Classical Guitarists And Assisting Artists Who Have Participated Or Will Be Participating In Our Classical Guitar Festival: 2000-2024

Tony Arnold, USA (Cleveland Debut)

"Tony Arnold was spellbinding...." Chicago Sun-TimesClarity, 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...

Molly Barth, USA

Grammy Award winning flutist Molly Barth is constantly in motion. This Grammy Award-winning flutist, professor and clinician moves effortlessly from concert hall to teaching studio to rehearsal room to orchestral section. Molly needs fuel for this fire.Molly is fueled by visceral communication with listeners. This “ferociously talented” performer (The Oregonian) crosses from VA to CA, the UK to Korea. The halls may be large or small, the music may be old or new, but the performances are always concentrated, intense...

Tim Beattie, Canada

Born in 1997 in Toronto, Canada, Tim Beattie began playing the guitar at the age of four, and his formal studies began at age seven. He is currently studying under the tutelage of Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where Tim is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. Prior to moving to Cleveland, Tim studied on full scholarship in the pre-college school at the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), in the studio of maestro Robert Hamilton...

Alan Bise, USA

Alan Bise has served as Classical Producer for Azica Records for 12 years, and is the owner of Thunderbird Records, dedicated to releasing musical works of contemporary American Indians. Thunderbird's catalog includes artists such as the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus, and the string quartet ETHEL. He is in demand as a producer for many labels and clients across the world. Known for helping to create exciting and passionate projects, Mr. Bise has produced records that have received Grammy Nominations...

Manuel Barrueco, USA

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, China (Cleveland Debut)

"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....

Judah Adashi, USA

"Muted but serene...composed with a fine sense of vocal textures and word values and an undertone of joy." Washington PostComposer 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...

Jorge Cardoso, Argentina (USA Debut)

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...

Jordan Chase, USA

Composer Jordan Chase writes music that is innovative and appealing to diverse audiences and performers alike. His music is described as “lyrical, rhythmically jagged and stark in majesty” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer), drawing upon his life experiences to forge a freedom of expression and depth of meaning. The 2021-2022 season will see multiple recording releases, as well as premieres. In realms of passing dreams, for solo guitar and five pre-recorded guitars, will be released as a music video, featuring John Marcel Williams on guitar, and produced by Andrew Bohman...

Cleveland Bella Corda Ensemble, USA

The Cleveland Bella Corda Ensemble is an outgrowth of the Childbloom Guitar Program of Cleveland, a nationally recognized, comprehensive musical education program for children between the ages of 5 and up. Begun in 1980 the Childbloom Guitar Program was the first national program to introduce young children to music through the guitar...

Cleveland Suzuki Guitar Ensemble

The Cleveland Suzuki Guitar Ensemble is an outgrowth of the Cleveland Suzuki Guitar Program. The Cleveland Suzuki Guitar Program is based on the Suzuki triangle: child, music instructor, and parent. This Method develops a child’s ear through listening, repetition, and encouragement. In addition, Suzuki students learn from and motivate each other by participating in regular group...

Jinjoo Cho, Korea

Jinjoo Cho, violin, is the First Grand Prize and People's Choice Award winner of the 2006 Montreal International Musical Competition, First Prize and Orchestra Award winner of the 2010 Buenos Aires International Violin Competition, 2nd laureate of 2011 Isang Yun International Music Competition, and the gold medalist of the 2005 Stulberg International String Competition. She has appeared as soloist with The Cleveland Orchestra, the Montreal, Quebec, Winnipeg and Victoria Symphony Orchestras. She regularly appears on recital series in North America, South America, Europe and Asia...

Jeremy Collins, USA

"Collins easily entranced the crowd with his enormous and gorgeous sound." Guitar Foundation of AmericaJeremy Collins is an award-winning classical guitarist and composer from Cincinnati, Ohio. Since his invitation to perform on NPR's "From the Top" national radio program in Cincinnati at the age of 16, he has performed solo and chamber recitals extensively throughout the US, including performances with the Blue-Ash Montgomery Symphony, the Starling Chamber Orchestra, the Masterworks Festival Orchestra, the...

Colin Davin, USA

"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 DreamsRegarded 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)...

Brad DeRoche, USA

A guitarist since the age of six, Brad DeRoche has explored a wide variety of musical styles ranging from rock and jazz fushion to classical genres spanning from Renaissance lute music to modern works by living composers. He is an active concert artist, appearing as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral soloist in North and South America, and has also appeared on public radio and television programs. Several composers have written works for him including a solo composition by Prix de Rome prizewinner Vincent Frohne...

Rohan de Saram, England (Cleveland Debut)

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, Croatia (Cleveland Debut)

"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, Uruguay

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..."

Jonathan Fitzgerald, USA

Hailed as “a virtuosic talent in the guitar world” (X-Press Magazine), American-born Australian classical guitarist Dr Jonathan Fitzgerald has garnered international recognition as a multi-award winning performer and educator. Maintaining a career at the intersection of performance, teaching and artistic research, Jonathan heads the guitar program at the University of Western Australia's Conservatorium of Music, where he oversees one of the most active guitar studios in the country...

Paul Galbraith, Scotland (Cleveland Debut)

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 Gallén, Spain (Cleveland Debut)

Spanish classical guitarist par excellent, Ricardo Jesus Gallén 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 Gallén has received over twenty international prizes, including: First Prize at the 32nd Markneukirchen International Instrumental Competition...

Peter Gilbert, USA

"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 GuideComposer 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...

Esteli Gomez, USA

Praised for her "clear, bright voice" (New York Times) and "artistry that belies her young years" (Kansas City Metropolis), soprano Estelí Gomez is quickly gaining recognition as a stylish interpreter of early and contemporary repertoires. In January 2014 she was awarded a Grammy with contemporary octet Roomful of Teeth, for best chamber music/small ensemble performance...

Antigoni Goni, Greece (Cleveland Debut)

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, England

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...

Robert Gruca, USA

Classical guitar virtuoso Robert Gruca is an exciting young musician who performs a wide range of solo, chamber, and concerto repertoire. He made his concerto debut In 2004 performing Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Nuvi Mehta. Since then he has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra in the USA and Europe under the direction of both Franz Welser-Möst and Pierre Boulez. Much in demand as a recitalist and chamber musician, Robert Gruca has performed in recent seasons in Ohio, Michigan, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Maryland...

Antonis Hatzinikolaou, Greece (USA Debut)

Born in Greece in 1980, Antonis Hatzinikolaou is considered today as one of the most distinguished guitarists of the younger generation. He has received distinctions in numerous international guitar competitions including the Hubert Käppel Competition, the Ivor Mairants Award and the prestigious Julian Bream Prize, adjudicated by the maestro himself. After receiving the Park Lane Group Young Artist Award he made his Purcell Room debut, which led to professional engagements that have taken him to Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Spain and the UK. Highlights include...

Drew Henderson, Canada

Classical guitarist Drew Henderson is an active performer, teacher, recording artist and music producer living in Toronto, Canada. Drew earned a Master’s degree in Music at the University of Toronto where he studied with Eli Kassner and Jeffrey McFadden. After his post graduate degree, Drew was awarded a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to study in Italy with Lorenzo Micheli, Matteo Mela and Massimo Lonardi...

Dieter Hennings, USA

The musical endeavors of Dieter Hennings Yeomans span from new music on guitar to early music for lute, baroque guitar, and theorbo and can be heard on the Nonesuch, Bridge, Parma, Nre Branch, and Innova recording labels. Mr. Hennings has been a soloist with Canada’s New Music Concerts Ensemble, Tito Sccipa Orchestra of Lecce, Italy, Eastman BroadBand Ensemble, Eastman School Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad de Guanajuato, Orquesta Filarmónica de Sonora, the University of Arizona Philharmonia, the Orquesta Filarmonica de Monterrey among many others...

John Holmquist, USA

"Holmquist's playing is magnificent in everything." American Record GuideWidely 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...

Jeffrey Irvine, USA

Jeffrey Irvine is the first-prize winner of the 1979 Aspen Music Festival Viola Competition and 1976 Cleveland Quartet Competition (as a member of the Carmel Quartet). As a member of the New World String Quartet, Mr. Irvine performed throughout the United States and Europe, including concerts at Carnegie Recital Hall and the Kennedy Center. Mr. Irvine was the Principal Violist of the Wichita Symphony from 1977 to 1981 and has also been a member of the Aspen Festival Orchestra and Chamber Symphony. His students have often been First Prize Winners in major viola competitions, including...

Rucco James Duo, Italy & USA (Cleveland Debut)

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...

Hargis O'Dette Duo, USA

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, Germany (Cleveland Debut)

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, Canada (Cleveland Debut)

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...

Elizabeth Kenny, England

Elizabeth Kenny is one of Europe’s leading lute players. Her playing has been described as “incandescent” (Music and Vision), “radical” (The Independent on Sunday) and “indecently beautiful” (Toronto Post). In twenty years of touring she has played with many of the world’s best period instrument groups and experienced many different approaches to music making. She played with Les Arts Florissants 1992-2007 and with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment 1997-2015 and still returns to initiate seventeenth century projects such as The Hypochondriack and A Restoration Tempest...

Jiyeon Kim, Republic of Korea (Cleveland Debut)

Applauded by the Calgary Herald as “…talented, sensitive…brilliant,” Jiji is an adventurous artist on both acoustic and electric guitar, playing an extensive range of music from traditional and contemporary classical music to free improvisation. Her impeccable musicianship combined with compelling stage presence and fascinating repertoire earned the Korean guitarist First Prize at the 2016 Concert Artists Guild International Competition...

Yolanda Kondonassis, USA

"Powerful" (The New York Times), "Exquisite" (The Washington Post), "Flat-Out Fabulous" The New Jersey Star LedgerYolanda 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...

Melissa Kraut, USA

Dr. Melissa Kraut has led a diverse career on stage with solo and chamber performances throughout the United States and Europe. She has held leadership positions in many orchestras, and has played under the baton of conductors such as Sir Georg Solti, Valery Gergiev and Semyon Bychkov. A member of the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Cello Department, Dr. Kraut is recognized as one of the leading pedagogues of her generation. Her students have achieved great success, with top prizes in National and International competitions. Students of Dr. Kraut have won the Gold Medal and...

Irina Kulikova, Russia (Cleveland Debut)

"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." SoundboardIrina 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, USA

"[F]iery, intensely musical and impassioned playing." New York TimesBorn 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....

Julien Labro, France

Heralded as “the next accordion star,” Julien Labro has established himself as one of the foremost accordion and bandoneón players in both the classical and jazz genres. Deemed to be “a triple threat: brilliant technician, poetic melodist and cunning arranger,” his artistry, virtuosity, and creativity as a musician, composer and arranger have earned him international acclaim and continue to astonish audiences worldwide...

Jonathan Leathwood, England

"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]...

Emily Levin, USA (Cleveland Debut)

The youngest principal harpist of a major American orchestra, Emily has performed at Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the World Harp Congress, the Aspen Music Festival, and with the Jerusalem and Colorado Symphony Orchestras, the Louisiana Philharmonic, the Colorado Chamber Players, and the Indiana University Festival Orchestra, among others...

Daniel Lippel, USA

"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...

Riho Esko Maimets, Canada

Composer Riho Esko Maimets, who has also worked as a church organist, seeks to provide spiritual nourishment to his listeners. His music has been described as "enchantingly beautiful" and having a "unique emotional and communicative impact." In the past year alone his compositions have enjoyed increasing exposure in North America and Europe with over 50 public performances in 7 countries...

Lynn McGrath, USA (Cleveland Debut)

Classical guitarist Lynn McGrath is being heralded as a phenom. Blending expressive musicianship with her passion for Spanish Language, literature, and theater, she has shared the poetry and music of “Platero y Yo” with audiences on four continents in the role of both guitarist and theatrical narrator. She has brought the poetry of Nobel laureate Juan Ramón Jiménez to life for diverse audiences that have included children in a Peruvian orphanage to classical guitar connoisseurs...

Matteo Mela, Italy

Classical guitarist Matteo Mela was born in 1971. Between 1991 and 1998 as a member of the Mela-Bandini Duo he won first prize in a number of prestigious chamber music competitions: Aram (Rome) 1992, F. Cilea Competition 1993, GMI 1994, Città di Gubbio, Città di Caltanissetta, and Perugia Classico Competitions 1995. In 2002 he formed with Lorenzo Micheli "SoloDuo," a guitar duo that has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, the US, Canada, and Latin America...

Duo Melis, Spain & Greece (Cleveland Debut)

"Their Bay Area debut . . . revealed an ensemble notable for sensitive musicianship, virtousic panache, and stylish performances" San Francisco Classical VoiceSpanish 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...

Lorenzo Micheli, Italy

Lorenzo Micheli has taken up a busy concert career throughout the world since winning first prize in some of the most prestigious international guitar competitions, including both the Alessandria and Guitar Foundation of America International Competitions. As a recitalist and orchestral soloist, he has performed in more than 600 concerts throughout Europe, in two hundred US and Canadian cities, and in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. In addition, since 2002 he has performed worldwide as one half of SoloDuo...

Regina Mushabac, USA

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, England

"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, USA

"Expressive enchantment [and] exceptional accuracy and taste." Plain DealerSoprano 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...

Krystin O'Mara, USA

Classical guitarist Krystin O'Mara's performances have been praised by audiences for displaying "wonderful energy, expressiveness, and a gorgeous tone." Highlights of recent seasons feature solo performances and chamber music collaborations throughout the United States. In the Fall of 2013, Ms. O'Mara traveled to Princeton University to premiere a work that was dedicated to her by award winning composer Viet Cuong entitled "OBSESSION." Her similarly title debut solo recording, which features the work, was released in November 2013 to critical acclaim...

Kimberly Patterson, USA

Hailed by the Chicago Sun Times as a “superb cellist,” Dr. Kimberly Patterson has earned recognition for her artistry as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. A Juilliard graduate, Dr. Patterson was the founding cellist for the Tesla Quartet, winners of the 2012 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition as well as prizewinners of the 2012 London International Quartet Competition and the 2013 Bordeaux International Quartet Competition. She has given chamber recitals in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall and Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center and has held chamber music residencies with Strings Music Festival, Aspen Music...

Petra Poláčková, Czech Republic

Since 2003 classical guitarist Petra Polácková has won three first prizes in Czech Republic national competitions (Opava, Ceske Budejovice, and Pardubice) and six first prizes in international competitions: Dolný Kubín (Slovakia), Kutna Hora (Czech Republic), Bratislava (Slovakia), Krzyzowa (Poland), Krynica (Poland), and most recently in 2011 first prize at the 36th International Guitar Competition Gargnano (Italy). As a result of her competition successes Ms. Polácková has been invited to perform at many prestigious European and also non-European guitar festivals...

Simon Powis, Australia

Simon Powis has toured extensively as a classical guitar soloist with performances in the Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.), Australia House (London), and the Banff Center for the Arts (Canada). A strong passion for chamber music has resulted in international collaborations ranging from traditional groups such as the Modigliani String Quartet and Ian Swenson (violin) to less common performances with double bass, electronics, and even the tuba. Powis’s openness to innovation is exhibited by his devotion to performing new works...

Andy Poxon, USA

Andy Poxon is a guitarist and arranger based in Cleveland, Ohio. His arrangements have been performed by Grammy winning artists such as Jason Vieaux and Sasha Cooke, as well as the esteemed concert violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. He has performed at venues across the United States and Canada as a soloist and with various bands and orchestras. Andy Poxon is a faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he teaches guitar for the Joint Music Program with Case Western Reserve University...

Stephen Robinson, USA

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," Stephen Robinson tours extensively as a recitalist, collaborative artist, and orchestral soloist...

Liliana Rodriguez, Argentina (Cleveland Debut)

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...

Erin Rogers, Canada

Composer Erin Rogers is dedicated to the compositional process while specializing in improvisatory performance practice and the interpretation and proliferation of new music. Her works have been performed worldwide at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid; Museum Concert Hall, Taiwan; Le Cité Universitaire, Paris; and most recently at the World Saxophone Congress in St. Andrews, Scotland, with premieres by...

David Russell, Scotland (Cleveland Debut)

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...

Carrie Henneman Shaw, USA

Carrie Henneman Shaw, 2010 McKnight Artist Fellow, brings a sense of adventure and style to the concert stage as a passionate interpreter of Baroque and contemporary repertoire. She has been acclaimed as a “major musical force” (St. Paul Pioneer Press), for her “flawless vocal agility” (San Francisco Classical Voice) and “plangent intensity” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)...

Mari Sato, USA

Violinist Mari Sato has enjoyed a rich and varied career as a chamber musician based in Cleveland. Described as “a visceral and engaging storyteller,” by clevelandclassical.com, Mari was the second violinist of the award-winning Cavani String Quartet for twenty-four years. During her tenure with the Cavani Quartet, Mari gave concerts on major series, including Carnegie Hall, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Festival de L’Epau in France, and the Honolulu Chamber Music Society. Ms. Sato is honored to have collaborated with many distinguished artists including members of the Cleveland, Juilliard, Miami, Ying, Emerson, Borodin...

Vineet Shende, USA

"[I]mpeccably written.., at once ferocious and mystical." Portland Press HeraldVineet 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...

Jesper Sivebæk, Denmark

Jesper Sivebæk concertizes extensively as both a soloist and chamber musician. He has premiered guitar concertos by Danish composers Karl Aage Rasmussen, Lars Heegård, Ulrik Neumann, Anders Koppel and Poul Ruders. He is also co-founder of the Scandinavian Guitar Duo which won the Danish Broadcasting Association’s Chamber Music Competition in 1993. Mr. Sivebæk has won prizes in international solo guitar competitions, including: Certamen Internacional di Guitarra Francisco Tarrega in Benicasim, Spain...

Michael Cedric Smith, USA (Cleveland Debut)

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, Belgium (Cleveland Debut)

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, Italy (Cleveland Debut)

"Unforgettable musicianship of the highest order" The Washington PostMatteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli formed SoloDuo ten years ago. As a duo they have performed throughout Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada and Latin America, and been acclaimed everywhere - from New York's Carnegie Hall to Seoul's Sejong Chamber Hall, from Kiev's Hall of Columns to Vienna's Konzerthaus - as one of the best ensembles ever heard. SoloDuo's long awaited June 2nd recital marks this renowned duo's Cleveland debut...

Gaëlle Solal, France (Cleveland Debut)

"The new star of the guitar in France" ChitarreThe 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...

Nicolò Spera (Italy)

Italian guitarist Nicolò Spera is one of the few guitarists to perform on both six-string and ten-string guitars. He has published recordings of the complete guitar works by Maurice Ohana; new commissioned works for guitar and choir; his own transcriptions of Bach’s Cello Suites; selected works by Catalan composers Federico Mompou and Enrique Granados; a recording focused on the passacaglia form; and the complete works with guitar of Christopher Theofanidis...

Pavel Steidl, Czech Republic (Cleveland Debut)

"Never was a standing ovation more richly deserved" Classical GuitarOne 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...

Meng Su, China

Multifaceted guitarist Meng Su is captivating audiences around the world with her stunning virtuosity and refined artistry. New York Concert Review called her performance “seemingly effortless and stunningly polished…. Add to that a beautiful – and fashionable! – stage presence, and she is poised to be in high demand” while Classical Guitar Magazine wrote that “she has already reached the status of a seasoned artist.” In addition to her busy solo career, Meng Su is an avid chamber musician...

Patrick Sutton, USA

Dr. Patrick Sutton is an award-winning guitarist, chamber musician and recording artist from Evergreen, Colorado. He was a featured artist at the 2016 Guitar Foundation of America Convention. His eclectic performing and teaching career has taken him to conflict zones, three coasts of Africa, both ends of Vietnam, border towns, major cities, as well as myriad music societies, universities, and concert halls in-between. Recent concerts and master classes include the Florida Guitar Foundation, Portland International Guitar Series, International Guitar Artist Series at the Minnesota Guitar Society, Knoxville Guitar Society,...

Nathasja van Rosse, Netherlands (USA Debut)

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...

Ana Vidovic, Croatia (Cleveland Debut)

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...

Jason Vieaux, USA (2015 Grammy Award Winner)

Grammy-winner Jason Vieaux, “among the elite of today's classical guitarists” (Gramophone), is described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.” In appearances from New York’s Lincoln Center to Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and the Seoul Arts Center, Jason Vieaux has cemented his reputation as an artist of brilliance and uncompromised mastery. Cited for his “eloquent and vibrant performances.” On disc...

Dan Visconti, USA

"Bristling with exhilarating musical ideas and a powerfully crafted lyricism." Cleveland Plain DealerDan 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, USA

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...

Hao Yang, China

Concert classical guitarist Hao Yang has won top prizes in numerous competitions, including the 54th Markneukirchen International Instrumental competition, the GFA International Youth Competition, CSU International Guitar Competition, and Andres Segovia 7th International Guitar Competition...

Xuefei Yang, China (Cleveland Debut)

Xuefei Yang is acclaimed as one of the world’s finest classical guitarists. Hailed as a musical pioneer - her fascinating journey began after the Cultural Revolution, a period where Western musical instruments & music were banned. Fei was the first-ever guitarist in China to enter a music school, & became the first internationally recognised Chinese guitarist on the world stage.Her first public appearance was at the age of ten and received such acclaim that the Spanish Ambassador in China presented her with a concert guitar....

GUITARS INTERNATIONAL

Classical Guitarists And Assisting Artists Who Have Participated Or Will Be Participating In Our Classical Guitar Festival: 2000-2024