Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan have set a benchmark in the world of classical guitar with their award-winning recordings, commissions of major orchestral works, and competition performances.
Tickets $20 (plus fees)
On their debut release, FOCUS, Tracy Anne Smith (American Record Guide) states that “with sensitive, authoritative, au courant playing, Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan retain their individuality while communicating like old friends.”
FOCUS was awarded Classical Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards in 2021. Also in 2021, the duo released it’s third album with Analekta Records, INTIMATE IMPRESSIONS, featuring original arrangements of piano, harp, and guitar music written in 20th century Paris. The album has been streamed over 1.5 million times worldwide.
Cowan and Cicchillitti toured Canada under the auspices of Prairie Debut in 2020-2022 and with Debut Atlantic in 2018. They were awarded third prize at the 2021 international ensemble competition of the Guitar Foundation of America, arguably the most prestigious guitar ensemble competition in the world.
The duo has established its identity at the forefront of new music for guitar. At the inaugural 21st Century Guitar Conference in Ottawa, Steve and Adam commissioned and premiered nine new electroacoustic works by the New York-based composer collective, ICEBERG New Music.
In 2022, the duo undertakes their most ambitious project with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts: to premiere and record six new commissions for two guitars and orchestra with Ottawa-based chamber ensemble 13 Strings.
Cicchillitti and Cowan are sponsored by Augustine Strings and play guitars by Sergei de Jonge and Bruno Boutin.
“Two of Canada’s most skilled and forward-thinking classical guitarists.”
-Classical Guitar Magazine
“A pioneering five-piece collection of original, excellent, new Canadian music for guitar duo.”
-American Record Guide
“These two virtuosos are clearly at the top of their game.”
-Acoustic Guitar Magazine
Album links
CANCIONES (2018): https://open.spotify.com/album/0hZ7jnSi6oLt3QOA3RnvgH
FOCUS (2019): https://open.spotify.com/album/6Su63HzBQVNRoPyFTWH0ZO
INTIMATE IMPRESSIONS (2020):
https://open.spotify.com/album/5hWYCrIHZuRpMXmugoQ3vL
Video Links
Sonatine – M. RAVEL (arr. Cicchillitti): https://youtu.be/w85fyhXe6JE
Sonata for Harp – G. TAILLEFERRE (arr. Cicchillitti): https://youtu.be/2J6Oe0sMYIE
Prelude V, Book II – C. DEBUSSY (arr. Cowan): https://youtu.be/j849kFKo3KY
Choro – A. STANILAND: https://youtu.be/swo-SRtlSPY
Angelico – F. MOMPOU: https://youtu.be/aQWYtKw1hf0
Hier, aujourd’hui plus jamais – P. ROUX : https://youtu.be/VTQfYijyogs
Alegre – J. EVANGELISTA: https://youtu.be/6dFf8M4jauM
Tonadilla – J. RODRIGO : https://youtu.be/JVrBt8zUWLM
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