Sergio and Odair Assad in Concert

Brazilian-born brothers Sérgio and Odair Assad have created a new standard of guitar innovation, ingenuity and expression. Their exceptional artistry and uncanny ensemble-playing rooted in a family rich in Brazilian musical tradition and studies under guitarist/lutenist Monina Távora, a disciple of Andrés Segovia. Their virtuosity has inspired a wide range of composers to write for them including Astor Piazzolla, Terry Riley, Radamés Gnattali, Marlos Nobre, Nikita Koshkin, Roland Dyens, Jorge Morel, Edino Krieger, and Francisco Mignone. Sérgio Assad has expanded their repertoire by composing works for the duo, as well as for various musical partners, both in recital and with symphony orchestra. They have worked extensively with renowned artists such as GidonKremer, Dawn Upshaw, Turtle Island String Quartet, Yo-Yo Ma, and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. Odair is based in Brussels, where he teaches at Ecole Supérieure des Arts, while Sérgio resides in Chicago. The brothers launched their international career after winning the 1979 Young Artists Competition in Bratislava. Their diverse repertoire spans folk, jazz, Latin, and classical transcriptions of Bach, Rameau, Scarlatti, Gershwin, Ginastera, and Debussy. Sérgio premiered his concerto Phases with the Seattle Symphony and they have performed with major orchestras worldwide. Highlights include a 2004 multi-generational Assad family tour, soundtrack features, collaborations with Paquito D’Rivera, Romero Lubambo, Yo-Yo Ma, and recordings on Nonesuch and GHA that earned Latin Grammy awards. In 2015, they received the Guitar Foundation of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In the 2025-2026 season, Sérgio and Odair Assad will celebrate their 60th anniversary as a duo. Their concert in Baltimore is part of their Farewell Tour.

Linehan Concert Hall is easy to visit, with plenty of free parking. Please visit here for directions and parking information.

BCGS programs are supported by The Maryland State Arts Council, The Citizens of Baltimore County, Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants, a part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Forces® initiative, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance, the Augustine Foundation, the Cape Foundation, the D’Addario Foundation, the Savarez Foundation, William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, creator of the Baker Artist Portfolios, www.BakerArtist.org, and individual donors and members. Thank you.