Guitarist

In celebration of 60 years of touring, Sérgio and Odair Assad will release a new album of original works by Sérgio Assad and bid farewell to friends and audiences across the country.

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The Assad Brothers

Soka University of America

Carmel Music and SandBox invite you to witness a historic moment as we welcome the legendary Assad Brothers in one of their final performances together — closing out a remarkable 60-year chapter as the most storied classical guitar duo of our time. With unparalleled artistry and an unmistakable musical bond, Sérgio and Odair Assad take the stage to mark the culmination of a career that has shaped the world of guitar music for generations.

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.

Asad Duo @ SandBox 2

SandBox

Guitarists and brothers Sérgio and Odair Assad have brought their signature musical style to global audiences for sixty years. In 2025, they celebrate a farewell tour across the US showcasing a new album of compositions by Sérgio Assad. Since winning a major prize at the 1979 Young Artists Competition in Bratislava, the Assad Brothers have toured their genre-blending concerts, often including folk, jazz, and various styles of Latin music alongside classical repertoire by composers such as Bach, Scarlatti, and Debussy. In addition, they frequently perform the compositions of Sérgio Assad, both in recital and with top orchestras such as the Seattle Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and São Paulo Symphony Orchestra. Other notable projects include a feature on James Newton Howard’s film soundtrack for Duplicity and tours with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, the Silkroad Ensemble, and Christiane Karam. Many composers have written for the duo, including Astor Piazzolla, Terry Riley, and Radamés Gnattali. The Assad Duo has won numerous Latin Grammys and played on two Grammy-winning albums with Yo-Yo Ma. The brothers received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guitar Foundation of America.

Sérgio and Odair Assad, guitar

Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

“There is no one like the Assads in the world of music for either the scope of their interests or the depth or the musicianship or technical abilities.” (Seattle Post) Brazilian-born brothers Sérgio and Odair Assad have redefined the classical guitar duo with their virtuosity, ensemble precision, and innovative repertoire. Raised in a musical family and trained by Monina Távora, a disciple of Andrés Segovia, the Latin Grammy and Grammy Award-winning duo has collaborated with artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, and major orchestras worldwide. Now, after 60 years on the stage, they include Rochester as a stop on their farewell tour.

Kilbourn Concert Series: Sérgio and Odair Assad

Eastman School of Music

The Assad Brothers, Sérgio and Odair, are renowned for their exceptional artistry and innovative approach to guitar duos, setting an international standard over nearly six decades. Their performances are a testament to their deep-rooted Brazilian musical heritage and rigorous training under Monina Távora, a disciple of the legendary Andrés Segovia. The brothers' uncanny ensemble playing and virtuosity have inspired numerous composers, including Astor Piazzolla and Terry Riley, to create works specifically for them. Their diverse repertoire spans folk, jazz, Latin music, and classical pieces, featuring transcriptions of Baroque keyboard literature and adaptations of works by Gershwin, Ginastera, and Debussy. Sérgio Assad, a prolific composer, has enriched their performances with original compositions and collaborations with symphony orchestras and renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma. The Assad Brothers' illustrious career includes significant milestones such as a major prize at the 1979 Young Artists Competition in Bratislava and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guitar Foundation of America. Their innovative spirit and dedication to their craft continue to captivate audiences worldwide, making their performances a compelling blend of styles, periods, and cultures.

Guitarist

Odair Assad

Events

Past events

Mar 1, 2026

The Assad Brothers · Philharmonic Society of Orange County

Feb 26, 2026

Asad Duo @ SandBox 2 · Carmel Music Society

About

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