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With more than 200 million internet views and performances around the world, guitarist Luca Stricagnoli has created a niche for an entirely unique style of performance. It’s a remarkable story: as a boy studying classical guitar, he excelled in classical composition, placing first in international competitions—but when he discovered fingerstyle guitar on Youtube, a lifelong fascination and creative career was born. Fingerstyle guitar has a long history, involving playing by plucking with the fingers instead of using a pick, but Stricagnoli takes the technique to new levels, even inventing new styles of guitars to create his endlessly inventive sounds. Along the way, this guitarist rooted in classical music has drawn the attention of such rock artists as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and more, and won the regard of critics who praise his “mindblowing” artistry (Guitar World).

A master of the acoustic guitar, Matt Thomas brings technical wizardry as well as a vibrant and poetic music making experience. This has made him one of the most distinctive fingerstyle guitarists performing in the acoustic guitar arena today. He takes his audience on a vivid scientific themed journey throughout his shows, peppered with exciting stories and odd findings that inspire his music. A true character of all sorts!

An acoustic guitarist of astounding strength, ability, control and sensitivity are almost as striking as his technical expertise. Intricate fingerstyle technique, with an uncanny gift for melodic invention, Matt Thomas delivers a flawless performance every time.  

At the age of 38, Matt Thomas has gained some large credit in the world of fingerstyle guitar. In 2019, he won 1st place at the International Fingerstyle Collective Competition. In 2017, he won 3rd place at the Walnut Valley International Fingerstyle Competition in Winfield Kansas. He also won 1st place in both contemporary thumbpicking and open style at the Home of the Legends International Thumbpicking Competition. The following year, he returned to be inducted into the Thumbpickers Hall-of-Fame and was asked to compete again which resulted in another 1st place win in contemporary fingerstyle, and 2nd in traditional thumbpicking. Along with being a decorated fingerstylist, Thomas is very well known for his Harp Guitar compositions and being a long time member/Host/Performer of the Harp Guitar Gathering. 

Tidewater Classical Guitar is a non-profit arts organization with an all-volunteer board that cultivates awareness and appreciation of classical guitar by presenting world-class concerts and advancing guitar education.  Founded in Virginia in 1984, the Norfolk concert series began in March 1985 with a three-concert schedule featuring local performers. 

By the time the Williamsburg series was inaugurated in 1987, it had graduated to presenting guitarists of international renown.

TCG presents concert series in both Norfolk and Williamsburg, which feature many of the world's best-known and most outstanding guitarists.  Support is provided by subscriptions and individual contributions, as well as grants from the Norfolk Commission for the Arts and Humanities, the Williamsburg Arts Commission, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the Business Consortium for Arts Support of Hampton Roads.

Click here to see Tidewater Classical Guitar's 2025-26 season!