Izhar Elias (born in Amsterdam, 1977) is one of the Netherlands’ leading classical guitarists. He combines historical performance practice with modern creativity, which earned him international recognition. Elias also made history as the first guitarist to receive the Dutch Music Prize, the highest award for classical musicians in the Netherlands.
Elias began playing the guitar at the age of seven. He studied at the conservatories of Groningen and The Hague with Ton Terra, the Groningen Guitar Duo, Zoran Dukic, and Kees Hendrikse. Later, he explored 19th-century repertoire under Carlo Barone.
His interest in historical music inspired him to study baroque guitar. He trained with William Carter, Adrián Rodríguez van der Spoel, and Lex Eisenhardt. These experiences shaped his unique artistic style, blending early traditions with fresh ideas.