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Pablo Sáinz-Villegas brings his wife centerstage so they can demonstrate their salsa-dancing skills.
Photography by Todd Rosenberg
On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, Riccardo Muti led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a thrilling program featuring Stravinsky’s elegant Divertimento, Suite from The Fairy’s Kiss, Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez with guitar soloist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 — the latter a powerful journey of warmth and emotion, with a storm-driven finale.
As I sat in the audience listening to Concierto de Aranjuez, I was instantly transported to sunny afternoons in my grandparents’ patio, dreaming of Spain while soaking up the music they had cherished from their own childhoods. The Allegro con spirito of the first movement sparkled with youthful joy and promise. Next, the soulful Adagio tugged at the heart with its haunting English horn, and the Allegro finale danced to a graceful, upbeat close, echoing Spain’s light, folk-music spirit. I’ve come to understand these movements more deeply as an adult, yet the child in me still feels their hope and promise. Concierto de Aranjuez has always brought joy to my heart — and, as Sáinz-Villegas reminds us, music is something we all feel.
Hailed by the New York Times for his “virtuous and moving performance,” Sáinz-Villegas is widely regarded as the leading classical guitarist of his generation and heir to Andrés Segovia. Following his acclaimed 2019 CSO debut — praised by the Chicago Tribune for his “sheen of tone and noble rhythms” — he once again captivated the audience with his masterful technique, precise, full-arm playing and flawless synchronization, which he discussed during a post-concert Q&A at a Nuestras Noches event in Grainger Ballroom.
I had the privilege of serving as emcee for the first two Nuestras Noches events with Sáinz-Villegas, before his performances in CSO concerts conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero, another cherished friend of the CSO Latino Alliance. In 2019, accompanied by flamenco dancers, Sáinz-Villegas performed at a pre-concert reception, creating a truly magical atmosphere. In 2023, during a rapid-fire Q&A session featuring audience-submitted questions, Sáinz-Villegas’ warmth and humor had everyone laughing and connecting in the moment. It was no surprise — Sáinz-Villegas is not only approachable, but also deeply and emotionally open, generously sharing his feelings and passion with the audience.
This time, following the concert, the CSO Latino Alliance presented its signature Noche de Guitarra reception, with Oliver Camacho, music director, host and producer at WFMT-FM, serving as emcee. Members had the chance to experience Sáinz-Villegas’ character, heart and extraordinary technique up close — and even joined him and his wife on the dance floor for some salsa dancing, bringing the night to life in true CSO Latino Alliance style.
As the Latino Alliance celebrates its 12th season, Sáinz-Villegas was once again honored as a special guest at a Nuestras Noches event, the Alliance’s annual series highlighting Latino and Hispanic artists, music and culture. His enduring friendship with the Alliance has made our milestone events in 2019, 2023 and now 2025 truly unforgettable.
During the Q&A moderated by Camacho, Sáinz-Villegas shared not only insights into his guitar technique, but also into his vision of music as a universal language. Reflecting on performing with Muti, he said: “Playing with Maestro Muti for any musician in the world is a dream come true. He represents a life dedicated to music, to excellence. Music belongs to the expressions we cannot touch or see, but must feel — they are among the most powerful experiences in life.”
One of the most touching moments came when Sáinz-Villegas reflected on the Latino experience in today’s world, emphasizing the strength of identity, the richness of culture and the importance of unity. His words left a lasting impression on everyone present. As fans gathered around him at the end of the evening, he turned to me with a smile and said in Spanish, “Nothing compares to the energy of Chicago and the CSO Latino Alliance!”
It was a night of artistry, passion and community — an unforgettable celebration of music, culture and the human spirit brought to life by one of the world’s greatest classical guitarists. As I reflected on the evening, I couldn’t help feeling immense pride in the vibrant community we have built with the CSO Latino Alliance at Symphony Center — for which I am truly proud.
About Pablo Sáinz-Villegas
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas has performed in more than 40 countries with leading orchestras — from the New York Philharmonic and Israel Philharmonic to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic — and on stages like Vienna’s Musikverein and Beijing’s NCPA. He has captivated crowds of up to 85,000 at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu and appeared at landmark events such as the Princess of Asturias Awards Concert and the Metropolitan Opera Gala at Versailles.
A socially committed artist, he founded Strings in Common in the United States and created Spain’s La Rioja Festival. An exclusive Sony Classical artist, he has collaborated with Plácido Domingo and Yo-Yo Ma, and inspired new works by John Williams.
Praised in his 2019 CSO debut for the “sheen of his tone and the nobility of his rhythms” by the Chicago Tribune, Sáinz-Villegas captivated the audience once again with his exceptional technique, masterful synchronization and full-arm playing style — with a precision akin to an archer or tennis pro. The 2025–26 season features a return to the CSO with Muti, international premieres, chamber projects and major orchestral engagements worldwide
