The Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts is excited to present, for the first time together as a duo in San Francisco, two giants of the guitar world: Aniello Desiderio and Zoran Dukić in a concert that promises to be nothing short of explosive.

Together as the A to Z Guitar Duo, Desiderio and Dukić unite their commanding artistry, fiery technique, and poetic expressiveness in a program that showcases the guitar at its most virtuosic. Known for their dazzling sound and riveting stage presence, they are among Europe’s most celebrated performers, and this special collaboration is certain to be a highlight of the season. Classical Guitar Magazine has hailed Desiderio as “a phenomenon. Simply, he has it all,” while Dean Onye Ozuzu described Dukić’s playing as “an orchestra” emanating from a single guitar.

Aniello Desiderio gave his first public performance at the age of eight and soon became one of the guitar world’s most decorated young artists, with 18 first-place awards to his name. He captured top prizes at international competitions in Havana and Madrid, and won both First Prize and the Special Prize for best interpretation of Tárrega’s music at the Francisco Tárrega Competition in Benicàssim, Spain. Since then, he has graced the world’s great stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow, the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. As concerto soloist, he has appeared with the Oregon Symphony, the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, and Kremerata Baltica with Gidon Kremer, among many others.

Zoran Dukić, who began playing guitar at the age of six, is today recognized as one of the most distinguished classical guitarists of our time. His powerful and poetic performances as both soloist and concerto artist have captivated audiences across the globe, from the Palau de la Música in Barcelona and Carnegie Hall in New York to Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall. During his celebrated competition years, he achieved a record unmatched in the guitar world by winning both of the prestigious Andrés Segovia competitions, as well as competitions dedicated to Sor, Ponce, de Falla, and Tárrega. His dedication to teaching has been equally impactful. Since 1997 he has been professor at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, where his students have become prizewinners on the international stage. He is also a passionate chamber musician, co-founder of the European Guitar Quartet, Croatian Guitar Quartet, and long-time duo partner with Desiderio.

When these two titans of the guitar come together, the result is nothing less than electrifying. This is a celebration of virtuosity, passion, and artistry. Don’t miss the rare chance to witness Aniello Desiderio and Zoran Dukić on stage together in San Francisco, presented by the Omni Foundation.

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