitar presents 19th century transcriptions of music by Franz Schubert alongside his own transcriptions of works by Robert Schumann. It unlocks several works by 19th century Dutch composer Carel Craeijvanger and sheds light on an era when the guitar was at her peak of popularity.

"such a gifted guitarist who shines with his clear sentences, well balanced polyfonic playing and clear musical thoughts" - Cobra.be

Since 2014 Fernando Cordas teaches guitar at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.

In 20202 Fernando and Izhar Elias recorded their CD 'Schubert's Guitars' which features two piano sonatas by Schubert, arranged for guitar duo, by Fernando Cordas. The music is played on two original, gut-strung Viennese guitars; built by Bernhard Enzensperger. Franz Schubert also owned and played a guitar by Enzensperger.