Cleveland Classical Guitar Society (CCGS) was established in 2002 by classical guitarists eager to share their craft and passion. In 2009, the mission expanded through what is now the International Series, showcasing the world’s greatest musicians to large regional audiences. To date, musicians presented on this series represent 25 countries and 35 Cleveland debuts.
CCGS has an exciting schedule for the 2026-2027 International Series bringing world-renowned performers to Cleveland. This series includes the free Showcase Concert featuring local professional artists and five ticketed concerts consisting of stylistically and ethnically diverse programs featuring musicians from Paraguay, Brazil, England, China, Poland, and Slovenia.
All six concerts will be held at the prestigious Maltz Performing Arts Center.
🅿️Parking is FREE for all CCGS concerts
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The free annual Showcase Concert on September 19, 2026 features local performers, including classical guitarists Nathaniel Hill and Lucas (Yuhao) Chen, as well as the blues/soul duo of singer/songwriter/guitarist Sam Hooper and pianist Moss Stanley.
Paraguayan guitarist Berta Rojas performs an all-Latin American program entitled “Historia del Tango”, part solo and part with the Opus 216 String Quartet on October 17, 2026. This program includes a new suite of arrangements of music by Gustavo Santaolalla, winner of Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards.
Chinese guitarist Tengyue Zhang*, winner of the 2017 Guitar Foundation of American International Concert Artist Competition (the most prestigious guitar contest in the world) performs January 16, 2027.
Mateusz Kowalski* and Mak Grgic* perform their Grammy-nominated “Slavic Sessions” program February 6, 2027 (Mak has five Grammy nominations).
Brazilian Grammy-winning guitarist/composer Sérgio Assad* (best known for his duo with his brother Odair) presents a special program with his daughter, singer/composer/multi-instrumentalist Clarice Assad*, on March 6, 2027.
Alexandra Whittingham*, a popular YouTuber with millions of views, closes the season on April 17, 2027.
*Making their Cleveland debuts