Kean Guitarfest
Kean Guitarfest 2026 celebrates the classical guitar in all its splendor. The festival will showcase regional guitar ensembles (4:00 pm) and continue with a recital (7:00 pm) by internationally acclaimed classical guitarist João Luiz Rezende.
Bookmark and visit the Kean Music Conservatory page to learn about the musical arts at Kean University. The program performs various ensembles throughout the school year, including the Choral Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble.
Saturday, June 13
Enlow Recital Hall
215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ
4:00 - 5:50 pm
Regional High School Guitar Ensemble Showcase
7:00 - 9:00 pm
João Luiz Rezende's solo recital and the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra (NJGO) performance
João Luiz Rezende
Two-time Latin Grammy nominee João Luiz Rezende is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and educator praised by Leo Brouwer as “one of the most authentic and extraordinary interpreters of my work.” A native of Brazil, he began his career performing popular music before training in classical guitar with Henrique Pinto. As a winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition with the Brasil Guitar Duo, João has performed across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Equally at home in classical, Brazilian, and world music, his repertoire spans from Dowland to Berio, alongside rich Brazilian traditions. João has collaborated with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Carlos Prieto and has composed and premiered numerous works, earning Brazil’s prestigious APCA Award in 2024. He is currently on faculty at the Yale School of Music and CUNY, and remains a leading voice in expanding the classical guitar repertoire.
Tickets and Directions
215 NORTH AVENUE, HILLSIDE, NJ 07205
Enlow Recital Hall is located on the East Campus of Kean University, within the Nathan Weiss Graduate College building.
FREE ADMISSION
This event is free and open to the public, and seating is first-come-first-served.
Music Program at Kean
About the Program
Students seeking to explore the depth and breadth of musical culture can pursue paths in performance and education, as well as the liberal arts.
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