Hopkinson Smith is renowned for his mastery of early plucked string instruments such as the lute, the vihuela, and the theorbo. Born in New York in 1946, Smith's musical journey led him to Europe, where he became a pivotal figure in the revival and popularization of Renaissance and Baroque music. He studied at Harvard and later moved to Paris to train under Emilio Pujol, a disciple of the famed lutenist Francisco Tárrega. Further honing his skills, he became one of the founding members of the ensemble Hespèrion XX (now Hespèrion XXI), led by Jordi Savall, contributing to their distinction in the early music scene.

In his illustrious solo career, Hopkinson Smith has enamored audiences and critics alike with his deep understanding and poetic interpretations of period pieces. His discography features a rich tapestry of works that illustrate the nuanced beauty of early music, with a focus on composers such as John Dowland, Luys Milan, and numerous others. Smith's recent releases, including "Bright & Early" and his compelling take on Dowland's "The Second Book of Songes," reveal an artist who continues to delve into the historical depths of music with scholarly precision and impassioned performance. As a celebrated pedagogue, he imparts his knowledge and passion to new generations of musicians, ensuring that the eloquence of lutes and their kin speaks to contemporary audiences with undiminished splendor.

Genres

Lute

Latest Release

Bright & Early

Hopkinson Smith

Album - 21 Tracks - Released February 3, 2023