Celil Refik Kaya in Concert

Cleveland Classical Guitar Society is pleased to welcome back Turkish-American guitarist Celil Refik Kaya!

Since his concert debut at the age of 6, Celil Refik Kaya has received high accolades for his myriad accomplishments at an early age. He is the youngest to win First Prize in the 2012 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition with the Buffalo Philharmonic, and is a prizewinner of multiple international guitar competitions, including the 2012 Guitar Foundation of America. In 2017 he was awarded “Rising Young Musician of the Year” by the Donizetti Classical Music Awards in Istanbul.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Celil began his interest in classical guitar at the age of 6 with his father, Dr. Mehmet Refik Kaya. He earned his Bachelor Degree of Music from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University State Conservatory with the Highest Honor Degree in Istanbul, and pursued his graduate studies in New York City at Mannes School of Music. Celil gave his debut performance for Cleveland Classical Guitar Society in 2017, when his playing was described as “elegant” and “masterful” by Daniel Hathaway of ClevelandClassical.com.

NOTE: We are happy to offer full refunds on all ticket purchases up to the time of the event.