Cheo Hurtado is a Venezuelan musician and composer born in Venezuela in 1960. Asdrúbal José Hurtado is a virtuoso of string instruments, including the mandolin, bandola, and guitar, and is recognized for his mastery of the cuatro. They began performing on radio at age seven and received the first prize at the Festival Nacional de Cuatro in 1973. Hurtado founded the group La Cuerda de Carmito in 1977 and later co-founded the ensemble Ensamble Gurrufío in 1984, which specialized in the academic development of Venezuelan folk music. With Gurrufío, they released albums including Maroa (1993) and Cosas del ayer (1998) and performed on international tours. Their solo discography includes El Seis Guayanés (1988) and Compadre Pancho (1993). In 2004, they established the initiative La Siembra del Cuatro to promote the instrument. Hurtado received the Premio Monseñor Pellín in 1998 and the Premio Nacional del Artista in 1999.
