Edward Luengo

Biography supplied for the 2024 competition.

The first musician from a family of pilots, Venezuelan-American cellist Edward Luengo is a devoted interpreter of the classical masterworks lauded for his performances full of musical fantasy. “A strong and endearing performer, already a partner of the greatest in the United States” (Diapason Magazine), Edward has performed at the Rheingau Musik Festival, the Kronberg Festival, Music from Salem, Brussels Cello Festival, Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad by invitation from Steven Isserlis, and BOZAR Next Generation Artist Series. His artistry has led him to receive various awards including the First Prize of the Concurso Jóvenes Intérpretes, the Third Prize of the IX Carlos Prieto International Cello Competition, the Festival Ravel Chamber Music Prize, and the First Prize of the III Buchet International Cello Competition.
Working closely with artists such as Christoph Eschenbach, Ivan Fischer, Kim Kashkashian, Gidon Kremer, Olli Mustonen, and Sir András Schiff, Edward has also been invited to Festival Ravel, Festival MusicAlp, Yellow Barn Festival, IMS Prussia Cove Masterclasses and Open Chamber Music.
A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, his principal teachers include Jean-Michel Fonteneau, Philippe Muller, Heasook Rhee, Sylvia Rosenberg, and Frans Helmerson - with whom he studied through the Professional Studies program at the Kronberg Academy. Edward continues to take deep inspiration from classes with Steven Isserlis.