Prepare to embark on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and genres with a series of extraordinary performances curated by the Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts. This season, the lineup boasts a diverse array of guitar maestros and musical innovators whose artistry promises to captivate audiences across San Francisco and beyond. With returning favorites like Mateusz Kowalski and Ana Vidovic, and debut performances from renowned artistes such as Thomas Dunford and the Mela Guitar Quartet, each concert offers a unique experience blending traditional roots with modern flair. Join us as these virtuosos bring their unrivaled talent and passion to the stage.

A Symphony of Strings: Celebrating Guitar Virtuosos and Musical Innovators

Brace yourself for an unparalleled sonic journey as the Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts presents a series of guitar-centric events featuring world-renowned artists. From the intimate solos of Miloš Karadaglić and the electrifying performances of Marko Topchii to the genre-defying collaborations of Sharon Isbin and Amjad Ali Khan, this lineup promises a riveting blend of classical and contemporary music. Join us as we explore virtuosity, innovation, and cross-cultural harmonies through the hands of some of the greatest guitarists of our time.

Strings of Mastery: A Guitarist's Journey Through Virtuosity and Cultural Fusion

Experience the rich tapestry of global guitar artistry with the Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts' upcoming performances. From the soulful expressions of Xuefei Yang to the cross-cultural collaboration of Sharon Isbin and Amjad Ali Khan, this musical season promises a blend of tradition and innovation. Other highlights include the debut of the Mela Guitar Quartet, Thomas Dunford’s mastery of the lute, Ana Vidovic's enchanting performances, and the seasoned artistry of Manuel Barrueco. Join us for an unforgettable journey through diverse musical landscapes.

A Symphony of Strings: Celebrating Musical Mastery at the Omni Foundation

San Francisco is set to become a hub of musical excellence with the upcoming performances by the Mela Guitar Quartet, Thomas Dunford, Ana Vidovic, and Manuel Barrueco. Hosted by the esteemed Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts, these events promise to capture the hearts of music enthusiasts with an eclectic mix of hypnotic guitar and lute melodies, showcasing the incredible talents of these world-renowned artists in their San Francisco debuts. Prepare to delve into an auditory journey that transcends time and tradition.

String Harmonies: A Dive into the Vibrant World of Guitar and Lute Performances

Ana Vidovic’s enchanting tone, flawless technique, and insightful artistry is a rarity that has launched her into the hearts of the mainstream. Her mastery has entranced audiences globally, reflected in her recent video for Omni’s YouTube channel, which has amassed over 10 million views. With Ana’s concerts consistently selling out, securing your tickets in advance is highly recommended!

Ana Vidovic

Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts

Experience the virtuosic mastery of lutenist Thomas Dunford in his San Francisco debut performance, delivering mesmerizing interpretations of Renaissance and Baroque music. Renowned for his versatility across genres and dubbed as “the Eric Clapton of the lute” (BBC Magazine), Dunford’s artistry promises an unforgettable concert experience that transcends time and tradition. Spirited and elegant!

EPSG:4326

Thomas Dunford

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Winners of the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Ensemble Competition 2023, the Mela Guitar Quartet is a powerhouse ensemble captivating audiences with their engaging performances, awe-inspiring synchronicity, and inventive arrangements! This will be Mela’s San Francisco debut.

Mela Guitar Quartet

Enjoy a cross-cultural evening by multi-generational Grammy Award winning guitarist Sharon Isbin and Indian “King of Sarod” Amjad Ali Khan. Despite originating from distinct musical traditions and backgrounds, two maestros come together in a whirlwind of musical collaboration, weaving a vibrant tapestry of rich harmonies expertly interwoven with the guitar and the classical Indian sarod.

Sharon Isbin

Xuefei Yang was the first-ever internationally recognized guitarist from China and considered “one of the leading innovators of her generation” (Gramophone Magazine). Praised for her “impeccable technique and emotive power” (Classical Guitar), Yang’s soulful and heartfelt performances resonate deeply with listeners across all cultures in a program that includes the great pieces of the guitar repertoire while sharing her own arrangements of traditional Chinese music. Enthralling!

Xuefei Yang

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Experience the electrifying artistry of Marko Topchii, arguably the most awarded guitarist in the history of international competitions, including the prestigious 2023 Guitar Foundation of America’s Rose Augustine 1st prize. This Ukrainian virtuoso’s performance is not just a concert—it’s a showcase of explosive musical genius and unparalleled skill. Don’t miss your chance to witness a guitar master at the peak of his powers!

Marko Topchii

Bowes Center

Miloš Karadaglić is one of the most recognizable guitarists around today, and commands “an uncanny intimacy” with his audiences. Frequently appearing as a soloist with orchestra, we are happy to present Miloš in a solo concert.

MILOŠ

Mateusz Kowalski returns! We presented Mateusz’s San Francisco debut last year, and featured his performance as a part of our “Live From St. Mark’s” series on YouTube. Join us as we welcome back the “spectacular” and “truly breathtaking” guitarist for another thrilling concert.

Mateusz Kowalski

“The “Paganini of the guitar” comes to San Francisco! We are proud to bring you yet another San Francisco debut, this time featuring acclaimed Russian virtuoso Artyom Dervoed. Join us as he displays his “wide dynamic range, an intelligent and expressive phrasing, and a technical facility with no discernible limitations.” (Editions Orphee, USA)

Artyom Dervoed

Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by the General-Anzeiger newspaper in Bonn, Germany, Mexican guitarist Pablo Garibay has established himself as a leading force on the international classical guitar scene, with his pioneering interpretations of well-known classics and impressive performances of lesser-known masterpieces.

Pablo Garibay

Join us as we kick off our 44th season with the 4th edition of DYNAMITE GUITARS! We will be celebrating a variety of styles- from the steel string fingerstyle virtuosity of Joe Robinson and Christie Lenée to the dynamic duo of Olli Soikkeli and Cesar Garabini and their fusion of Gypsy Jazz and Brazilian Choro. Come see the many sides of the guitar on display!

DYNAMITE GUITARS –4th Edition

The first half of the program will feature Julia Trintschuk, one of Europe’s rising stars of the classical guitar. Julia will bring to the stage “Crystal clear playing, empathic abandon and expressiveness rich in images” (Südwest Presse).

The second part of the program brings us flamenco guitarist Grisha Goryachev whose explosive virtuosity and variety of expression capture the true feeling of Spain and the flamenco guitar. Join us and experience a program rich in variety, virtuosity, and expression.

Julia Trintschuk & Grisha Goryachev

Ana Vidovic’s “beautiful tone, precise technique, well-defined phrasing and thoughtful artistry and musicianship” have made her a mainstay on our Dynamite Guitars lineup. Her virtuosity has captivated audiences around the world, and has garnered over 8 million views on her most recent video for Omni’s YouTube channel. Ana always sells out, so be sure to get your tickets early!

GRAMMY-winning guitarist David Russell is “world renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry, having earned the highest praise from audiences and critics alike.” His concerts consistently feature a wide variety of virtuosic repertoire, further cementing his reputation as one of the greats of our time. You won’t want to miss this one!

David Russell

The International Guitar Night is back! Come sample the many flavors that the guitar has to offer; from steel string finger-style innovator Luca Stricagnoli, to classical guitar virtuoso Thu Le, Brazilian master Marco Pereira, and the “blazingly electrified” guitarist and singer-songwriter Minnie Marks. Each of these incredible artists will perform solo, and team up throughout the concert in one-of-a-kind ensembles. Don’t miss it!

International Guitar Night

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

Legendary guitarist Pepe Romero returns to SF for a solo recital! As the standard-bearer for the Romero guitar dynasty, Pepe Romero has dazzled audiences around the world for decades as a soloist, with the Romero quartet, and with orchestra. He “never just plays a piece, never just makes it sing,” but rather “creates a conversation with it… a dialogue on one instrument” (Los Angeles Times). Join us at Herbst Theatre and share in this incredible musical experience!

Pepe Romero

Well into their second decade as one of the world’s leading guitar duos, we welcome back the Beijing Guitar Duo. Meng Su and Yameng Wang, both phenomenal soloists, have created an elegant, yet spectacular ensemble.

Beijing Guitar Duo

A rare foursome devoted to contemporary music, from the celebratory to the cerebral. The Dublin Guitar Quartet has piloted an impressive list of premieres, new works and original arrangements from compositional giants—and works audiences clamor to hear—delivered with tremendous vitality and style.

Dublin Guitar Quartet

Four distinguished guitar professors from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music return to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church to astonish in a display of solo guitar virtuosity deeply rooted in their decades of experience. Each artist will appear as a soloist, and then… a few surprises!

Maestros of 50 Oak Street

We are proud to present the San Francisco debut of the young Polish virtuoso Mateusz Kowalski. “Young Mr. Kowalski was spectacular, truly breathtaking!” Classical Guitar Magazine.

Award-winning Australian classical guitarist Stephanie Jones has become one of the most sought-after guitarists of her generation, bursting onto the scene with her superb performances that have garnered worldwide attention. We are proud to present her San Francisco debut.

Stephanie Jones

Hawaii’s empress of the ukulele, Taimane, has caught the attention of audiences worldwide with her explosive stage show accompanied by violin, guitar, and percussion. Taimane’s sound draws from her island heritage combined with flamenco, classical, and rock. This is a performance you will not want to miss! Taimane is “distinguished by her island roots and passionate performances.” – Honolulu Star Advertiser

Taimane

Ana Vidovic is one of the most sought-after guitarists of her generation. Her groundbreaking career is a testament to her impeccable technique and musical artistry, which has enthralled audiences since she was a child prodigy.

Ana Vidovic, guitar

Grammy-winner Jason Vieaux is “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation,” – NPR.
“Equal parts poise, radiance, and elegant directness,” (Opera News) double Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke is at home and in demand from the world’s opera houses to intimate concert halls.

Jason Vieaux, guitar | Sasha Cooke, mezzo soprano

Xuefei Yang was the first-ever guitarist in China to enter a music school, & became the first internationally recognised Chinese guitarist on the world stage and considered to be “a most impressive advocate for her instrument.”

Xuefei Yang, guitar

JIJI is the first guitarist to win the prestigious Concert Artists Guild Award in 30 years, making her a must-hear, once-in-a-generation artist.

Jiji, guitar

A fresh, driving force in Nordic music, Dreamers’ Circus takes off from deep folk traditions with ancient and modern instruments and gives voice to a newly forged amalgamation of history and sound.

Dreamers’ Circus

Sean Shibe is one of the most versatile and innovative guitarists today with an approach to the instrument that has enhanced his reputation for having “one of the most discriminating ears in the business” (Gramophone).

Sean Shibe, guitar with Van Kuijk Quartet

Zoran Dukic is one of the most distinguished classical guitarists of our time. His concert performances, both as a soloist or with an orchestra, leave long-lasting impressions on both audiences and critics, “stirring enthusiastic audiences with his passionate interpretations, sensitive musicality, and bravura technique.”

Zoran Dukic, guitar

A power-packed evening of Spanish guitar by Flamenco master Grisha Goryachev and Spanish classical guitarist Andrea Gonzales Caballero. Olé!

An Evening of Spanish Guitar

As members of “Brazil’s First Family of Music”, Clarice and Sérgio Assad share their timeless passion for music composition, together reimagining old classics and writing new works as a collaborative team. Performing Brazilian jazz vocals, samba, bossa nova, piano, and guitar, the family is ever-present, wrapped in the warmth and intricacies of ancestry and connection.

Sergio and Clarice Assad, guitar, voice, piano

Experience the dynamic guitar/violin duo of internationally acclaimed (TY) Tengyue Zhang and rising star Strauss Shi. Dazzling chemistry!

Tengyue Zhang, guitar with Strauss Shi, violin

Five-time grammy nominee Robben Ford, one of today’s premier electric guitarists, along with his quartet, will be joined by Australia’s Got Talent winner and Nashville’s acoustic guitar sensation Joe Robinson.

Robben Ford Quartet with Special Guest Joe Robinson, guitar

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

The first guitarist to graduate from the esteemed Yehudi Menuhin School, Laura Snowden is acclaimed for her “profound” performances and “linking guitar’s past, present, and future.” Classical Guitar

Laura Snowden

First prize winner in the 2020 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition.

Martha Masters

A musical journey through three majestic XII and XIII century churches, jewels of Romanesque Art.“It was a great pleasure to play in these magnificent historic monuments, where the great acoustics were pure inspiration.Part of the repertoire is based on music from the Camino the Santiago, a pilgrimage route through Spain since the middle ages that passes through these very churches.These architectural gems have been witness to a countless number of pilgrims for centuries on their way to Santiago de Compostela. I feel fortunate to be able to share music with you from these unique locations.”

This free online concert is filmed live from one of our San Francisco venues –St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Join our e-mail list and we’ll send you a link to the concert on the day of the event! If you would like to support this series, the Omni Foundation and our artists, please consider donating or contributing by becoming a member. Thank you!

A monumental guitarist in both the performing and teaching world, Cuban-American maestro Manuel Barrueco is beloved for his superb musicianship, generosity of spirit and uncommon lyrical style, “a warmth and a singing quality that would undoubtedly have made Segovia smile” (The New York Times). “A major artist with remarkable musicianship and a world of technique…simply and consistently—awesome” (Los Angeles Times).

Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts

May 3, 2025

Manuel Barrueco

Apr 12, 2025

Ana Vidovic

Mar 29, 2025

Thomas Dunford

Articles & News

Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts