José María Ramírez was born in the town of Ingenio, Gran Canaria, where he began his musical studies at the Municipal Conservatory with professors Eusebio Barroso and Eligio Quinteiro. His passion for classical guitar led him to continue his training at the Higher Conservatory of Music of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where he completed his advanced studies under the guidance of Professor Carlos Oramas, earning the prestigious Extraordinary End-of-Degree Award, a recognition of his technical and artistic excellence. Driven by a desire to deepen and broaden his knowledge, he moved to the Netherlands to pursue postgraduate studies at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, where he refined his technique and musical expression with the concert guitarist Zoran Dukić, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Music. He later continued his advanced studies at the Conservatory of Strasbourg with concert guitarist Pablo Márquez and was significantly influenced by other guitarists such as Miguel Trápaga. Additionally, he has participated in numerous masterclasses with renowned international artists like David Russell, Marco Socías, Carlo Marchione, and Pavel Steidl, among others—experiences that have enriched his interpretation and allowed him to develop a mature and personal artistic voice.

Throughout his career, José María has been recognized in several international competitions, winning awards that highlight his talent and dedication. These include First Prize at the 10th International Competition of the Canary Islands and the 14th Cantabria Guitar Competition, as well as Third Prize at the Villa de Ingenio International Competition and the 7th Julián Arcas Classical Guitar International Competition. He also received the Audience Award at the 6th International Ciudad de Coria Competition and was a finalist in the 15th S.A.R. La Infanta Doña Cristina International Guitar Competition in 2002. These accolades attest to his artistic quality and commitment to classical guitar.

His career as a performer spans extensive activity as both a soloist and chamber musician. He has performed in prominent venues throughout the Canary Islands, including the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, the Pérez Galdós Theater, the Gabriel Rodó Hall, and the Guiniguada Theater. He has also participated in festivals and concerts in renowned venues across Spain—in cities such as Madrid, Almería, Comillas, and Coria—and internationally in countries including Germany, Colombia, Brazil, and the Netherlands, notably participating in the prestigious Schiermonnikoog Chamber Music Festival. This international experience and his dedication to chamber music have contributed to consolidating his versatile and committed artistic profile.

A fundamental aspect of José María’s career is his dedication to the music of contemporary Canarian composers. He has premiered and recorded works dedicated to him by composers Gonzalo Díaz Yerro and Víctor Landeira Sánchez, and has performed emblematic pieces such as Rapsodia Tinamar for solo guitar, composed by Juan Manuel Ruiz. This commitment to the creation and dissemination of music from his homeland reflects his interest in promoting local repertoire and expanding the musical horizons of the classical guitar.

This recording reflects the artistic personality of José María Ramírez, a musician who combines solid academic and technical training with a deep commitment to contemporary music and his Canarian musical heritage. His interpretations aim not only to convey the richness and diversity of the repertoire but also the passion and sensitivity that characterize his career and artistic vision.