The Vancouver Classic Guitar Society announces its 18th concert season of global award winners, rising stars and BC’s finest guitarists!
The Vancouver Classic Guitar Society (VCGS) is thrilled to announce its 18th season of global award winners, Canadian legends, rising stars and BC’s finest guitarists. We’ve got four exceptional performances that you’ll love!
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Tariq Harb
Koerner Hall, Vancouver Academy of Music, 7 pm
Tariq Harb is a world-class performer and a multiple prizewinner in international competitions. Always polished, always musical, Tariq’s playing has been praised on stages across the world and he’s been lauded as “Canada’s next classical guitar superstar” by CBC Radio. The acclaimed Jordanian‑Canadian guitarist is now a Professor of Guitar at Concordia University, Montreal. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Toronto. Harb won top prizes at the Barrios WorldWideWeb, Montreal International, and Tokyo International Classical Guitar competitions. His international career includes performances in iconic venues like Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and a solo debut at Carnegie Hall.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 – Josh Searles & Celso Machado – Sunshine Coast Spotlight
Pacific Spirit United Church, 7 pm
Friends, neighbours and musical innovators Celso Machado and Josh Searles bring their unique guitar skills to the stage in a superb double bill. VCGS is delighted to welcome back Celso, a Brazilian-born virtuoso now based in Gibsons, who is recognized as both a classical guitarist and multi‑instrumentalist. With over 40 years on stages across Brazil, Europe, and North America, he’s performed with artists like the Assad brothers and Al Di Meola. Josh, also on the Sunshine Coast, is a multi‑talented guitarist, composer, producer, and DJ. He earned his Master’s in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Alicante and his diverse musical projects include electronic‑based Ghost Orchid and performances at festivals like Mutek and Shambhala.
Saturday, March 20, 2026 – Leonela Alejandro – GFA International Concert Artist 2024
Koerner Hall, Vancouver Academy of Music , 7 pm
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Leonela Alejandro started studying guitar at the age of six. Now, at just 25, she has ascended to the pinnacle of the classical guitar world by winning the 2024 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition. With multiple competition wins, Leonela has established herself as once-in-a-generation classical guitarist known for her powerful and magnetic style. Reviews have called her performance "bold and unique, with strong lyricism and virtuosity”.
Saturday, April 11, 2026 – Aurora Orsini
Koerner Hall, Vancouver Academy of Music , 7 pm
Italian guitarist Aurora Orsini is rapidly gaining international acclaim as she wins competitions and captivates audiences across Europe. VCGS is delighted to welcome the charismatic and multi-talented guitarist to Vancouver as she makes her Canadian debut. Aurora holds Master’s and postgraduate degrees in classical guitar from the University of Alicante and Italy’s Boccherini Conservatoire, and has studied with luminaries such as Manuel Barrueco, David Russell and Sergio Assad. She performs extensively across Europe and collaborates in chamber ensembles, notably the Estra Duo. Aurora is a versatile dynamic performer, keen on experimenting with other disciplines and finding new ways of performing classical music.
Watch for details of tickets and subscriptions coming soon to www.vancouverguitar.org