John McClellan and Kirk Hanser began performing together in 1996, each already being an established solo artist in
his own right. As a duo, they quickly became known for their choice of entertaining programs, their technical and
musical prowess, and their abilities for connecting with audiences. Over the past decade, they have become
recognized by critics and audiences alike as one of the most highly respected chamber music groups in the U.S.
his own right. As a duo, they quickly became known for their choice of entertaining programs, their technical and
musical prowess, and their abilities for connecting with audiences. Over the past decade, they have become
recognized by critics and audiences alike as one of the most highly respected chamber music groups in the U.S.
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John McClellan’s playing has been described as “masterly...with a virtuous warm tone...fluid phrasing and a strong sense of
rhythm” (The Brisbane Courier Mail, Brisbane, Australia). McClellan performed with Luciano Pavarotti during his last World Tour,
has performed and recorded with “nonclassical” artists such as Vince Gill and has done major tours of the U.S. and Australia.
McClellan has authored several books , including the fastest selling books in the history of Mel Bay Publications, Chet Atkins in
Three Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2. He has also released an exciting two-DVD set demonstrating the style and music of
Mr. Atkins, aptly titled Chet Licks (OTI Multimedia). His most recent book, The Magnificent Guitar of Jorge Morel, was
recently published by Mel Bay, Publ.
McClellan is on the advisory boards of both Mel Bay Publications and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He serves as Professor
of Guitar and the coordinator for guitar studies for Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri, where the HMGD is
ensemble-in-residence. He, his wife, Diane, and their four children live in O’Fallon, Missouri.
rhythm” (The Brisbane Courier Mail, Brisbane, Australia). McClellan performed with Luciano Pavarotti during his last World Tour,
has performed and recorded with “nonclassical” artists such as Vince Gill and has done major tours of the U.S. and Australia.
McClellan has authored several books , including the fastest selling books in the history of Mel Bay Publications, Chet Atkins in
Three Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2. He has also released an exciting two-DVD set demonstrating the style and music of
Mr. Atkins, aptly titled Chet Licks (OTI Multimedia). His most recent book, The Magnificent Guitar of Jorge Morel, was
recently published by Mel Bay, Publ.
McClellan is on the advisory boards of both Mel Bay Publications and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He serves as Professor
of Guitar and the coordinator for guitar studies for Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri, where the HMGD is
ensemble-in-residence. He, his wife, Diane, and their four children live in O’Fallon, Missouri.
“Kirk Hanser is a superb guitarist...possessing an authentic musical personality,” writes author and music
critic Erik Eriksson (The DC Advocate, Door County, WI). Hanser has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and
Japan as soloist with orchestra, with various chamber groups and on solo guitar. He has appeared on several
recordings with a wide range of artists and styles, and is an author for Warner Brothers Publications and Mel
Bay Publications with numerous books in print ranging from classical to jazz, rock to country.
critic Erik Eriksson (The DC Advocate, Door County, WI). Hanser has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and
Japan as soloist with orchestra, with various chamber groups and on solo guitar. He has appeared on several
recordings with a wide range of artists and styles, and is an author for Warner Brothers Publications and Mel
Bay Publications with numerous books in print ranging from classical to jazz, rock to country.
The Hanser-McClellan Duo’s first CD, Jongo, featuring South American music from some of the region’s most famous
composers, received awesome reviews both by music critics and by the public. Their most recent recording, La Vida Breve,
includes exciting world premiere recordings - most of which were written for or dedicated to the HMGD - by such award-
winning composers as Jorge Morel, Rico Stover and Jonas Mollberg.
Over the past decade, the HMGD has performed for such diverse events as the Sheldon Classics Series (St. Louis,MO), the
Kansas City Guitar Society, the International Guitar Foundation of America Conference (1999 & again in 2005) and are
standing, annual “special guests” at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Festival.
composers, received awesome reviews both by music critics and by the public. Their most recent recording, La Vida Breve,
includes exciting world premiere recordings - most of which were written for or dedicated to the HMGD - by such award-
winning composers as Jorge Morel, Rico Stover and Jonas Mollberg.
Over the past decade, the HMGD has performed for such diverse events as the Sheldon Classics Series (St. Louis,MO), the
Kansas City Guitar Society, the International Guitar Foundation of America Conference (1999 & again in 2005) and are
standing, annual “special guests” at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Festival.
photo by Dreyfus & Assoc.
An award-winning teacher as well as performer, Hanser’s work with students - in and out of academe - has garnered recognition including “National
Teacher of the Year” and (twice) “Outstanding National Program” from the Childbloom Guitar Program. He serves as Executive Director for the St. Louis
Guitar Consortium, Inc., an organization which focuses on providing guitar-related opportunities (such as the Mid America Guitar Camps) for young
musicians throughout the United States. Hanser resides in St. Louis with his wife, Laura, and their four children.
Teacher of the Year” and (twice) “Outstanding National Program” from the Childbloom Guitar Program. He serves as Executive Director for the St. Louis
Guitar Consortium, Inc., an organization which focuses on providing guitar-related opportunities (such as the Mid America Guitar Camps) for young
musicians throughout the United States. Hanser resides in St. Louis with his wife, Laura, and their four children.
"Kirk Hanser and John McClellan individually are monster players; put the
two together with several years refinement as a duo and magic happens."
two together with several years refinement as a duo and magic happens."
"The pair...plays with an instinctive togetherness that makes them sound
almost like one inspired player instead of two."
almost like one inspired player instead of two."
About the duo:
"...sheer swagger and verve...(their) playing continually demands your
attention."
attention."
John McClellan
Kirk Hanser
Fingerstyle Magazine (U.S)
Classical Guitar Magazine (U.K.)
The St. Louis Post Dispatch