Michael Anthony Nigro has been drawn to the sounds of the guitar since the age of 12. After several years of lessons with local teachers and self-study, he attended the prestigious Indiana University School of Music where he graduated with his Bachelor of Music Degree in 2000 under the direction of Ernesto Bitetti. After moving back to his native Southern California, he attended California, Fullerton and earned a Master of Music degree under the tutelage of David Grimes. State University
His debut recording, “Homage to Piazzolla,” (Music & Arts CD1149) has received critical acclaim from the American Record Guide and Classical Guitar Magazine.
"Its a pleasant collection of spiky Argentine rhythms interspersed with souful milongas. Nigro has a big sound, a smooth tone, and sure-footed interpretive instincts. The production is clean and the sound clear...The notes include brief biographies of the composers, many of whom will be unfamiliar to most listeners. Nigro is to be commended for recording their music."
American Record Guide Sept/Oct. 2005
Nigro’s second recording titled, “Guitar Sudamericana,” (Balcon Records 62607) features compositions by Jose Luis Merlin, Jorge Morel, Eduardo Falu, Villa-Lobos, and many others.
Since 2004, Michael has been touring regularly in 18 states, giving concerts and master classes at many esteemed universities, guitar societies, libraries, museums, and community concerts. Some of the colleges he has performed and given master classes at are; Bates College in Lewiston, ME, Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, Amarillo Community College, TX, Glendale Community College, AZ, Marylhurst College in Portland, OR, and William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA.
Presently, Michael is on the faculty at Vanguard University of Southern California where he teaches class guitar, guitar ensemble, and hosts a studio of about 15 students.
Recently, Michael has joined musical talents with flutist, Lisa Schroeder. Together they have formed the “Noteworthy Duo.” You can read more and listen to their debut CD titled, "Between Flute and Guitar" at www.noteworthyduo.com
Mark Bisesi from The Bloomington Classical Guitar Society writes, "His program was fresh, passionate, and wonderfully executed. For several of us, Michael Nigro's salon recital was truly one of the most enjoyable concerts in recent memory."
World-class guitarist Douglas Niedt writes "I had the pleasure recently to attend two of Michael Nigro's Kansas City concerts. He played a fabulous program of engaging South American repertoire. Nigro has a wonderful sound, very powerful and a very pleasing stage presentation. I'm looking forward to hearing him again in the near future."
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