"Holmquist's playing is magnificent in everything." American Record Guide
Widely regarded to be one of the finest classical guitarists of his generation, John Holmquist's performing honors include First Prize and a standing ovation at the prestigious Guitar International Competition in Toronto, Canada and a Solo Recitalist Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
John Holmquist has toured extensively in England, Europe, and North and South America and appeared on broadcasts by the BBC, CBC and National and American Public Radio networks. A musicians' musician, his recitals and recordings have received high critical and popular acclaim.
Greatly respected as a teacher, Mr Holmquist has been invited to give master classes at many of the top conservatories and universities in the United States and abroad. He has adjudicated at numerous international competitions. His students have won several top prizes in regional, national and international competitions. Several of his former students have gone on to establish impressive concert and recording careers of their own.
For many years John Holmquist was the Head of the Guitar Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he taught classical guitar as well as courses in guitar literature and pedagogy. He has published several articles and reviews for various popular and scholarly magazines.
John Holmquist was the first person to edit the rediscovered Ten Etudes for guitar by Giulio Regondi. Unearthed in a private collection in Moscow by Matanya Ophee and published by Editions Orphee, these compositions are held to represent one of the most significant finds in the guitar literature this century. John Holmquist subsequently recorded this manuscript for Naxos.
Recordings include:
John Holmquist: Las Folias de España - Cavata CV 5001 (vinyl LP)
Garcia, Etudes Esquises/Celtic Airs - Naxos 8.553419
Sor: Fantasie, Op. 10 and 12/Themes et Menuets, Op.11 - Naxos 8.553723
Regondi 10 Etudes/Introduction and Caprice, Op. 23 - Naxos 8.554191