The Michigan based duet of voice and classical guitar known as The Dearing Concert Duo was officially formed in 1998 after becoming a married couple. They met in the music department at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. What followed was quite magical, as they soon found themselves in high demand at venues throughout the metro Detroit area.
The following year they released their first recording, Take One, engineered by Bruce Gigax featuring Abha on flute, her first area of study. Bruce’s exquisite taste for classical recording caught the attention of critics in both the US and Canada, and soon after the Dearings were heard in the living rooms of millions via Detroit PBS’s “BackStage Pass”
Upon release of their second CD “Snapshots of South America” the Duo began touring throughout the United States and Canada in a wide range of venues, and made their European debut during the summer of 2002 with eight concerts, including the Cheltenham International Music Festival.
What makes their performances unique is the range of versatility they offer in both their repertoire and their programming. They come together with unique and exceptional training, and this merging of talents is, in the words of more than one music critic “magical.”
Abha is an award winning spinto soprano who has been performing since age 5. She has sung at venues on three continents. Abha is trained in both the Western classical and Indian classical styles of singing. She is also a gifted flutist.
Steven produces a lovely tone and strong technique allowing him to be equally adept as both a solo guitarist and an accompanist. He has performed several concerti with orchestras in the US and Canada.
The Dearing Concert Duo began performing for wedding ceremonies as a sideline while starting out their careers as concert artists. Word caught on about their skill and flexibility and the Duo soon found themselves in high demand as ceremony musicians performing all across southeastern Michigan.
Named “Outstanding Classical Ensemble” in 2003 and 2002 by The Detroit Music Awards, the DCD performs at concert halls, universities/colleges, churches, art museums, and living rooms.
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Reviews
“Your artistic performance at this (Organization of American States) served to showcase Canadian talent and culture to over 1000 guests in attendance…Delegates and I were most impressed with your performance. My congratulations to you.“
Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada
“You will come away very impressed by the Duo.”
John Guinn, Oakland Press
“What makes the music sing is the Dearing’s lovely tonal blend, secure phrasing and the way Steven’s clean articulation and steady rhythm lays the foundation for Abha’s warm approach to melody. The sound world is elegantly formal…while the duet sports a seductively intimate blend…”
Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press
“Steven’s (solos) are among the instrumental delights. Abha sings in a beautiful soprano…richly textured…passionate…Marvelous program of duets…there is definitely artistic dialogue going on here.”
Ted Shaw, Windsor Star
“The DCD transports listeners to a different time and space…and transform the very air around them with a gentle magic that allows the music to come alive. The beautiful textures and tones convince the listener that there’s much more going on than one guitar and one flute. The sounds and colors fill the spaces, pulling the listener into a peaceful daydream.”
Ralph Valdez, NPR station WDET
“…technically assured and rhythmically sprightly…Polished, dynamic performances.”
George Bulanda, Hour Magazine