About Christopher Parkening

Christopher Parkening is ranked as one of the world’s preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar. The Washington Post cited, he is “the leading guitar virtuoso of our day combining profound musical insight with complete technical mastery of his instrument.” And the Los Angeles Times wrote, “Parkening is considered America’s reigning classical guitarist, carrying the torch of his mentor, the late Andrés Segovia.” The great Spanish guitarist, himself, proclaimed that “Christopher Parkening is a great artist—he is one of the most brilliant guitarists in the world.”

Christopher has performed around the world, including such prestigious places as Carnegie Hall and the White House. His television appearances include the Grammy® Awards, The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Good morning America, and 20/20. He has recorded 20 albums and earned two Grammy® nominations in the category of “Best Classical Recordings.” In 2012 he was inducted into the Guitar Foundation of America’s “Hall of Fame” and given their Artistic Achievement Award “for monumental contributions to the development of the art and life of the classical guitar." 

Christopher is Distinguished Professor of Music and Chair of the Guitar Department at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He also is a world class fly fishing and casting champion who has won the International Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament (the “Wimbledon” of fly fishing) in the Florida Keys. But at the heart of his dedication to performance, recording and teaching is a deep commitment to Jesus Christ. 

Christopher Parkening Testimonials:

“The kind of impeccable musicianship that only greatly talented people achieve at any age…could well become one of this generation’s concert heroes.”
—The New York Times 

“He is a prince among guitarists, a musician of genuine warmth and intellect, magnificently exciting.” 
—San Francisco Chronicle 

“Christopher Parkening . . . no one exceeds him in sheer mastery of the guitar . . . 
—The Boston Globe 

“You go to hear Parkening to be completely and overwhelmingly reassured that great musicianship is still one of life’s most exhilarating experiences.”
—St. Louis Post-Dispatch 

“Beg, steal, buy, or borrow a ticket to hear the spectacular virtuoso, Christopher Parkening.”
—The Washington Post