UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
URI GUITAR AND MANDOLIN FESTIVAL 2025
OCTOBER 19–26, 10th ANNIVERSARY
ARTISTS
Tommy Emmanuel is a Grammy-nominated guitar legend and one of only five artists honored as a “Certified Guitar Player” by Chet Atkins. Renowned for his electrifying fingerstyle technique and percussive flair, Emmanuel commands the stage with rich, multi-layered performances that transcend genre. From sold-out concerts worldwide to iconic recordings like The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World, his artistry and mentorship have made him a towering figure in the global acoustic guitar community.
Click here to learn more.
Meng Su is an internationally acclaimed classical guitarist celebrated for her breathtaking technique and deeply expressive artistry. A prodigy from Qingdao, China, she has won top prizes at major competitions, including both the youth and main divisions of the Parkening International Guitar Competition—a historic achievement. As a soloist and member of the Grammy-nominated Beijing Guitar Duo, Su has captivated audiences worldwide. Her performances reflect both virtuosic brilliance and a profound connection to the classical guitar tradition.
Click here to learn more.
Adam Levin is an acclaimed classical guitarist, educator, and recording artist whose dynamic performances span four continents. A Fulbright Scholar and champion of new music, he commissioned over 30 works for his 21st Century Spanish Guitar series on Naxos, with multiple volumes charting on Billboard. Levin co-founded acclaimed ensembles including Duo Sonidos and The Great Necks, and directs Classical Guitar Studies at the University of Rhode Island. His artistry continues to shape the future of classical guitar.
Click here to learn more.
Jacob Reuven is one of Israel’s foremost mandolin virtuosos, renowned for his masterful interpretations of classical, baroque, and contemporary repertoire. A soloist with orchestras such as the Israel Philharmonic and BBC Philharmonic, Reuven is acclaimed for his expressive tone and innovative transcriptions of violin works by Bach and Paganini. A passionate educator and chamber musician, he co-founded the Kerman Mandolin Quartet and performs on a custom Arik Kerman mandolin, redefining mandolin artistry worldwide.
Click here to learn more.
Yamandu Costa is a Brazilian guitar virtuoso hailed for his electrifying command of the seven-string guitar and his genre-defying fusion of choro, samba, tango, and South American folk traditions. A prodigy turned global icon, he has won numerous awards, including a Latin Grammy for Bachianinha. With breathtaking technique and deep emotional expression, Yamandu captivates audiences worldwide, embodying the soul of Brazilian music while expanding its reach through innovative performance and rich, collaborative recordings.
Click here to learn more.
Mathias Duplessy has been composing on his guitar since the age of 6. In love with traditional music, he learned to play instruments coming from the four corners of the world... Morin khuur, Igil, fiddles, Jew's harp, berimbau, flutes and percussions of all kinds, saz, oud, banjo populate his recording studio, and feed his orchestrations. Mathias likes to divert, mix, and reinvent the artistic universe of these instruments far from the paths of their origins by superimposing his voluptuous voice or throat singing technique.
Click here to learn more.
Internationally renowned mandolinists Caterina Lichtenberg and Mike Marshall unite two worlds of virtuosity. Caterina, Germany’s foremost classical mandolinist, has performed with leading orchestras under maestros like Riccardo Chailly and teaches at Cologne’s Conservatory—the only classical mandolin professorship worldwide. Mike, a pioneer of American string music, has collaborated with legends including Béla Fleck and Joshua Bell, and bridges genres from bluegrass to Brazilian choro. Together, they form a genre-defying duo celebrated for brilliance, depth, and cross-cultural artistry.
Click here to learn more.
The Great Necks Guitar Trio—Scott Borg, Adam Levin, and Matthew Rohde—redefines classical guitar with bold arrangements, dazzling virtuosity, and playful, interactive performances. Their Billboard-charting albums Original Arrangements for Three Guitars and Impressions of Spain have earned critical acclaim for their inventive reimaginings of orchestral and keyboard works. As internationally recognized soloists and educators, the trio blends technical brilliance with fearless creativity, captivating audiences and expanding the expressive power of the classical guitar ensemble.
Click here to learn more.
Purbayan Chatterjee is a globally acclaimed sitar virtuoso known for blending Indian classical tradition with contemporary world music. A disciple of the Senia Maihar Gharana, he has performed internationally since childhood and won prestigious honors including the President of India’s Award. His boundary-crossing collaborations—with artists like Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, and Shankar Mahadevan—reflect his visionary artistry. As a composer, innovator, and educator, Purbayan continues to redefine the sitar’s role in global music today.
Click here to learn more.
Amit Kavthekar is a tabla virtuoso and esteemed disciple of Ustad Allarakha and Zakir Hussain, recognized for his mastery of Indian classical percussion and global collaborations. A fixture on international stages, he has performed with icons like Amjad Ali Khan and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. As Dean of Percussion at the New England School of Music, Amit blends tradition with innovation, captivating audiences and students alike with his rhythmic brilliance and deep cultural artistry.
Click here to learn more.
Mark Lettieri is a five-time GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor based in Fort Worth, TX. He creates acclaimed guitar-based instrumental music, and is a member of leading instrumental bands Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. As a session musician proficient in a multitude of styles, he has recorded and performed in virtually every genre of popular music with both independent and major-label artists.
Click here to learn more.
Duo Mantar—featuring American guitarist Adam Levin and Israeli mandolinist Jacob Reuven—is a trailblazing ensemble renowned for its virtuosity and visionary programming. United by a passion for Israeli music and Jewish heritage, they commission and perform bold new works that expand the mandolin-guitar repertoire. Their acclaimed Naxos debut, Music from the Promised Land, topped the Billboard Classical chart. With performances across three continents, Duo Mantar delivers a compelling blend of tradition, innovation, and expressive synergy.
Click here to learn more.
Canadian guitarists Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan form a dynamic duo acclaimed for their artistry and innovation in expanding the guitar duo repertoire. Specializing in contemporary works and impressionist arrangements, they’ve premiered numerous commissions and earned accolades including the 2021 East Coast Music Award for FOCUS. With performances across North America and Europe, their refined interplay and critically praised recordings, including Intimate Impressions, have captivated audiences and solidified their place among today’s leading classical guitar duos.
Click here to learn more.
Duo Sonidos—violinist William Knuth and guitarist Adam Levin—has redefined the violin-guitar duo with their dynamic interpretations and innovative repertoire. Since forming at the New England Conservatory in 2006, they’ve earned international acclaim for their expressive synergy and genre-spanning programs. Their Naxos album Wild Dance debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Classical Chart, and they’ve premiered numerous works by contemporary composers. As Fulbright Scholars and educators, Duo Sonidos brings passion, precision, and fresh vision to the chamber music stage.
Click here to learn more.
Praised for “combining omnivory and brilliance” (The New York Times), six-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart translates stories of American self-determination to the concert stage. As a solo violinist, composer, Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, professor at The Juilliard School, member of award-winning ensembles PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail, and Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient, he realizes a vision to find personal and powerful connections between styles, cultures and musics.
Click here to learn more.
Dr. Scott Borg is an acclaimed Australian classical guitarist, educator, and President of the Jury for the 2025 competition. A graduate of Yale, Juilliard, and New England Conservatory, he has performed at major venues including the Kennedy Center and Alice Tully Hall. Known for his bold artistry and academic excellence, Borg directs guitar orchestras in Boston and Baltimore and teaches at Montgomery College. His leadership and vision continue to shape the next generation of classical guitarists.
Click here to learn more.
Matthew Rohde is a classical guitarist, educator, and film composer. He has performed globally with artists like Clarice Assad and Horacio Franco and is a member of The Great Necks guitar trio. He composed the score for the HBO documentary "It Will Be Chaos." Co-directing the Kithara Project, he supports classical guitar programs for at-risk youth. Matthew studied at Yale, the Conservatoire Nationale in Paris, and Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy.
Click here to learn more.
Ekaterina Skliar is an internationally acclaimed mandolinist and domrist known for her dazzling versatility across classical, contemporary, and jazz genres. A prizewinner of the Astral National Auditions and Global Music Awards, she has performed worldwide with leading orchestras and ensembles. Her dynamic artistry and genre-blending collaborations—especially through her mandolin-domra duo—have earned critical acclaim and top honors in international competitions. Skliar’s performances captivate audiences while expanding global appreciation for plucked string traditions.
Click here to learn more.
Dor Gidon Amran is a rising Israeli mandolinist, conductor, and pianist celebrated for his virtuosity and artistic vision. A prizewinner in the International Mandolin Competition in Modena, he gained acclaim for his bold recording of Paganini’s 24 Caprices on mandolin. A student of Jacob Reuven, Amran is also an award-winning arranger, educator, and upcoming orchestral conducting graduate student at Penn State. His work bridges performance and innovation, redefining the possibilities of the classical mandolin.
Click here to learn more.
.jpg)
Thatcher Harrison is an American classical guitarist and composer known for his genre-blending “classical fusion” works that draw on jazz, rock, film music, and world traditions. A dynamic performer, he programs primarily his own compositions and has appeared at top festivals including Boston GuitarFest, Domaine Forget, and Twents Gitaarfestival. A graduate of New England Conservatory, he is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee under René Izquierdo.
Click here to learn more.
Joseph Bentley is an accomplished double bassist, educator, and music director from Rhode Island, known for his dynamic presence across New England’s classical and contemporary music scenes. A faculty member at the University of Rhode Island, Bentley has performed with ensembles including the Rhode Island Philharmonic and London Firebird Orchestra. His versatile artistry spans symphonic, jazz, and popular genres, while his dedication to education and outreach reflects a deep commitment to cultivating the next generation of musicians.
Click here to learn more.
Jazz guitarist, composer and arranger Peter Hand is well known for his all-star big band and smaller groups, performing original compositions, Latin and Brazilian jazz and newly arranged jazz standards. Receiving a degree in composition from Berklee College of Music, he has worked with many top artists including Carmen Lundy, Jon Lucien, George Coleman, Claudio Roditi, Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. His recordings include three big band albums on Savant Records, which received widespread critical acclaim and extensive radio airplay. Blue Topaz, Hand’s recent small group album on Whaling City Sound Records reached #8 on the JazzWeek Top 50 Chart. It includes his Brazilian jazz compositions and features legendary saxophonist Houston Person.
Click here to learn more.
Freddie Bryant is much in demand in the New York jazz and Brazilian scenes, having worked with Eliane Elias, Tom Harrell and many others. He was a member of Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy Septet and played with the Mingus Orchestra for two decades. He leads his own group, Kaleidoscope, and he was a recipient of the CMA New Jazz Works Composition Grant for his work Upper West Side Love Story: a song cycle. He has toured in 55 countries, collaborating with musicians from many backgrounds, including Indian classical, African singers, Arab groups and klezmer bands. An impassioned educator, he received a master’s degree in classical guitar from Yale School of Music, and is on the faculties of Berklee College of Music in Boston and Prins Claus Conservatory in Groningen, Holland.
Click here to learn more.
Jazz bassist, composer & educator Dave Zinno has been performing professionally since 1980 and is on the faculty at URI, Salve Regina and Brown University. He was worked with jazz greats including Diane Schuur, Jimmy Cobb, Junior Cook, Jimmy Heath, John Hicks, Victor Lewis, John Medeski and many others. Dave has toured in Europe, South America, North Africa and around the US, and has been on the faculty at the Toulon (France) Jazz Festival Workshop for 11 years. His recent touring includes festivals and concerts in New England, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and with Amaro Freitas at the 2024 Newport Jazz Festival.
Click here to learn more.
.jpg)
Quentin October is a rising alternative artist whose emotive songwriting and raw energy are quickly making waves in the indie music scene. Originally from Newburyport, Massachusetts and now based in Nashville, he debuted in 2023 with the single One Word and his EP Looking Into the Sun. With follow-up singles Hangaround and Worms, Quentin blends introspective lyrics with dynamic soundscapes, establishing himself as a compelling new voice in alternative music.
Click here to learn more.
.jpg)
Costa Rican guitarist Enoc Leiton is celebrated for his expressive artistry, technical mastery, and dedication to the classical guitar. Winner of the Costa Rica National Guitar Competition, he has performed widely across Latin America and beyond, captivating audiences with a repertoire that spans Baroque to contemporary works. A respected educator at the National Institute of Music, Enoc also plays a vital role in nurturing emerging talent and promoting the classical guitar throughout Central America.
Click here to learn more.
Kostis Zachariadis is a rising star in the classical guitar world, celebrated for his expressive depth and technical mastery. Winner of the 2024 URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival Rising Stars Virtual Guitar Competition and First Prize at the Joseph Malvinni Altamira Guitar Symposium, Zachariadis has quickly emerged as a standout talent. His refined interpretations and compelling stage presence mark him as one of the most promising young guitarists of his generation.
Click here to learn more.
Francesco Russo is an emerging mandolin virtuoso whose expressive artistry and technical brilliance have earned him growing international acclaim. Winner of the 2024 URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival’s Virtual Mandolin Competition, Russo captivates audiences with his refined phrasing and emotional depth. Equally at home with traditional and contemporary repertoire, his performances reveal a rare sensitivity and command of the instrument. Russo is quickly establishing himself as a compelling new voice in the classical mandolin world.
Click here to learn more.
Portuguese mandolinist, conductor, and educator Norberto Gonçalves da Cruz is a leading force in the classical mandolin world. As Artistic Director of the Associação de Bandolins da Madeira, he has revitalized Madeira’s mandolin tradition and founded the internationally acclaimed Madeira International Mandolin Festival. Renowned for his virtuosic performances and passionate advocacy, Norberto has expanded the instrument’s reach through international collaborations, conservatory partnerships, and groundbreaking educational programs across Europe.
Click here to learn more.
Dr. Nicole O'Malley is a leading music therapist, educator, and advocate, serving as Director of Music Therapy at the University of Rhode Island and Executive Director of Hands in Harmony. With over 20 years of experience, she has pioneered clinical training models, championed music therapy licensure, and received national recognition for her advocacy. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Dr. O’Malley’s work bridges research, practice, and policy to advance music’s therapeutic potential.
Click here to learn more.
Amanda Kaya is a multifaceted classical guitarist and violist whose performances and teaching reflect a rich blend of tradition and innovation. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s in anthropology and philosophy, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Round Top Festival, and won numerous awards as both a violist and guitarist. She is currently studying for her Master's of Music Performance at New Jersey City University with Grammy Award-winning electric violist Martha Mooke. Now based in New Jersey, Kaya teaches and performs widely, known for her classical interpretations and creative arrangements—including collaborations with her husband, guitarist Celil Refik Kaya.
Click here to learn more.
Kenny Hill is a master luthier whose guitars are revered for their tonal beauty, playability, and innovative design. With over 50 years of experience, he has shaped the evolution of classical guitar through his custom builds, Player and Signature Series, and pioneering features like elevated fingerboards. Founder of Hill Guitar Company and a dedicated educator, Kenny’s instruments and mentorship have made a lasting impact on the global guitar community, uniting tradition with thoughtful modern craftsmanship.
Click here to learn more.
Garrett Lee is an acclaimed American luthier known for classical guitars that unite traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and training under master luthier John Gilbert, Lee brings scientific precision to his artistry. His instruments—featuring both solid and composite double tops—are prized for their tonal richness, responsiveness, and elegant design. A respected educator and board member of the NYC Classical Guitar Society, Lee’s work empowers players to express their full musical potential.
Click here to learn more.
Marshall Bruné is a master American luthier celebrated for his handcrafted classical, flamenco, and steel-string guitars, as well as fine orchestral instruments. Trained at the Violin Making School of America and mentored by legends like Carl Becker, Bruné blends traditional techniques with innovative bracing designs to produce instruments of remarkable tone and responsiveness. A respected restorer and educator, his work is favored by top performers and collectors worldwide for its craftsmanship, purity of sound, and historical reverence.
Click here to learn more.
Click here to learn more.
Click here to learn more.
Céili Connors is a Boston-based classical guitarist, educator, and artistic administrator, recognized for her dynamic performances as both a soloist and chamber musician. Céili earned her Master's degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Eliot Fisk and Jerome Mouffe. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island, obtaining a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance. Her passion for Spanish music led her to Granada, Spain, where she attended the University of Granada and immersed herself in the study of flamenco and traditional Spanish guitar.
Click here to learn more.
Victor Main is a classical guitarist, composer, and educator based in Rhode Island, where he directs the Rising Stars youth guitar program with passion and expertise. An award-winning musician, he serves as guitarist-in-residence at Pumphouse Music Works and is president of the Rhode Island Guitar Guild. Through performances, masterclasses, and community outreach, Main is dedicated to inspiring young artists and fostering a vibrant guitar culture across southern New England.
Click here to learn more.
Dr. Maya Lončar is a Croatian-American classical guitarist, educator, and Rising Stars Program Director known for her virtuosity and deep musical insight. A graduate of Eastman and Shenandoah Conservatories, she has performed at the Kennedy Center and major festivals across Europe and the U.S. As Director of Guitar and Orchestra at Riverside High School, Lončar inspires the next generation, blending artistry with mentorship to champion young talent through performance, education, and community engagement.
Click here to learn more.
Gef Fisher is a guitar maker, musician, and instrument fanatic working with Master Luthier Alan Chapman in Amherst Massachusetts. His first love is the Guitar, but he has also studied and performed Hindustani and Chinese traditional music on the Sitar, Guqin, and Zhongruan. Since joining Alan in 2018, Gef has built or been involved in building over 50 guitars in addition to doing numerous repairs and adjustments on instruments by a variety of renowned luthiers. He is currently refining his own composite lattice-top guitar design, as well as a more traditional all-wood fan-braced model.
Click here to learn more.
Thomas Spencer Ladd is a university professor, designer, and photographer. He has received MFAs from Cranbrook Academy of Art and Rhode Island School of Design. Prof. Ladd's research interests include typography, information design, photography, art history, communication theory, and environmental advocacy. His photographs have been exhibited internationally, and he has presented talks and workshops at national conferences. A professor at the University of Massachusetts, Thomas has also taught at Endicott College, Northeastern University, and Rhode Island School of Design. Currently, Spencer is developing a design and arts practice around the history, ecology, harvest, and use of tonewood.
Click here to learn more.
Festival Team
Adam Levin
Founder and Director, URI Guitar Festival; Artistic Director, Rhode Island Guitar Guild
Jacob Reuven
Mandolin Director
Mark Conley
Music Chair, URI
Jessica Peabody
Fiscal Clerk, URI
Jacob Wolf
Concert Hall Manager, URI
Ethan Hicks
Production, URI
Gerard Heroux
Coordinator of Music Resource Center. URI
Ian Maysmith
Administrative Director
Jim Davidson
Director of Competition
Evelyn Mahon
Production Manager
Amanda Kaya
Social Media Director
Raffi Donoian
Production Coordinator
Florian Limondin
Production Coordinator
Armando Amaral
Production Coordinator
Spencer Ladd
Graphic Design
Tonewood America Curator
Gef Fisher
Luthier Expo Coordinator
Hannah de Jesus
Social Media Coordinator
Scott Hacker
Fundraiser Coordinator