Classical guitarist, composer/teacher/virtuoso Agustin Pio Barrios-Mangore was born May 5, 1885, in Paraguay, South America. He was one of the greatest performers/composers for the guitar. For four decades he performed in 18 Latin American countries, as well as, Belgium, Germany, and Spain. He mastered music and was fluent in literature and philosophy He spoke three languages, wrote poetry and was a fine sketch artist and calligrapher. He often performed in full native indian dress. His compositions have unique elements of baroque and romantic mixed with his own very musical sound.

Barrios taught guitar at the National Conservatorie in San Salvador.Today he is recognized by guitarists all around the world as a great genius and a significant composer for the instrument. His music is romantic, you might say "eclectically classical". In Barrios' music, we find a melodic, singing quality that is always harmonic (in 3 and 4 voices) with frequent modula- tion to neighboring keys combined with a technique employing the full range of the fingerboard utilizing a singular approach to chord voicings. Mangore was added to his name to honor his ancestory and a legendary latin american leader.