James Stroud

Classical Guitar Competition

2026

presented by the

Cleveland International Classical Guitar Festival®

hosted at the

Cleveland Institute of Music

Colin Davin (USA) Guitarist Colin Davin has earned top accolades in several major international competitions, and was a two-time prizewinner at the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall; Alice Tully Hall; the Metropolitan Museum of Art (on historic instruments from the museum’s collection); the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain; the Paris Conservatoire; and on The Late Show with David Letterman. He has taught lessons and master classes at various institutions, including The Juilliard School, the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, and the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Mr. Davin maintains an active schedule as a concerto soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician, with a prominent focus on new works. Among his collaborators are the legendary soprano Jessye Norman, GRAMMY Award winning soprano Estelí Gomez, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra principal harpist Emily Levin. Recent highlights include concerto performances with the Aiken Symphony Orchestra and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra; chamber music recitals with violinist Tessa Lark and cellist Edward Arron; and solo recitals across the United States.

Mr. Davin studied with Jason Vieaux at the Cleveland Institute of Music, William Kanengiser at the University of Southern California, and Sharon Isbin at The Juilliard School. He currently serves as co-chair of the guitar department at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Artist’s Website: colindavin.com