Classical Guitarists - Artists' Biographies - Classical Guitar Performers

Classical Guitarists' Bios

The following classical guitarists and assisting artists have either participated in the Distinguished Artists' Series presented annually by Guitars International in cooperation with the Cleveland Institute of Music or will participate in its up coming 2012 Classical Guitar Weekend. Now entering its twelfth season the Distinguished Artists Series is devoted to the celebration of art music - solo and ensemble, old and new - and the internationally renowned performers and composers who make this celebration possible.

	Judah Adashi "Muted but serene...composed with a fine sense of vocal textures and word values and an undertone of joy." Washington Post Composer Judah E. Adashi (b. 1975) has been honored with awards and commissions from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the ASCAP and BMI Foundations, and the Aspen Music Festival, as well as three residencies at the Yaddo artist colony. Mr. Adashi is on the composition and music theory faculty at the Peabody Institute...
	Tony Arnold "Tony Arnold was spellbinding...." Chicago Sun-Times Clarity, depth, imagination, and vocal beauty mark the performances of soprano Tony Arnold, who is internationally recognized for her interpretation of the contemporary repertoire. In 2001 she became the first vocalist ever to win the prestigious Gaudeamus International Interpreters Competition, and later that year took top honors at the McMahon International Music Competition. Since those triumphs she has...
	Manuel Barrueco Manuel Barrueco is recognized internationally as a leading figure in the guitar world today. His artistry has been continually described as that of a superb instrumentalist and an elegant musician, possessing a seductive sound and uncommon lyrical gifts. His international tours take him to some of the most important musical centers in the world each season. Recent appearances have included New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Munich, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Copenhagen, Athens, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, and Hong Kong...
	Beijing Guitar Duo "With their ability to fuse technical skill effortlessly with their depth of musicality, they have the star potential to serve as inspiration for new generations of guitarists to come." Classical Guitar Magazine (England) The Beijing Guitar Duo, Meng Su and Yameng Wang, first met at the Central Conservatory in Beijing, China, where they both studied with the acclaimed professor, Chen Zhi. The impressive individual talents of Ms. Su and Ms. Wang come together to create what is sure to be one of....
	Jorge Cardoso Jorge Cardoso has performed concerts and lectured on classical guitar technique, interpretation, Latin American Music, Baroque Music, and Music Composition throughout the world. He has composed over 350 works for solo guitar, voice and guitar, as well as duos, trios, and string quartets. He has also transcribed and arranged an extensive body of South American folkloric music, music of the Spanish Renaissance and Baroque periods. He is the recipient of the highest awards at various competitions and festivals, including...
	Colin Davin "Mr Davin is the real thing, a player with a virtuoso's technique, a deeply expressive musicianship, and a probing imagination." American Record Guide review of Colin Davin's debut C.D., "the infinite fabric of time" Regarded as one of the most exciting talents of the classical guitar today, Colin Davin has earned a reputation as a virtuoso guitarist and a refined interpreter. He has been awarded a number of prizes, including: First Prize, 2008 Columbus State University Guitar Competition (Columbus, GA); First Prize, 2007 Miami International Guitar...
	Rohan de Saram Rohan de Saram studied cello from the age of 11 with Gaspar Cassadó in Italy. At the age of 17 he was awarded the coveted Suggia award to study in the UK with John Barbirolli and in Puerto Rico with Pablo Casals. At the invitation of Dmitri Mitropoulos, who described him in 1957 as "a rare genius....a born musician...an amazing...cellist."Rohan de Saram was invited to give his Carnegie Hall debut in 1960 with the New York Philharmonic, playing Khatchaturians Cello Concerto under the baton of Stanislaw Skrowaczewski...
	Zoran Dukic "Master of the instrument, shining in virtuoso moments as well as in the intimate ones. The sonority he creates from his guitar is as admirable as his palette of expression and elegance." El Norte (Mexico) Zoran Dukic is one of the most distinguished classical guitarists of our time. In his tour de force competition years (1990-1997) Zoran Dukic won an astonishing number of competitions. He is the only guitarist to have won both "Andrés Segovia" competitions, in Granada and in....
	Eduardo Fernandez Eduardo Fernández is recognized as one of today's leading guitarists. Born in 1952 in Uruguay, he began his studies of guitar at age 7. His principal teachers were Abel Carlevaro, Guido Santórsola and Héctor Tosar. After being prized in several international competitions, the most notable being the 1972 Porto Alegre (Brazil) and 1975 Radio France (Paris) competitions, he won the first prize of the 1975 Andrés Segovia Competition in Mallorca (Spain). His New York debut in 1977 won critical accolades, being described as "A top guitarist..."
	Paul Galbraith Lauded for his exceptional artistry by the New Yorker and for music-making described as pure magic by the Santa Barbara News-Press, Paul Galbraith won the Silver Medal at the Segovia International Guitar Competition at the age of 17. Andrés Segovia, who was present, called his playing "magnificent." This award helped launch an international career including engagements with some of the finest orchestras in Britain and Europe. In his unique playing style, his guitar (which has added high and low strings) is supported by a metal endpin that rests on a wooden...
	Ricardo Gallen Spanish classical guitarist par excellent, Ricardo Jesus Gallen Garcia, has given highly acclaimed solo recitals and performed in concerts under the direction of well-known conductors such as Maximiano Valdes, Juan Jose Mena, Monica Huggett and Seirgiu Comisiona throughout Europe and America, including Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Cuba, the United States, Russia, Norway, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel. Ricardo Gallen has received over twenty international prizes, including: First Prize at the 32nd Markneukirchen International Instrumental Competition...
	Peter Gilbert "Peter Gilbert's Ricochet for guitar and electronics is particularly appealing on a first hearing, with infectious rhythms and delightful coordination between guitar solo and electronics." American Record Guide Composer Peter Gilbert's music has been heard in concerts and festivals across the United States and Europe in venues ranging from the Kennedy Center to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, played by...
	Antigoni Goni Greek guitarist Antigoni Goni has performed throughout the United States, Japan, Portugal, France, England, Germany, Russia and Greece. Ms. Goni resides in Belgium, where she heads the Guitar Department at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. In addition to her position at the Royal Conservatory, she is faculty at both the Juilliard Pre-College Division and Columbia University. For her International achievements, both as a performer and a pedagogue, the Royal Academy of Music in London, England awarded her with the honorary position...
	Stephen Goss Stephen Goss writes music that draws freely on a number of styles and genres. These eclectic influences result in the unexpected juxtapositions that characterize much of his work. In April 2005, Goss' piece The Garden of Cosmic Speculation was featured on The South Bank Show on ITV1. His music also has been featured on many other UK radio stations and various radio and TV stations overseas. Stephen Goss' music has been performed throughout the world, and is published in Germany, the USA and the UK. Many of his pieces have been recorded on the Decca...
	Hargis O'Dette Duo Friends and colleagues for over twenty-five years, Ellen Hargis and Paul O'Dette bring an incomparable spirit of drama, vivid musical imagination and fun to their voice and lute collaborations. Each performer is a virtuoso in his respective field. The artists' mutual commitment to performance practice, avid interest in the undiscovered, and natural ability to communicate the essence of this intimate repertoire make their concerts uniquely memorable. The duo has toured around the globe, performing to rave reviews in Japan, Russia, Spain, France, Austria, England...
	John Holmquist "Holmquist's playing is magnificent in everything." American Record Guide Widely regarded to be one of the finest classical guitarists of his generation, John Holmquist's performing honours include First Prize and a standing ovation at the prestigious Guitar International Competition in Toronto, Canada and a Solo Recitalist Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Highly respected as a teacher, Mr Holmquist has been invited to give master classes at many of the top...
	Hubert Kappel Hubert Kappel is among the most influential teachers and guitarists of his generation. Born in Bensberg, Germany, he is the only German guitarist ever to win the International Interpretation Competition in Gargano, Italy. After intensive training at the Cologne College of Music, he completed his classical guitar studies with Konrad Ragossnig at the Music Academy in Basel, Switzerland and with Oscar Ghiglia in Siena and Gargnano, Italy. Since completing his studies, Hubert Kappel has established himself as a leading performer and teacher...
	Dale Kavanagh Canadian-born Dale Kavanagh is one of the guitar world¹s most gifted interpreters. Between 1986 and 1988 Ms. Kavanagh was a top prize-winner in Spain¹s³ Segovia Competition, Italy's Gargnano Competition, Switzerland's Neuchatel Competition and First and Special Prize winner in Finland's Scandinavian International Guitar Competition. Dale Kavanagh received her Bachelor of Music degree at Dalhousie University in Canada, then completed her graduate studies with the Solisten Diplom at the Musik Akademie der Stadt Basel with Oscar Ghiglia in Switzerland...
	Yolanda Kondonassis "Powerful" (The New York Times), "Exquisite" (The Washington Post), "Flat-Out Fabulous" The New Jersey Star Ledger Yolanda Kondonassis is celebrated as one of the world's premiere solo harpists and is widely regarded as today's most recorded classical harpist. Hailed as "an extraordinary virtuosa" and "sheer luminescence at the harp," she has performed around the globe as a concerto soloist and in recital, bringing her unique brand of musicianship and warm artistry.....
	Irina Kulikova "The opening sections of the Tansman Variations on a Theme of Scriabin include some of the most beautiful playing I have ever heard, with gorgeous sounds and exquisitely balanced sonorities." Soundboard Irina Kulikova is considered one of the most gifted musicians on the classical guitar. Highlights for 2011 will be two new CD recordings, concert tours in Canada and the USA, a concert with the State Symphony Orchestra "New Russia" at the VI Moscow International....
	Joan Kwuon "[F]iery, intensely musical and impassioned playing." New York Times Born and raised in Los Angeles, violinist Joan Kwuon made her Tanglewood Music Festival debut with the Brahms Violin Concerto at the invitation of Sir André Previn. Following this debut, she was presented in her New York debut in recital at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. Ms. Kwuon's virtuosity and radiant stage presence have been recognized by media ranging from The Today Show, CBS News and....
	Jonathan Leathwood "To have early mastered the utmost technical demands of so difficult an instrument as the guitar is rare. To possess not only an infallible memory for its repertoire, but a depth of understanding at once intuitive and analytical, is rarer still. And to be able to communicate such understanding with an intensity that has audiences hanging upon every note is rarest of all. Speaking at once as a composer, critic and listener, I would say that Jonathan Leathwood has it all." Bayan Northcott, composer and critic [UK]...
	Daniel Lippel "Guitarist Dan Lippel was simply brilliant...." Boston Musical Intelligencer Guitarist Daniel Lippel is active as a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist. Recent performances include a solo tour of Germany, recitals in Istanbul, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, and chamber music performances on Finland's Musica Nova Helsinki Festival, the Macau International Music Festival in China, and on the Mostly Mozart Festival at New York's Alice Tully Hall. His 2009-2010 season includes recitals in Cleveland, New York, Bowdoin College in Maine, and University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, as well as ensemble...
	Duo Melis "Their Bay Area debut . . . revealed an ensemble notable for sensitive musicianship, virtousic panache, and stylish performances" San Francisco Classical Voice Spanish guitarist, Susana Prieto, and Greek guitarist, Alexis Muzurakis, debuted as the Duo Melis in 1999 at the International Guitar Festival of Volos (Greece). Since then they have performed in such prestigious halls as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Megaron in Athens and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. They have been invited to play...
	Regina Mushabac Award winning cellist Regina Mushabac is in demand as recitalist and soloist with orchestras in this country and abroad. Winner of the prestigious Concert Artists Guild Award and numerous other awards, Mushabac has given highly acclaimed performances in Europe, Central America, South America and throughout the U.S. Ms. Mushabac is professor of cello at the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music (Cleveland). She was a founding member of the Elysian Trio (19 years) and the Coryton Trio (5 years)...
	Nigel North "Perhaps he is the greatest performer on the instrument of all time." Birmingham Post (England) Nigel North has for over thirty years developed a unique musical career which embraces activities as a renowned soloist, accompanist, scholar and teacher. A prolific recording artist, he has participated in over 200 recording projects including 20 solo CDs. Most recently his Naxos CDs of the solo lute works of John Dowland have gained him a garland of critical acclaim...
	Jung Eun Oh (U.S.A.) "Expressive enchantment [and] exceptional accuracy and taste." Plain Dealer Soprano Jung Eun Oh has appeared as a soloist at the Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center as a part of the Conservatory Project and has made appearances with Red {an orchestra} as "Der Engel" in Heinrich Schütz's A Christmas Story. Jung Eun Oh won the first place prize in the Leopoldskron Vocal Competition in Salzburg, Austria. She has also been the recipient of The Irvin Bushman Prize...
	Stephen Robinson A native of New York, Stephen Robinson has been heralded by The New York Times for his "effortless virtuosity with intelligence and good taste," by The Tallahassee Democrat for his "sweet, pure sound, technique to burn and strong sense of musical and poetic phrasing," and by (Puerto Rico's) El Nuevo Dia as a "magnificent North American guitarist, full of virtuosity, magnificent technical precision, and a masterfully delivered diverse range of sound." He began his guitar studies in 1976 with Bruce Holzman at Florida State U., and worked closely with Andres Segovia...
	Liliana Rodriguez The soprano, Liliana Rodriguez, was born in Cordoba, Argentina. As the lead vocalist of the Argentine folklore group, Grupo Azul, she has made various recordings, radio and television appearances and toured internationally. Liliana Rodriguez makes regular appearances with Esquina, the trio for contemporary tango, as well as performing in duo with guitarist Jorge Cardoso and in trio with guitarists Jorge Cardoso and Raphaella Smits...
	David Russell Beloved by audiences around the world, David Russell continues to distinguish himself as one of the prodigious performers of our time. A musical virtuoso with a captivating stage presence, he is lauded for not only his technical mastery, but also his soft-spoken conviction. Despite his incredible success, he remains devoted to advancing the repertoire and future of the classical guitar. In recognition of his extraordinary talent, the Scottish-born Mr. Russell was named a Fellow by London's Royal Academy of Music...
	Vineet Shende "[I]mpeccably written.., at once ferocious and mystical." Portland Press Herald Vineet Shende's work often deals with conceptual issues of timbral development, structural order, and the Japanese aesthetic concept of ma ("active" space and time). Shende's music incorporates a wide variety of styles, including the modal and rhythmic world of North Indian classical music, the visceral energy of rock music, and a harmonic...
	Michael Cedric Smith Recognized as a brilliant performer and elegant interpreter of romantic and modern music, Michael Cedric Smith appears frequently as a recitalist and in chamber music concerts in New York City and across the country. Mr. Smith has presented the world premiers of numerous works including: Five Preludes by Robert Starer and Concerto for Guitar by Ulf Grahn (both written for Michael Cedric Smith) and the New York premier of Son Sonara for flute and guitar by Tania Leon. He has performed contemporary American chamber music as a guest artist with...
	Raphaella Smits She is called quite rightly "une Grande Musicienne." Praised by the New York Times as "uncommonly musical," Belgian classical guitarist Raphaella Smits was the first woman to be awarded the coveted First Prize in Spain's Certamen Internacional de Guitarra Francisco Tarrega Competition. Since then she has toured the world many times over, performing frequently in the music capitols of Western and Eastern Europe and in North and South America. A persuasive advocate of both the modern eight string and 19th century classical guitars...
	Gaëlle Solal (France) "The new star of the guitar in France" Chitarre The exciting young French classical guitar virtuoso, Gaëlle Solal, has won top prizes in numerous international competitions, including: Alessandria, Italy (first prize), Locquémeau, France (first prize), Savona, Italy (first prize), and Sernancelhe, Portugal (first prize). She has performed in more than thirty countries. Her captivating artistry was one of the highlights of the 2011 Guitar Foundation of America Festival. Ms. Solal's June 2nd recital will be her Cleveland debut...
	SoloDuo (Italy) "Unforgettable musicianship of the highest order" The Washington Post From New York's Carnegie Hall to Vienna's Konzerthaus SoloDuo has been acclaimed to be one of the finest ensembles in the history of the classical guitar. Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli met in the year 2000. Since then, they have shared a number of ideas, musical projects, and travels throughout Europe, Asia and North America. SoloDuo's long awaited June 2nd recital marks this renowned duo's Cleveland debut...
	Pavel Steidl (Czech Republic) "Never was a standing ovation more richly deserved" Classical Guitar One of the most widely celebrated classical guitar virtuosos of his generation, Pavel Steidl began his professional career after winning first prize at the prestigious Radio France International Guitar Competition in 1982. A musician of unique artistry and boundless energy, Pavel Steidl's highly expressive performances of rare 19th-century guitar music on authentic instruments add a wonderful dimension to his exciting recitals. Mr.Steidl's June 1st engagement marks his Cleveland debut...
	Nathasja van Rosse Dutch classical guitar virtuoso Nathasja van Rosse is a dynamic young musician whose refined artistry has received world-wide critical acclaim. As a result of her magnificent performances, several composers have written and dedicated works to her. Her early music studies were at the Junior High School for Music and Dance and at the Conservatory in Rotterdam, Netherlands. At a young age she was already performing many concerts, both solo and with orchestra, as well as making appearances on radio and television...
	Rucco James Duo The duo of Pasquale Rucco and Douglas James specializes in the guitar literature of the early 19th century performed on authentic instruments of the period. The two first met and became friends at guitar festivals in northern Italy during the early 1990's. They have now been performing together for over ten years, charming audiences worldwide with their interpretations of music from the first true "golden age" of the guitar. The Duo's repertoire features some of the most famous of the early 19th century guitar duo masterpieces as well as newly discovered gems...
	ANA VIDOVIC Ana Vidovic is an extraordinary talent of formidable gifts taking her place amongst the elite musicians of the world today. She has won an impressive number of prizes and international competitions all over the world. Those include first prizes in the Albert Augustine International Competition in Bath, England, the Fernando Sor competition in Rome, Italy and the Francisco Tarrega competition in Benicasim, Spain. Other top prizes include the Eurovision Competition for Young Artists, the Mauro Giuliani competition in Italy, the Printemps de la Guitare in Belgium...
	Jason Vieaux (U.S.A.) "...among the elite of today's classical guitarists." Gramophone One of the "youngest stars of the guitar world" (New York Times, 2010), Jason Vieaux is a musician noted for virtuosic and stirring performances, imaginative programming, and uncommon communicative gifts. His collaborations with the Escher Quartet, flutist Gary Schocker, harpist Yolanda Kondonassis, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, and bandoneon/accordion virtuoso Julien Labro (who joins Jason Vieaux on his latest Azica C.D.) continue to display Vieaux's broad range of musical interests...
	Dan Visconti "Bristling with exhilarating musical ideas and a powerfully crafted lyricism." Cleveland Plain Dealer Dan Visconti (b. 1982) composes concert music infused with the directness of expression and maverick spirit of the American vernacular. His compositions often explore the rough timbres, propulsive rhythms, and improvisational energy characteristic of jazz, bluegrass, and rock-elements that tend to collide in unexpected ways with Visconti's....
	Orianna Webb Orianna Webb's music has been described as "abound[ing] in urgent and mysterious detail" (Cleveland Plain Dealer), and possessing "fine alterations of mood, timbre and personality . . . whose colorations and phrases mesh - and delight." (Philadelphia Inquirer). Her work has been recognized with honors and commissions from the American Academy of Arts & Letters, the Fromm Foundation, ASCAP, the American Music Center, SCI, the International Alliance for Women in Music, the New York Youth Symphony, and...
	Xuefei Yang In the world of the classical guitar, it is rare for a Chinese player to launch an international career, but Xuefei Yang has since childhood been a pioneering spirit. She was the first guitarist in China to enter a music school and later to graduate from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing with a B.A degree, the first guitarist from her country to study in the UK and the first guitarist ever to receive an international scholarship from the Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music for her postgraduate study at Royal Academy of Music...

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