Kristhyan Benitez

Kristhyan Benítez was born in Caracas, Venezuela.{{cite web |title=Kristhyan Benitez - Dallas International Piano Competition |url=https://dallasipc.org/participants/kristhyan-benitez/ |accessdate=2024-05-23 |publisher=Dallas International Piano Competition}} He began his musical studies at the age of four with Olga Lopez, a pupil of Magda Tagliaferro. After three months, he performed for an audience of 2,000 people at the Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex in Caracas. He furthered his education with mentors such as Solomon Mikowsky, Philippe Entremont, Michael Lewin, and Frank Fernández.

José Antonio Abreu, founder of El Sistema, described Benítez as "one of the most important and brilliant leaders of the Musical Movement in Venezuela and the whole Continent."{{cite web |title=Afro-Cuban Dances - Kristhyan Benitez |url=https://www.steinway.com/music-and-artists/label/afro-cuban-dances-kristhyan-benitez |accessdate=2024-05-23 |publisher=Steinway & Sons}} His conservatory education in Venezuela included a focus on works by Latin American and Venezuelan composers, which influenced his later career.{{cite web |date=2023-08-08 |title=Kristhyan Benitez Embracing Experimentation and Representation in Classical Music |url=https://thefim.org/fso/benitezarticle/ |accessdate=2024-05-23 |publisher=Flint Institute of Music}}

Benítez's career includes performances across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He has collaborated with conductors like Claudio Abbado, Gustavo Dudamel, Alondra de la Parra, among others.{{cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.kbenitez.com/ |accessdate=2024-05-23 |publisher=kbenitez.com}} In 2021, Benítez won the Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album for his recording Latin American Classics. This album showcases compositions from Latin American composers, including works from Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico.{{Cite web |last=Nacional |first=El |date=2021-11-19 |title=Kristhyan Benítez le dedicó su Latin Grammy a la diáspora venezolana |url=https://www.elnacional.com/entretenimiento/kristhyan-benitez-le-dedico-su-latin-grammy-a-la-diaspora-venezolana/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=EL NACIONAL |language=es}} His 2023 album, "Afro-Cuban Dances," earned him a second Latin Grammy nomination and features compositions by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona.{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Sarah Godcher |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Boston Conservatory Alum Kristhyan Benitez Earns His Second Latin Grammy Nomination {{!}} Boston Conservatory at Berklee |url=https://bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/news/boston-conservatory-alum-kristhyan-benitez-earns-his-second-latin-grammy-nomination?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date={{TODAY}} |website=bostonconservatory.berklee.edu |language=en}} Kristhyan served as assistant conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas (POA) in 2005.

Kristhyan Benítez is an exclusive Steinway & Sons artist. He has performed in venues such as Philharmonie Hall (Berlin), Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), Lincoln Center (New York), National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, Ehrbar Saal in Vienna, Salle Cortot in Paris, and Palacio de Bellas Artes (Mexico City).{{cite web |date=2024-04-27 |title=Juan Sebastián Delgado, Cello, And Kristhyan Benitez, Piano |url=https://umbc.edu/event/juan-sebastian-delgado-cello-and-kristhyan-benitez-piano/ |accessdate=2024-05-23 |publisher=University of Maryland, Baltimore County}} Beyond his performance career, Benítez is dedicated to teaching and promoting Latin American music. He actively participates in educational programs, aiming to expand the classical repertoire and inspire new generations of musicians.{{cite web |title=Kristhyan Benítez - Diario Las Américas Interview |url=https://www.diariolasamericas.com/cultura/kristhyan-benitez-si-habia-sonado-un-latin-grammy-n4236932#google_vignette |access-date=February 17, 2025 |website=Diario Las Américas|date=17 November 2021 }}{{cite web |date=16 May 2017 |title=Kristhyan Benítez - Hora Cero Interview |url=https://horacero.com.mx/internacional/se-necesitan-acciones-en-venezuela-kristhyan-benitez |access-date=February 17, 2025 |website=Hora Cero}}

His work as a composer and arranger often manifests in his improvisations and transcriptions featured on his albums, such as his improvisation on Ernesto Lecuona's "Ahí Viene el Chino" and his piano transcription of Ernestina Lecuona's song "Ahora que eres mío," both featured on his album Afro-Cuban Dances.

Benítez has collaborated with several acclaimed artists throughout his career, including Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla and the neotango group Bajofondo. He has also worked with Venezuelan pianist Vanessa Pérez on the two-piano program A fuego lento, which combines traditional repertoire with new Latin American arrangements. The program premiered in June 2023 at the Sounds of Oradea Festival in Romania.{{cite web |title=Vanessa Pérez – Biography |url=https://www.vanessaperez.com/ |access-date=30 May 2025}}

In addition to his solo career, Benítez is an active chamber musician, performing in various ensembles and collaborations that highlight his versatility and engagement with different musical genres.{{cite web |title=Kristhyan Benítez |url=https://www.allartispersonal.com/kristhyan-benitez |access-date=30 May 2025}}

In addition to his classical music career, Benítez explores new creative territories through his alter-ego project, BENITEZ. Under this moniker, he expands his artistic universe by composing, producing, and arranging music in genres beyond classical, including Latin, electronic, funk, and jazz. This project showcases his versatility and passion for blending diverse musical styles, allowing him to reach a broader audience while maintaining his signature artistic depth.{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2025 |title=BENITEZ: A Sonic Glow-Up |url=https://www.nos3magazine.com/people-to-follow/benitez-a-sonic-glow-up |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=Nos3 Magazine}}

Benítez is known for his fusion of classical tradition with Latin American rhythms and melodies, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with diverse audiences. His work bridges the gap between classical European compositions and the folkloric traditions of Latin America.

Benítez has released several albums that highlight his unique blend of classical and Latin American music. His notable works include:

• Beethoven: Latin American Soloists (2001) - His very first album, recorded with the Berlin Symphoniker, featuring one of Beethoven’s most beloved piano concertos (Op.19) and piano sonata Les Adieux.
• Latin American Classics (2021) - Winner of the Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album, featuring compositions from Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico.
• Afro-Cuban Dances (2023) - Nominated to a Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album, a tribute to Ernesto Lecuona's Legacy, mestizaje and folk music traditions.
• Miniatures (2016) - Showcasing a diverse selection of Latin American and Classical composers in a Live performance.
• Nosotros (2020) - Homage to classical, folk, and pop music from Venezuela, bringing every track into a classical music approach and inviting different artists to create a perfect blend.

{{cite web |title=Kristhyan Benítez - Steinway Soundboard Feature |url=https://www.steinway.com/soundboard/soundboard-kristhyan-benitez |access-date=February 17, 2025 |website=Steinway & Sons}}

He has also released several singles, including "Desesperanza" (2018), "Te Extraño" (2022), "Todavía" (feat. Raquel Sofía) (2022), and "Venezuela" (2024).{{cite web |title=Kristhyan Benitez on Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kristhyan-benitez/1035481433 |accessdate=2024-05-23 |publisher=Apple Music}}

• Latin Grammy Award for Best Classical Album: 2021, for Latin American Classics.
• Jose Felix Ribas Award: 1998, presented by the President of Venezuela for his cultural contributions.
• Global Music Awards: Bronze Medal for the album Miniatures.

Benítez is married to Venezuelan writer and journalist Juan Pablo Fernández-Feo.{{cite web |title=Kristhyan Benítez - Entrevista Documental |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY8wLiz1cOc |website=YouTube |access-date=30 May 2025}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.kbenitez.com Official Website]
• [https://www.instagram.com/kristhyan Official Instagram]
• [https://www.latingrammy.com/en/artists/kristhyan-benitez/39343-01 Latin Grammy Awards Page]

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Category:Year of birth missing (living people)

Category:Living people

Category:Venezuelan pianists

Category:Venezuelan composers

Category:Musicians from Caracas

Category:Latin Grammy Award winners