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 13 years, 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 13 years, 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). A master of many musical styles, John has been heard in concert and on
recordings with Luciano Pavarotti, Vince Gill, Tim Thompson, Mark Knopfler (Dire
Straits), to name a few. As a soloist, John has done major tours of the U.S. and
Australia.
John is the author of the fastest selling books in the history of Mel Bay Publications,
Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2. He recently released an
exciting two-DVD set demonstrating the style and music of Mr. Atkins, aptly titled Chet
Licks (OTI Multimedia). John 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.
fluid phrasing and a strong sense of rhythm” (The Brisbane Courier Mail, Brisbane,
Australia). A master of many musical styles, John has been heard in concert and on
recordings with Luciano Pavarotti, Vince Gill, Tim Thompson, Mark Knopfler (Dire
Straits), to name a few. As a soloist, John has done major tours of the U.S. and
Australia.
John is the author of the fastest selling books in the history of Mel Bay Publications,
Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2. He recently released an
exciting two-DVD set demonstrating the style and music of Mr. Atkins, aptly titled Chet
Licks (OTI Multimedia). John 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.
Kirk Hanser “is a superb guitarist...possessing an authentic musical
personality” writes author and music critic Erik Eriksson (The DC Advocate,
Door County, WI). Kirk 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 numerous recordings with a wide range of
artists and organizations, and is an author for Warner Brothers Publications
and Mel Bay Publications with numerous books in print ranging in style from
classical to jazz, rock to country.
personality” writes author and music critic Erik Eriksson (The DC Advocate,
Door County, WI). Kirk 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 numerous recordings with a wide range of
artists and organizations, and is an author for Warner Brothers Publications
and Mel Bay Publications with numerous books in print ranging in style from
classical to jazz, rock to country.
The Hanser-McClellan Duo’s first feature 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 past 13 years, the HMGD has performed for such diverse events as the Sheldon Classics Series (St. Louis, MO), the
"Great Guitarists Concert Series" in Austin, TX, 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 past 13 years, the HMGD has performed for such diverse events as the Sheldon Classics Series (St. Louis, MO), the
"Great Guitarists Concert Series" in Austin, TX, 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, Kirk’s work with students - in and out of academe - have garnered several national awards including
“National Teacher of the Year” and (three-time) “Outstanding National Program” for his work in 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.
“National Teacher of the Year” and (three-time) “Outstanding National Program” for his work in 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.
About the duo:
"...sheer swagger and
verve...(their) playing
continually demands
your attention."
verve...(their) playing
continually demands
your attention."
John McClellan
Kirk Hanser
Classical Guitar Magazine (U.K.)
photo by Job Conger
photo by Job Conger