The Dearing Concert Duo and Steven Dearing have been featured, reviewed, and profiled by major Detroit-area newspapers, Michigan lifestyle publications, NPR affiliates, and regional broadcast media since 1998. The following editorial coverage documents more than two decades of award-winning classical music performance across Michigan, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- 6 Detroit Music Awards — Outstanding Classical Ensemble, Outstanding Classical Vocalist (Abha, 3x), Outstanding Classical Album
- Featured on Detroit PBS — nationally broadcast performances on “BackStage Pass”
- Reviewed by the Detroit Free Press, Windsor Star, Hour Detroit, Oakland Press, and WDET/NPR
- Profiled in VoyageMichigan’s Daily Inspiration series (April 2026) — an interview with Steven Dearing in the Inspiring Stories Series
Recent Features and Interviews
Below is a curated archive of press coverage. The most recent editorial features appear at the top.
Published Album Reviews (1999–2008)
Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press — reviews of Romanza! and Snapshots of South America: “Steven Dearing’s secure technique and judicious balance of rhythmic snap and lyrical flow highlight the many solo performances, while the duet sports a seductively intimate blend of voice and guitar… What makes the music sing is the Dearings’ 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.”
Ted Shaw, Windsor Star — reviews of Take One (5/5 stars), Snapshots of South America, and Romanza!: “It is quite simply one of the most beautiful sound recordings I have ever heard. There’s a brilliant presence about the recording. You’ll swear the Dearings are performing in your living room.”
George Bulanda, Hour Detroit Magazine — review of Snapshots of South America: “Technically assured and rhythmically sprightly. Polished, dynamic performances.”
John Guinn, Oakland Press — review of Romanza!: “Steven Dearing displays his solo talents especially well. You will come away very impressed with the Duo’s abilities.”
Ralph Valdez, WDET/NPR Detroit & Woodward Magazine — review of Take One: “The Dearing Concert Duo transports listeners to a different time and space with their exquisite renditions. They transform the very air around them with a gentle magic that allows the music to come alive.”
Broadcast & Television Appearances
- Detroit PBS — Featured performances on “BackStage Pass”
- WDET 101.9 FM (NPR Detroit) — On-air music reviews and broadcast performances
- Cheltenham International Music Festival (UK, 2002) — European concert debut
- Michigan Opera Theater — Steven Dearing featured in “Frida” (2015, six sold-out performances)
Distinguished Recognition
Lloyd Axworthy, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the Dearing Concert Duo’s performance at the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C.: “Your artistic performance at this OAS event served to showcase Canadian talent and culture to over 1,000 guests in attendance. Delegates and I were most impressed with your performance. My congratulations to you.”
For Media Inquiries
Journalists, editors, and podcast hosts interested in interviewing the Dearing Concert Duo are welcome to contact Steven Dearing directly at steven@dearingconcertduo.com or 248-866-0935. High-resolution press photos, album artwork, and an electronic press kit are available on request.
VoyageMichigan
Daily Inspiration: Meet Steven Dearing
Published April 21, 2026 · Local Stories — Inspiring Stories Series
“Keeping classical music alive and thriving.”
VoyageMichigan spotlights Steven Dearing of the Dearing Concert Duo in its Daily Inspiration series — a career-spanning interview covering his path from self-taught electric guitarist to Master of Music, the founding of the Dearing Concert Duo with soprano Abha Dearing, their international tours including the Cheltenham International Music Festival, four critically acclaimed albums, and the couple's dedication to keeping classical music alive and thriving across Michigan.
The War Memorial
Grosse Pointe Symphony presents Handel, Tchaikovsky and more
Published October 17, 2023 · Inspired Thoughts — Edition No. 147
“Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with Steven Dearing on guitar.”
The War Memorial's "Inspired Thoughts" community newsletter previews a Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra concert at The War Memorial featuring Handel's Concerto Grosso opus 6 no. 5, Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with Steven Dearing on guitar, and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5.