Austin Classical Guitar outdid itself, yet again. This time, Austin audiences had the extreme delight of hearing the modest William Kanengiser, one of the world’s most dynamic and influential classical guitar figures. A virtuoso performer, a visionary arranger, and a dedicated educator, he has shaped the landscape of the instrument both as a soloist and as a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ). His artistry is marked by an effortless blend of technical brilliance, interpretive depth, and an insatiable curiosity that has led him to explore a vast array of styles, from traditional classical repertoire to contemporary and cross-cultural works.
Kanengiser’s journey with the guitar began in California, where he showed an early aptitude for the instrument. He pursued formal training at the University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music, a powerhouse of classical guitar education, where he studied under the legendary Pepe Romero of the Romero Guitar Quartet. Under Romero’s guidance, Kanengiser refined a technique that would later become his signature—crystalline precision paired with an emotionally resonant, often theatrical approach to interpretation.
While at USC, he developed a keen interest in expanding the guitar’s expressive potential, embracing historical repertoire and modern innovations. He earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music, during which time he formed deep connections with composers, fellow musicians, and scholars who would later shape his career.
The Birth of a Soloist and Chamber Music Pioneer
Kanengiser catapulted to international attention after winning the 1987 Concert Artists Guild Competition, an honor that placed him among his generation’s most promising classical guitarists. This achievement set the stage for a flourishing solo career, during which he performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues. He captured audiences with his nuanced phrasing, effortless command of tone colors, and repertoire that ranged from Baroque masterworks to contemporary compositions.
However, Kanengiser was never content with simply being a traditionalist. His interpretative voice was distinct—adventurous yet refined, embracing risk without sacrificing musical integrity. His work with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ), which he co-founded in 1980, fully realized this artistic ethos.
With LAGQ, Kanengiser became part of a movement that redefined what a guitar ensemble could be. Far from the restrained formality of early guitar quartets, LAGQ introduced a kinetic, genre-blurring approach that drew from flamenco, jazz, rock, and world music traditions. Their groundbreaking arrangements transformed works originally written for orchestra, piano, or voice into vibrant guitar dialogues, often infused with percussive effects and extended techniques.
Their innovation culminated in 2005 when LAGQ won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album for Guitar Heroes, a tribute to the iconic guitarists who influenced them, from Andrés Segovia to Jimi Hendrix. Kanengiser’s role in the quartet extended beyond performance—his keen ear for orchestration and arrangement was central to the group’s success, as was his ability to seamlessly transition between styles with an authenticity that few classical musicians possess.
Kanengiser has also been instrumental in expanding the guitar’s contemporary repertoire. He has worked closely with composers such as Sérgio Assad, Dusan Bogdanovic, and Ian Krouse, commissioning and premiering works that push the instrument’s boundaries. Notably, he collaborated with Assad on The Walls (2021), a powerful multi-movement work exploring division, migration, and political conflict themes. This piece, rich with poignant narratives and innovative techniques, exemplifies Kanengiser’s commitment to using music as a medium for storytelling and cultural dialogue.
A Night to Remember: William Kanengiser at The Rosette, Austin
Kanengiser’s recent performance at The Rosette in Austin was a virtuosity and musical storytelling masterclass. Kanengiser’s program was a testament to his eclectic approach. He effortlessly moved between Baroque counterpoint, Spanish rhythms, and modern compositions that showcased his flair for color and dynamic contrast. His performance of Missing Her by Frederic Hand was particularly striking—imbued with an almost cinematic tension, each movement unfolded like a scene in an epic narrative, reflecting technical command and deep emotional engagement. The musical trip worldwide took us to England, where he performed his interpretation of John Duarte’s English Suite written initially for Andrés Segovia: The Father of the Modern Classical Guitar. In African Sketches, written by Dusan Bogdanovic, Kanengiser employed staples to affect the tinny sound of an African percussion instrument. Later in the program, we were emotionally moved to Tibet, where Reflections on the Life of the Dranyen, written by the eclectic Andrea Clearfield, took us by surprise. The plaintive humming of a tantra-like meditation with the sound of fluttering wings transported the audience.
Beyond the notes, Kanengiser’s connection with the audience and his student, the guitarist Mei Yin Steadman, made the evening extraordinary. His affable storytelling ability to make complex compositions feel personal and warm, almost theatrical presence made the recital far more than a concert—it was an experience. Those in attendance left with a renewed appreciation for the guitar’s expressive power and for an artist who continues to expand its possibilities.
His influence can be heard in the new generation of players who, inspired by his fearless approach, are charting their paths across musical landscapes, both old and new. With each performance, masterclass, and a new commission, Kanengiser reinforces what those who have followed his career have long known: he is not merely playing the guitar but expanding its voice.
For tickets and information on upcoming concerts, visit https://austinclassicalguitar.org/
https://www.kanengiser.com/ To listen to some of Kanengiser’s music https://soundcloud.com/william-kanengiser/rondo-alla-turka-3rd-movement?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fwilliam-kanengiser%252Frondo-alla-turka-3rd-movement