Peruvian-born guitarist and composer Ciro Hurtado began his musical career in Lima, performing at festivals, theater productions, and community events during a time when traditional music and Rock & Roll shaped his unique style. After immigrating to the U.S., he studied at the Guitar Institute of Technology and later joined the acclaimed guitar duo Strunz & Farah, performing internationally at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Kennedy Center, and Havana Classical Guitar Festival, and recording the album Misterio for audiophile label Water Lily Acoustics.

Hurtado co-founded and served as musical director for the groundbreaking Latin American folk-jazz ensemble Huayucaltia, recording seven albums and performing across major U.S. venues, including the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

As a solo artist, Ciro has released 13 albums, earning top placements on the Zone Music Reporter charts. His works have been recognized with two Latin Grammy nominations (2015, 2024), a Grammy nomination (2025), and a ZMR World Music Award (2020). His music blends traditional Latin American roots with contemporary world-fusion, marked by virtuosic nylon-string guitar work and evocative compositions.

Ciro’s credits as a composer include contributions to films and documentaries such as Baraka, Peru: The Royal Tour, and From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks. He has also produced for artists including Michele Greene and Rosalia León. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was awarded the prestigious Durfee Master Musician Fellowship.