Cleveland Classical Guitar Society

Cleveland Classical Guitar Society presents their annual season opener on September 15, 2018. The 2018 Showcase concert will be held at the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center (1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106). Including a world premiere performance by Wesley and Jeremy Collins of “Impressions for Viola and Guitar” written by Jeremy Collins.

The Showcase features the finest local performers and is presented free of charge as a way to bring the community together for a night of great music. This year’s world-class artists include: Stephen Aron, Colin Davin, and brothers Jeremy and Wesley Collins (Principal Violist of The Cleveland Orchestra). Hope to see you there!

Driven by the mission to “Teach, Inspire, Connect,” Cleveland Classical Guitar Society uses the versatility of the classical guitar to create uplifting and unique programming. CCGS offers two main areas of programming: International Series and Education Program.

CCGS’s Education Program provides hundreds of Cleveland's youth each year with life-changing experiences through musical instruction and the process of developing self-expression and confidence through performance and connection with mentors. The vision is to see a world in which classical music is not defined by race or economic status.

The Cleveland Classical Guitar Society's International Series bring the world’s greatest performers to Cleveland. Since its founding in 2009, the International Series has presented artists from over 18 countries. The upcoming season features artists from countries including France, Brazil, USA, and Croatia. The 18-19 lineup includes Cleveland debuts by Brasil Guitar Duo and French soloist Judicaël Perroy. Returning to Cleveland are Croatian guitarist Ana Vidovic and lutenist Paul O'Dette. The season headliner is Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, the Grammy-winning ensemble of over 30 years. The LA Times called them "The world's hottest classical ensemble or its tightest pop band."

Erik Mann, Executive Director

Erik Mann is Executive Director of the CCGS, a role which combines his love of classical music and education. Under his leadership CCGS has created the International Series, which now presents the finest classical guitarists in the world, as well as an education program which builds classical guitar programs in partnership with public schools. Erik has been a faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music since 2004. He serves on the committee for review of stringed instrument applications of the Fulbright US student program. Erik’s performances on the classical guitar include the Cleveland Orchestra, Glimmerglass Opera, Erie Philharmonic and Erie Chamber Orchestra. Erik holds degrees in music performance from Towson University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. In 2015 he was one of only 25 arts leaders nationwide chosen for the Community Arts Education Leadership Institute of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

More information coming soon.