Born in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, in 1955, Alfonso Montes began music studies from a very early age. After studying the guitar with Carlos Atilano, Leopoldo Igarza, and Antonio Lauro, he moved to London where he studied with the guitarist-composer John Duarte (1976-1982). During this time he obtained the ARCM diploma at the Royal College of Music. He also studied analysis and composition techniques with Adrian Thorne at the Guildhall School of Music. Besides his active carreer as a teacher, he was appointed cultural attaché for the Venezuelan Embassy in London, and later in Bonn (1992-97), and General Director of International Cultural Cooperation for the Venezuelan Ministry of Culture (1998-2000). His output as a composer includes concertos as well as music for film and theater. His music is played and recorded worldwide by international orchestras, ensembles, and soloists. Montes is at present living in Germany with his wife Irina Kircher, noted guitarist and teacher. Since 1983 they play as the Duo Montes-Kircher, considered to be one of the leading guitar duos of their generation.