He studied organ and harpsichord in Zaragoza with José Luis González Uriol and later in Amsterdam with Jacques van Oortmersen and Gustav Leonhardt, the latter encouraging him to work in favor of Spanish Baroque music. In 2004, the ensemble he founded in 1988, Al Ayre Español, was awarded the National Music Award (Premio Nacional de Música), granted by the Ministry of Culture of the Spanish Government, in recognition of over twenty years of musicological rigor and excellence in performance. This achievement has established Al Ayre Español as a benchmark for historicist interpretation throughout Europe. Under his leadership, the ensemble has performed in the world’s most prestigious concert halls, while he has also been frequently invited to conduct renowned symphony orchestras and period-instrument ensembles.
Operatic Work & Pedagogy
In the field of opera, Eduardo López Banzo is considered one of today’s leading specialists in Handel’s dramatic works. He has participated in stage productions with:
- Asociación de Amigos de la Ópera de Bilbao (ABAO/OLBE) with Al Ayre Español
- Palau de les Arts in Valencia with the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana
- Kiel Opera House (Germany) with the Philharmonisches Orchester Kiel
As an educator, he is regularly invited to give masterclasses and specialized courses at various institutions, including:
- Universities of Alcalá de Henares (Opera Studio), Zaragoza (Cursos de Jaca), and Salamanca
- Escuela Superior de Canto de Madrid
- Centro Nacional de Difusión Musical (Ministry of Culture of Spain)
- Menéndez Pelayo International University
- Fondazione Cini in Venice
- Conservatory of Amsterdam
Recognition
In October 2010, Eduardo López Banzo was honored as an “Hijo Predilecto” (Favorite Son) of Zaragoza.
