Mission

To provide a framework for the shared enjoyment and exploration of the classical guitar in New York City, and to promote awareness and appreciation of its heritage and influence across musical genres.

History

There were at least three major classical guitar societies in New York City before the

formation of the current New York City Classical Guitar Society.

The first, the New York Society of the Classic Guitar, was established in 1936 by the

noted illustrator, writer, composer, and educator Vladimir Bobri, who served as

President. Andrés Segovia played an active role in the Society, serving as Chairman of

the Advisory Committee. Other key figures were Mr. and Mrs. Albert Augustine, Mr. and

Mrs. Gregory d’Alessio, and Mr. and Mrs. George Giusti. The Augustines, with input

from Segovia, founded Albert Augustine Ltd. in 1947 as the first producer of widely

available nylon guitar strings. Giusti and d’Alessio were prominent artists and designers

of the day.

Guitar Review was launched in 1946 as the Society’s journal, known for its exceptional

graphic design and high production values and including frequent contributions from

Segovia and other important figures of the guitar world. The journal was sold to the

Augustine company in 1983, and in 1985, Bobri stepped down from his role as Editor.

Tragically, he died in a house fire in 1986, a great loss that also marked the end of the

Society’s operation.

In 1978, a second classical guitar society was formed, in Brooklyn, with the intention of

bringing classical guitar performances to a wider audience across the city. This society

offered approximately four major concerts per year by such artists as Sharon Isbin,

Dante Rosati, Jorge Morel, and the Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo. It grew substantially

through the 1980s and garnered strong corporate sponsorship but stopped presenting

concerts in 1991. A new Brooklyn Classical Guitar Society was established in 2022 by

Rodrigo Guzman, Matt Kaplan, Pierre Ferreyra-Mansilla, and Josh Paul.

In 1988, a third classical guitar society started up in Manhattan under the leadership of

Seth Himmelhoch, meeting monthly in large Manhattan spaces including the 92nd

Street Y. The society grew considerably, building a strong member base and a mailing

list of over 300, but ceased activity in 1994.

The current New York City Classical Guitar Society was formed in 2000 by Lester Long,

and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2004. The Society was led in its first

years by Presidents Lester Long, J. Andrew Dickenson, and Michael Barry. John Olson

served as President from 2007-2024, and Nathan Fischer began his tenure as

President in July 2024.

Artistic Advisory Board

Oren Fader
Frederic Hand
Dennis Koster
David Leisner
Michael Lorimer
David Nadal
The Newman and Oltman Guitar Duo
Dante Rosati
Tali Roth
David Spelman
Benjamin Verdery

Student Advisory Committee

Fangfang Liu, Yale
Madeline Hall, Juilliard

Board of Directors

Nathan Fischer, President
Anthony Bez, Secretary
Roberta Wallis, Treasurer
Barbie Matthews

Garrett Lee
Jeffrey Wilt

John Lehmann-Haupt

Past Presidents
John Olson, President, 2007-2024
Michael Barry, President, 2006-2007
J. Andrew Dickenson, President, 2004-2006
Lester Long, Founder; President, 2000-2004

Staff

Nicoletta Todesco, Director, New York City Guitar Orchestra
Annabel Chiarelli, Membership and Marketing Coordinator

Past orchestra directors: Jason Sagebiel 2010-2022, Phil Goldenberg 2022-2023