Manuel Barrueco, who was born in Cuba, is regarded as one of the most influential interpreters of the classical guitar scene. He was perhaps the first guitarist to place his virtuosity entirely at the service of stylistically faithful interpretation and musical performance, thus giving the guitar the status of a serious polyphonic classical musical instrument next to the piano. 

His great talent was encouraged when he emigrated with his family from Cuba to the USA and received a scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, where he now teaches himself. In 1974 Barrueco was the first guitarist to win the coveted "Concert Artist Guild Award". 

His first recordings of original classical literature aroused incredulous amazement at his abilities and precise interpretation. He has recorded a large number of recordings for the EMI label. Important composers such as Arvo Pärt and Toru Takemitsu have dedicated works to him. Manuel Barrueco is a guest on the most important stages of the world and has worked with many renowned artists. Among them are stars from the classical music world such as Plácido Domingo, but also rock and jazz musicians such as Al Di Meola, Steve Morse (Deep Purple) and Andy Summers (Police). In 2007 he won a Latin Grammy, the most important award in the music industry, for the CD "Inca Dances".