Cleveland Classical Guitar Society (CCGS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Cleveland, OH. The organization was established in 2002 as an outlet for amateur classical guitarists to share their passion for the classical guitar. Today, CCGS still stays true to its original mission while offering so much more! CCGS serves the Northeastern Ohio community through top-quality programming, which includes the International Series which presents the world’s greatest performers in concert, the Education Program which serves kids from the City of Cleveland, and performance opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.
“Teach, Inspire, Connect”
TEACH: CCGS creates life-changing experiences for Cleveland’s kids.
INSPIRE: CCGS presents the world’s greatest performers.
CONNECT: CCGS provides meaningful collaborations between people.
The International Series is CCGS’s main concert series, which has presented the world’s finest classical guitarists in concert since 2009. The goal of this series is to bring artists of diverse cultures and backgrounds to the Cleveland area. Performers have represented 23 countries including Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Peru, Chile, China, Croatia, Poland, Russia, and many more.
2022-2023 International Series concerts will be held at Plymouth Church UCC(2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120), Maltz Performing Arts Center, (1855 Ansel Road, Cleveland OH 44106), and Cuyahoga Community College (2809 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115)
For complete information about each of our International Series concerts click here.
International Series tickets can be purchased online here, or by phone at 216-905-9348. Single tickets and Season Tickets are available in four types: General, Senior (62+), Student, and Gold Circle.
General Admission – the regular ticket rate for those that don’t qualify for a ticket discount.
Senior – a discounted ticket rate that applies to patrons 62+ years of age.
Student – a discounted ticket rate that applies to currently enrolled students. School ID may be requested (e.g., High School or College ID).
Gold Circle –Gold Circle ticket purchasers are guaranteed a seat in the first few rows of the venue.
It is likely that even the newest concert goer will recognize music that is being performed. Concert programs can be viewed in advance of each concert via the International Series page. Programs are generally posted about a month in advance of the concert date.
Most CCGS patrons dress according to a business casual dress code, while some are a bit more formal and others completely casual. We love it when people dress the way they want to!
The classical guitar has a lot of nuance and is softer than many other instruments, so it’s best to make sure your cell phone is on silent mode, and that talking is saved for when there is applause between pieces.
In general, the audience and performer will prefer applause to only happen at the end of a group of movements or pieces. These groups are separated in the program by a larger space. If you’re not sure when that time is, a handy trick is to wait until the performer looks up at the audience or until other people are clapping.
If you are new to classical guitar, we think that you will love this new experience of entering a very special world of sound.
Generally, it is helpful to use one’s best judgment when attending a CCGS event in order to politely participate. It is important that any electronic devices that could possibly cause a disturbance during an event are shut off (e.g., cell phones, tablets). Additionally, it is important to avoid distracting noises such as candy wrappers. Food and beverages should never be brought into the concert hall.
The audience at a CCGS event is always quite diverse, including patrons of a great range of ages, backgrounds, and musical experience. First-time concert goers are always welcome, so please let us know if we can help you in any way! Children are welcome to attend CCGS events but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Join the mailing list here, and find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Links to each are at the top right of this page.
Visit us here and fill out the relevant form.
Donate to CCGS by visiting us here.The Cleveland Classical Guitar Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law.
Please visit our accessibility page here.
Our 504 coordinator is:
Jon Poor
Events Manager
Cleveland Classical Guitar Society