"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...

"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...

"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...

The Viennese 19th Century Guitar Making Tradition

Trained first as an architect, Bernhard Kresse later turned to making and restoring fine classical guitars - soon specializing in period 19th century guitars. In the many years since becoming a luthier, Kresse has acquired an extensive knowledge of 19th century guitar making traditions - both by examining and restoring original instruments in his Cologne workshop which he established in 1985 and by conducting extensive research in museums and private collections throughout Europe...

Listening and Re-listening: Opening Your Ears to New Sounds

Praised for his rich sound and expressive interpretations, Jonathan Fitzgerald is becoming increasingly in demand as a performer and pedagogue. Recent concert highlights have included recitals for Syracuse University, Buffalo State College, Roberts Wesleyan College, and performances for WCNY and WXXI Rochester. Jonathan Fitzgerald was a prize winning finalist in the 2011 Great Lakes Guitar Festival and winner of the "Audience Choice" Award, which will bring him back for a series of concerts in the 2011-12 season...

A fine classical guitar is a tangible, kinetic work of art crafted to breathe and inspire, give voice to the intangible art of a performer and work of composers past and present. As such, a fine classical guitar is a conduit between artists of different disciplines and often different times and places. A fine classical guitar's ultimate function though is to enable communication not just between diverse artists but between diverse artists and the hearts and minds of an even more diverse population of receptive listeners. It is the ability to mediate between people in general, then, with unimpeded sincerity and ease which is the wonder of a truly fine classical guitar.

The Recording Process: From Artistic Vision to Retail Sale

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...