When two of the most decorated titans of the classical guitar joined forces in the 90s, the result was nothing short of a historical musical event. Aniello Desiderio and Zoran Dukić represent the pinnacle of contemporary guitar performance, blending Neapolitan fire and passion with Slavic precision to create a duo partnership defined by “spectacular virtuosity” and “profound maturity.”

Combined, their trophy cabinets hold the world’s most prestigious honors, including double victories at the “Andrés Segovia” and Tárrega competitions, as well as the “Guerrero” International Competition in Madrid. Their collaboration brings together two distinct yet complementary musical philosophies, creating a concert experience that has left audiences on their feet from the end of the very first piece.

The Artists

Aniello Desiderio
Hailed since childhood as “il Fenomeno” and the “Orpheus of the guitar,” Desiderio is a Neapolitan virtuoso who graduated with honors from the Conservatory of Music in Alessandria. A regular soloist at Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonie, he has been a preferred collaborator for legends such as Lorin Maazel and John McLaughlin. His playing is characterized by a “genius” level of expression that earned him the “Artist in Residence Award” from German Radio DLF.

Zoran Dukić
Regarded as one of the most distinguished classical guitarists of our time, Dukić is a master of stylistic versatility. From his “tour de force” competition years to his deep dedication to the works of J.S. Bach and Piazzolla, his performances are noted for their “powerful inspiration” and the ability to reach a definitive and unique interpretation which makes fans of the instrument or even the expert music listeners familiar with the musical works, walk away with new found appreciation for the art.

Notably, he was the first non-Spaniard to be awarded the special prize for the best interpretation of Spanish music in Madrid, a testament to his “astounding mastery” of the instrument’s core repertoire.

Critical Acclaim
The international press has been unanimous in its praise for these two masters: “Always the master of his instrument, Dukić demonstrated spectacular virtuosity over and over again together with a great maturity and powerful inspiration.” 
— Il Gazzettino, Italy

“A guitarist of the century… il Fenomeno.”
— Music Critics on Desiderio

“A thrilling concert… the audience was on its feet already after the first piece… a phenomenal evening.”
— Gevelsberger Zeitung, Germany

Global Presence and Pedagogy
Both artists maintain a rigorous global touring schedule, appearing as soloists with the world’s leading orchestras, including the Virtuosi di Mosca, RSO Berliner, Vancouver Symphony, Oregon, and the Istanbul State Symphony, to name a few recent engagements, while invited back annually to Rhine Guitar Festival & Academy 2026 (formerly Koblenz).

Beyond the stage, they are two of the most sought-after educators in the world. Desiderio serves as a professor at the University of Music in Avellino and is invited for regular masterclasses at the Koblenz Festival, Mozarteum in Salzburg and many other universities and conservatories throughout Europe, while Dukić is often invited to similar prestigious festivals and continues to inspire the next generation through his extensive premiering of contemporary works by composers such as Takemitsu, Henze, and Gubaidulina.

Together, Desiderio and Dukić offer a program that spans the history of the guitar—from the Baroque precision of Bach to the rhythmic intensity of South American Tangos—delivered with a level of technical authority that only two “masters of the century” can provide.

Desiderio and Dukić are sponsored by D’Addario Strings and record with GuitarCoOp.

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 who tours regularly in the Beijing Guitar Duo and as a soloist with orchestras. Ms. Su has performed in over 30 different countries around the world in halls such as the Concertgebouw, Palau de Musica, Tchaikovsky Hall and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.In 2023, she created and debuted the guitar show "Spanish Fantasia" in Shanghai. It is the first-ever multimedia guitar theatre show of its kind, paving the way for the future of classical music performances.

Meng Su’s performances and recordings have impressed the public with “an ability and artistry that exceeds her years.” (Baltimore Sun) Her debut duo CD “Maracaípe” received a Latin Grammy nomination for the titled piece, which was dedicated to the Duo by renowned guitarist/composer Sergio Assad. Their second CD, “Bach to Tan Dun,” a "must-listen" according to composer Tan Dun, has been widely noted for the world-premiere recording of his “Eight Memories in Watercolor.” A recording in trio, “China West,” with Maestro Barrueco and the Beijing Guitar Duo was released in May 2014 to critical acclaim. Meng Su’s debut solo recording “Meng,” released in 2016 was called “awe-inspiring” and “this year’s finest debut by far” by Classical Guitar Magazine.

Born in Qingdao, China, Meng Su began studying the guitar at the age of 5 and showed her talents from an early age under the guidance of Prof. Chen Zhi at the Central Conservatory in Beijing. Meng Su has won first-prize in numerous international competitions around the world, the last one being in the prestigious Parkening International Guitar competition in 2015. She graduated with an Artist Diploma, a Master’s Degree and Graduate Diploma in Chamber Music with Maestro Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.

Meng Su teaches at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and she is the Artist-in-residence for the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society.

Our holiday-inspired concert is a beloved seasonal tradition, filling the air with warmth, joy, and community spirit. Join us for a festive evening featuring the Tidewater Guitar Orchestra alongside some of Hampton Roads’ most talented guitarists and guest musicians, all in the heart of beautiful downtown Williamsburg. Celebrate the season with music that brings us together and lifts the soul—a joyful experience for audiences and performers alike!

Acclaimed for the rare beauty of her sound and her enchanting presence on stage, Irina Kulikova is one of the most captivating guitarists in the world. Her performances span across the globe, from prominent European festivals to significant stages in North America and Asia, including iconic venues like the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Moscow's Tchaikovsky Hall, Valencia's Palau de la Musica, Tokyo's Musashino Hall, and the Oriental Arts Center in Shanghai.

Irina’s musical journey began at the tender age of five when she was introduced to the guitar and piano. Her mother, a distinguished cellist and pedagogue, was her first and most influential teacher. By the age of eight, Irina was already performing publicly, and by twelve, she had become a child prodigy, captivating audiences across Russia and impressing leading guitarists at European festivals. Her dedication to her craft led her to the Gnessins Academy in Moscow. She later graduated with high honors from both the prestigious Mozarteum University in Salzburg and the Conservatoire of Maastricht in the Netherlands.

Irina’s talent and dedication opened doors to collaborations with eminent violinists, cellists, and pianists, sparking a deep passion for chamber music. She became a member of the illustrious Salzburger Solisten’ and performed extensively with ensemble leader Luz Leskowitz and his Stradivarius, gracing stages across Austria and Germany. Her repertoire and grace earned her admiration from royal and aristocratic circles in Germany and Denmark.

Irina Kulikova received over 30 awards for her artistry, with coveted 1st prizes from the most prestigious competitions such as Michele Pittaluga in Italy, Guitarra Alhambra in Spain, Forum Gitarre Wien in Austria, and Iserlohn in Germany. She has recorded seven albums, with five under the expert guidance of Grammy-Award-winning producer, Norbert Kraft.

Beyond her performances, Irina's artistry serves as a beacon for guitar enthusiasts globally. A cherished mentor, she instills in her students and peers a profound appreciation of music, often through evocative master classes enriched with vivid imagery and wit. Her contributions extend to the inception of The Hague – Altamira Guitar Competition. Her resonant credo in life and music: "It’s about the touch."

Brazilian-born brothers Sérgio and Odair Assad have created a new standard of guitar innovation, ingenuity and expression. Their exceptional artistry and uncanny ensemble-playing come from a family rich in Brazilian musical tradition and studies under guitarist/lutenist Monina Távora, a disciple of Andrés Segovia. Their virtuosity has inspired a wide range of composers to write for them including Astor Piazzolla, Terry Riley, Radamés Gnattali, Marlos Nobre, Nikita Koshkin, Roland Dyens, Jorge Morel, Edino Krieger, and Francisco Mignone. Sérgio Assad has added to their repertoire by composing music for the duo and for various musical partners both with symphony orchestra and in recitals. They have worked extensively with such renowned artists as Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Gidon Kremer and Dawn Upshaw. Odair is based in Brussels where he teaches at Ecole Supérieure des Arts, while Sérgio resides in Chicago.

The Assad Brothers began playing together at an early age and their international career began with a major prize at the 1979 Young Artists Competition in Bratislava. Their touring programs are a compelling blend of styles, periods and cultures stemming from a diverse repertoire. This includes folk, jazz and various styles of Latin music along with classical repertoire such as transcriptions of the great Baroque keyboard literature of Bach, Rameau, and Scarlatti and adaptations of works by Gershwin, Ginastera, and Debussy. 

Sérgio Assad premiered his concerto Phases with the Seattle Symphony. They have also collaborated with such notable orchestras as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.  

In 2004, Sérgio and Odair arranged a special tour featuring three generations of the Assad family including their father, Jorge Assad [1924-2011], on the mandolin and the voice of their mother, Angelina Assad. GHA Records released a live recording and a DVD of the Assad family live at Brussels’ Palais des Beaux-Arts. Other highlights include being featured performers on James Newton Howard’s soundtrack to the movie Duplicity, a touring project entitled De Volta as Raizes (Back to Our Roots) with Lebanese-American singer Christiane Karam, percussionist Jamey Haddad, and composer/pianist Clarice Assad, a reunion of the Assad Family in Qatar and across, a tour and recording with Paquito D'Rivera called Dances from the New World, a tour with  jazz guitarist Romero Lubambo, and tours with Yo-Yo Ma and other musicians from the Silkroad Ensemble. 

The Assads have made a number of recordings on Nonesuch and GHA including Sérgio and Odair Assad Play Piazzolla and Jardim Abandonado, which both received Latin Grammys. They recorded Obrigado Brazil with Yo-Yo Ma with Sérgio arranging several of the works and were featured on Yo-Yo Ma’s chart topping release, Songs of Joy & Peace, alongside other guests as diverse as James Taylor and Dave Brubeck. Both recordings won Grammy awards. Sérgio Assad was also nominated for two Latin Classical Grammys as a composer for his works Interchange and Maraeaipe. 

In 2015, Sérgio and Odair celebrated their 50th anniversary as a duo. Their first ever performance together was in the fall of 1965 on a Brazilian television show called Boussaude. The celebration included a 27-city tour in Brazil followed by ten more in North America, highlighted at the 92nd Street Y in New York. The Guitar Foundation of America awarded the brothers with its Lifetime Achievement Award in June 2015. 

GRAMMY Award winner for his CD AIRE LATINO in the category of best instrumental soloist in classical music.

Honorary Doctorate in Music by the University of Arizona in Tucson in 2014.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Guitar Foundation of America in 2018.

Classical guitarist David Russell is world renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry, having earned the highest praise from audiences and critics alike. In recognition of his great talent and his international career, he was named a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Music in London in 1997.

In May 2003 he was bestowed the great honor of being made "adopted son" of Es Migjorn, the town in Minorca where he grew up. Later the town named a street after him, "Avinguda David Russell".

In November 2003 he was given the Medal of Honor of the Conservatory of the Balearics.

After winning the grammy award, the town of Nigrán in Spain where he resides, gave him the silver medal of the town in an emotional ceremony.

During his studies at the Royal Academy, David Russell won twice the Julian Bream Guitar Prize. Later he won numerous international competitions, including the Andrés Segovia Competition , the José Ramírez Competition and Spain's prestigious Francisco Tárrega Competition .

David Russell spends his time touring the world, appearing regularly at prestigious halls in main cities, such as New York, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Madrid, Toronto or Rome. Concert-goers everywhere are in awe of his musical genius and inspired by his captivating stage presence. His love of his craft resonates through his flawless and seemingly effortless performance. The attention to detail and provocative lyrical phrasing suggest an innate understanding of what each individual composer was working to achieve, bringing to each piece a sense of adventure.

In May 2005 he received a homage from the music conservatory of Vigo, culminating with the opening of the new Auditorium, to which they gave the name "Auditorio David Russell".

In 2009 David was named an honorary member of "Amigos de la Guitarra", the oldest guitar society in Spain.

A prolific recording artist, his collection includes seventeen CDs with Telarc International.

The New York Times wrote about his performance: "... Mr. Russell made his mastery evident without ever deviating from an approach that places musical values above mere display. It was apparent to the audience throughout the recital that Mr. Russell possesses a talent of extraordinary dimension".

Upon hearing him play in London, Andrés Segovia wrote: "My congratulations on your musicality and guitaristic technique".

The TCG Showcase is the backbone of our concert season: a concert that brings together artists from our region for a concert experience devoted to the community. Join us for a performance showcasing the talented Tidewater Guitar Orchestra along with some of the best musicians in Hampton Roads.