Bio of composers > BROUWER, Leo Leo Brouwer was born in Havana in 1939 and studied guitar and composition in Cuba. 1959-60 he attended Juilliard School of Music and Hartford University where he specialized in composition. In 1961, he was appointed Director of the Cuban Cinematographic Institute and professor of harmony and counterpoint at the National Roldan Conservatory in Havana. Following these appointments, he was made professor of composition at the Conservatory. Leo Brouwer is considered to be one of the most important and prolific composers for the classical guitar and his works have been performed by many renowned guitarists, including John Williams, Julian Bream and Alvaro Pierri. In addition to his compositions for guitar he has written ballets, operas and works for various ensembles. As a performer, Leo Brouwer has given concerts all over the world to critical acclaim and he is acknowledged as having one of the most varied repertoires of concert guitarists. He has recorded several albums on Deutsche Grammophon, Erato and Musical Heritage Society labels. As a conductor Leo Brouwer has appeared with major orchestras in many countries, including the Berlin Philharmonic.