The Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo
John McClellan and Kirk Hanser began performing together in 1996, each already being an established solo artist in his own right. As a duo, they quickly became known for their choice of entertaining programs, their technical and musical prowess, and their abilities for connecting with audiences. Over the past several years, they have become recognized by critics and audiences alike as one of the most enjoyable and highly respected chamber music groups in the U.S.
John McClellan’s playing has been described as “masterly...with a virtuous warm tone...fluid phrasing and a strong sense of rhythm” (The Brisbane Courier Mail, Brisbane, Australia). A master of manymusical styles, John has been heard in concert and on recordings with Luciano Pavarotti, Vince Gill, TimThompson, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), to name a few. As a soloist, John has done major tours of theU.S. and Australia.
In addition to being a performer, John is the author of the fastest selling books in the history of Mel Bay Publications, Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2. He recently released an exciting two-DVD set demonstrating the styles and music of Mr. Atkins, aptly titled ChetLicks (OTI Multimedia). Most recently, John’s publications, The Magnificent Guitar of Jorge Morel, and a third volume of his series of books on Chet Atkins were released to major sales and international acclaim. John serves as Professor of Guitar and the coordinator for guitar studies for Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri, where the HMGD is ensemble-in-residence. John, his wife, Diane, and their four children live in O’Fallon, Missouri.
Kirk Hanser “is a superb guitarist...possessing an authentic musical personality” writes author and music critic Erik Eriksson (The DC Advocate). Kirk has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan as soloist with orchestra, with various chamber groups and on solo guitar. He has appeared on numerous recordings with a wide range of artists and organizations, and is an author for Warner BrothersPublications and Mel Bay Publications with numerous books in print ranging in style from classical to jazz, rock to country. A session musician for many years and adept at working in various styles, Kirk is a “first-call guitarist” for various groups including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
An award-winning teacher as well as performer, Kirk’s work with students has garnered several national awards including “National Teacher of the Year” and three-time “Outstanding National Program” for his work with the Childbloom Guitar Program of St. Louis (currently the largest such program in the U.S.). As the director of the St. Louis Academy for Guitar, Kirk offers classes in Audio Production, Jazz Improv, Music Theory and much more. Kirk also serves as Executive Director for the St. Louis Guitar Consortium, Inc., an organization which focuses on providing guitar-related opportunities (such as the Mid AmericaGuitar Camps) for young musicians throughout the United States. Kirk resides in St. Louis with his four children.
The Hanser-McClellan Duo’s first feature CD, Jongo, featuring South American music from some of the region’s most famous composers, received awesome reviews both by music critics and by the public. Their next, La Vida Breve, includes exciting world premiere recordings - most of which were written for or dedicated to the HMGD - by such award-winning composers as Jorge Morel, Rico Stover and Jonas Mollberg. Kirk and John are featured on 2012’s Slightly Above Below Average, at tribute to their mentor and friend, Chet Atkins, performing alongside such guitar luminaries as Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill, Tommy Emmanuel and many more.
Since 1996, the HMGD has performed throughout the U.S. for such diverse events as the Sheldon Classics Series (St.Louis, MO), the “Great Guitarists Series” in Austin, Texas, numerous guitar societies across the country including Austin, Dallas, Kansas City, St. Louis and San Francisco, the International Guitar Foundation ofAmerica Conference (1999 & again in 2005) and are standing, annual “special guests” at the Chet AtkinsAppreciation Society Festival. The upcoming season sees them performing in Paris, Frankfort, Bordeaux, Austin, Greensville (SC), Baltimore and venues in several other major cities.