Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas

Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas is one of the finest performers of the Cuban Guitar Movement. He is a sophisticated virtuoso on his instrument and an ambassador of Cuban culture.

Since graduating from both the Royal College and Guildhall School of Music and Drama he has performed in prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, toured extensively around Europe, presented innumerable UK premieres, and released several critically acclaimed recordings. His latest CD Ilusión y Verdad is out now on Parma Recording (USA). Over the last 15 years, Ahmed has established a successful career in the UK, whilst maintaining a performance profile and strong links with Cuba. He is widely recognised as an ambassador both for the music and musicians of his native country. In 2008, Ahmed founded Cubafilin Records – a record label dedicated to the exclusive promotion of Cuban musicians and their original works.

For nearly ten years, Ahmed enjoyed the great privilege of collaborating with the prolific late guitarist and composer - Jose Antonio (Ñico) Rojas. He transcribed Rojas' extensive unpublished works during this period, and subsequent performances and recording earned two prizes at the Cubadisco Awards 2009, Best Instrumental Soloist and Best Instrumental Album. The same album was nominated for Best Artist and Best Newcomer in Songlines World Music Magazine, and Best Album and Best Single at the Latin American Music Awards UK. Passionate in his collaboration with other artists, Ahmed has released seven albums. He has also worked with Chineke!, soprano Laura Mitchell, Fiorella Camilleri, flamenco Jazz guitarist Eduardo Niebla, Cuban percussionist Hammadi Rencurrell, violinist Emma Blanco, the Santiago Quartet, and led the Cuban Guitar Orchestra Sonantas Habaneras in Havana for two years.

Ahmed graduated from the Superior Institute of Art (ISA Havana) and was awarded a first-class honours degree on the guitar, completing his qualification a year early. In 2005, he moved to London to study with Carlos Bonell and Chris Stell at the Royal College of Music and was awarded prizes including the Royal College of Music Guitar Competition and the Ivor Mairant Guitar Competition. In 2006, supported by The Kramer-Chappell Scholarship and the Mad Hatters Club, he undertook further studies with Robert Brightmore at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since his arrival in the UK, Ahmed has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Ashley Stewart Arts Sponsorship 2011, Concordia Foundation 2008-2009 and Ivor Mairants International guitar Competition 2006. Recent engagements include a Wigmore Hall recital with the Kyan quartet, performing Villa-Lobos Concerto with the Bath Festival Orchestra at Kings Place, solo recitals for IGF (International Guitar Foundation) as well as touring to Spain, Malta, Azerbaijan, England, Scotland and Ireland in collaboration with Grammy nominee composer Eduardo Martín.

Learn more & book: Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas | University of Leeds International Concert Series