Classical Guitarists - Artists' Biographies - Classical Guitar Performers

Artists' Bios

The following artists have performed on the Distinguished Artists Series presented annually by Guitars International in cooperation with the Cleveland Institute of Music. Now entering its tenth season the Distinguished Artists Series is devoted to the celebration of art music - solo and ensemble, old and new. Access our May 21-23, 2010 Classical Guitar Weekend events by clicking here.

	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...
	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 Regarded as one of the fastest rising talents of the classical guitar, Colin Davin has earned a reputation as a virtuosic 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 Competition (Miami, FL); First Prize, Audience Choice Award, 2006 Portland Guitar Competition (Portland, OR); and First Prize, 2006 Juan Serrano International Guitar Competition (Fresno, CA)...
	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...
	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 groups like the Arditti String Quartet and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. Gilbert's most recent...
	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...
	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...
	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 Jung Eun Oh, soprano, 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 and subsequently performed in Schloss Leopoldskron and Schloss Mirabell. She is also the recipient of The Irvin Bushman Prize, The Boris Goldovsky Prize in Opera, The Pauline Thesmacher Award, among others...
	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 language...
	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...
	SoloDuo SoloDuo - Lorenzo Micheli and Matteo Mela - met in Texas, far away from their native Italy, in Autumn 2000. A year later they formed a duo that has performed extensively throughout Europe and North America. As a duo, Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli have recorded François de Fossa's Three Quartets, op. 19 (Stradivarius); a CD of Italian music from the XVII century for baroque guitar, archlute and theorbo (Stradivarius, forthcoming); an anthology of 20th century masterpieces for two guitars (Pomegranate); the Duos Concertants by Antoine De Lhoyer (Naxos)...
	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 "There are now many finger-perfect guitarists on tap but those of Vieaux's natural musicality are rare indeed...." Gramophone One of America's leading guitarists, Jason Vieaux is changing the face of guitar programming and has earned a devoted international fan base along the way. As a result of his reputation for making "the single guitar seem like a body of instruments at work....an orchestra of sound..." (The Philadelphia Inquirer), Mr. Vieaux played well over 100 engagements...
	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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