Manuel Antonio Carreño

A Venezuelan pianist and composer who pioneered Latin American classical music on the world stage

Manuel Antonio Carreño (September 25, 1859 – January 14, 1924) was a Venezuelan pianist, composer, and diplomat whose virtuosic performances established Latin American classical music in Europe and North America. Beginning his training at 7 under European tutors in Caracas, he became the first South American musician to tour Europe extensively, performing in 23 countries between 1868-1880. His 1881 US debut at Carnegie Hall launched a 40-year career where he championed works by Latin American composers like Argentina's Williams and Mexico's Iturbi. As composer, his 150+ works include the symphonic poem El Dorado and the opera Cecilia Valdés. He served as Venezuela's ambassador to Spain (1906-1910) while maintaining his musical career. Carreño's legacy endures through the Manuel Carreño Conservatory in Caracas and annual festivals like the Carreño International Piano Competition. Recent biographies include Piano Supremo by music historian David Yearsley.