The only guitarist ever to win first place in the world’s top competitions in both the classical and fingerstyle genres, Michael Chapdelaine redefines modern acoustic guitar playing with his amazing technique, soulful touch, and versatility as a performer, composer, and arranger. A student of the Spanish maestro Andres Segovia, Michael proved himself one of the world’s finest classical guitarists in the 1990s by winning the Guitar Foundation of America International Classical Guitar Competition, then changed course dramatically and won the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, Kansas.

In performances that range from blues to Bach to country, Michael switches between steel string and classical guitar. His recent CD, Grapevine, hints at the breadth of Michael’s talents in numbers from Bach’s “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” to “Hang on Sloopy” -- and much of the stuff in between. No matter what he’s playing, Michael’s dazzling technique, beautiful tone, and dynamic style shine forth.