Early Life and Education
Rafael Serrallet was born in Chirivella, Valencia, Spain, on 14 July 1971. He began playing guitar at the age of 12, showing early signs of the musical dedication that would define his career. His first teacher was José Tomás, a disciple of Andrés Segovia, who gave him a rigorous foundation in classical guitar technique and interpretation.
Serrallet continued advanced studies at the conservatories of Torrent and Carcaixent, then pursued further musical education at the Spanish Academy in Rome, where he deepened his relationship with European classical repertoire.
His academic background includes a PhD in Music from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia and a Master of Education from UNED. He also broadened his training with masters such as David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, and Alirio Díaz.
Career Highlights
With a career spanning more than twenty-five years, Serrallet has performed more than 1,000 concerts in over 80 countries and on every continent. His appearances include major venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
As a soloist, he has collaborated with orchestras including the Malaysian Philharmonic, the Panama Symphony, the Morocco Philharmonic, and the Novosibirsk Chamber Orchestra. His repertoire spans Renaissance vihuela music, Spanish classics, Latin American works, and contemporary compositions.
Critics have praised his excellent musical style, secure technique, and stage personality. His artistry has been described as the "magic of the Spanish guitar".
Teaching and Outreach
Serrallet has been a resident teacher at the Conservatories of Santiago de Compostela and Llíria. He is also founder and director of the International Iberian Musical Institute (IIMI), an organization dedicated to musical excellence and cultural exchange.
Through IIMI and related programs, he has offered master classes internationally and worked with disadvantaged children in Morocco, the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, and Asia. His outreach has included instruments, education, and sustainable musical cooperation.
He has organized and performed benefit concerts supporting causes such as climate awareness, cancer research, campaigns against gender violence, and cultural access for communities with fewer resources.
Awards and Recognition
In 2018, Rafael Serrallet set a Guinness World Record by becoming the first musician to play a concert on each of the seven continents. He completed the journey in 154 days and 22 hours, with concerts in Chicago, Kuala Lumpur, Christchurch, Ushuaia, Neko Harbour, Oviedo, and Mombasa. The project also raised funds for WWF.
In 2025, Serrallet received a Latin GRAMMY Award as part of the winning recording Y El Canto De Todas, awarded Best Instrumental Album at the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.
His performance career, teaching, and humanitarian projects continue to position him as one of Spain’s notable cultural ambassadors for the classical guitar.