In Memoriam: Kazuhito Yamashita (1961–2026)

The classical guitar world loses a true visionary with the passing of Kazuhito Yamashita. Born in Nagasaki, Yamashita forever changed our understanding of technical mastery on the instrument.

He first stunned the international community in 1980 with his groundbreaking transcription of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition—a feat previously thought impossible for a solo guitarist. Throughout a prolific career spanning over 100 recordings, he championed both the core repertoire of Bach and Villa-Lobos and over 60 world premieres of contemporary works.

In his later years, he collaborated with numerous musicians, often performing chamber music. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

You can listen to one of Yamashita's most iconic recordings below.