Kirk Hanser was gifted his first guitar in 1978. This gift immediately launched Hanser on a journey into the world of classical guitar, and by the mid-1980s, he had already launched a career, performing all over the United States, Europe and Japan in various solo and ensemble combinations. In 1996, Hanser relocated to St. Louis for a teaching gig and met virtuoso guitarist John McClellan. Both accomplished solo artists by this point, the two powerhouses joined forces and have been recognized as one of the premiere chamber music groups and as worldwide guitar ambassadors for the past 20 years. In 2014, Hanser and McClellan made history by becoming the only duo operating outside of the Paris Conservatory to be appointed to a teaching residency at the prestigious school for music and dance. Currently based out of St. Louis, the Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo maintains a busy schedule between their performances, recording sessions, teaching obligations and writing (McClellan is author of the fast-selling books Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2). Saturday’s concert hosted by the Springfield Classical Guitar Society will feature the Hanser McClellan Guitar Duo performing compositions by Scarlatti, Sor, Handel, Granados, de Falla, Rodrigo and Presti. For more in formation about the Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo and other Springfield Classical Guitar Society concerts, find the SCGS on Facebook.