The Dearing Concert Duo presents the classical recital in its truest form: Steven Dearing on classical guitar and Abha Dearing, spinto soprano. Six-time Detroit Music Award winners and international concert artists, the Duo brings full-length recital programs to concert series, universities, libraries, art museums, churches, historical societies, and private salons across Michigan and beyond.
Request a Recital Date See Recital Programs
What a Dearing recital is
A Dearing recital is a complete concert experience, not background music. It is a shaped program of art music for guitar and voice, built around the room, the occasion, and the audience in front of them. Mark Stryker of the Detroit Free Press described the sound this way: “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.”
Programs run from a single set for a library or salon to a full two-half concert for a presenting series, with spoken introductions that open the music to every kind of listener.
Who presents the Duo in recital
- Concert and chamber-music series seeking a guitar-and-voice program that stands apart from the standard piano or string bill.
- Universities and conservatories for guest recitals, residencies, and masterclasses.
- Public libraries presenting free community concert programs.
- Art museums and historical societies pairing music with exhibitions and fundraising galas.
- Churches and sacred-music series for programs of devotional and classical repertoire.
- House concerts and private salons for an intimate evening of live classical music.
The repertoire
The Duo draws on a deep program library: Spanish and Latin American masters, 20th-century guitar literature by Roland Dyens, Alexandre Tansman, Lennox Berkeley, and Federico Moreno Torroba, sacred and classical song, and works reflecting Abha’s training in both Western and Indian classical traditions. Steven also performs as a soloist, including concerti with orchestra, and Abha is an award-winning soprano and flutist who has performed on three continents. Full program options are on the Repertoire page.
A recital career on the record
- Six Detroit Music Awards, including “Outstanding Classical Ensemble.”
- European debut in 2002 with eight concerts, including the Cheltenham International Music Festival.
- Featured on Detroit PBS “BackStage Pass,” heard in living rooms across the region.
- Three Detroit Music Award-winning recordings, plus Steven’s solo album July Recital.
- More than 25 years of professional concert performance across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
What the critics say
“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.”Ralph Valdez, NPR station WDET
“You will come away very impressed by the Duo.”John Guinn, Oakland Press
“Technically assured and rhythmically sprightly. Polished, dynamic performances.”George Bulanda, Hour Magazine
“Your artistic performance served to showcase Canadian talent and culture to over 1000 guests in attendance. Delegates and I were most impressed with your performance.”Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada (Organization of American States)
Upcoming recitals
Classical Guitar with Steven Dearing
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 7:00 PM, Commerce Township Community Library (White Pine Room). Free admission, registration required.
For the current schedule and to present the Duo in your own series or venue, contact us directly.
Book a recital
To bring the Dearing Concert Duo to your series, campus, library, museum, church, or salon, request a date and we will send program options and availability.
Request a Recital Date
Call (248) 866-0935 | Email steven@dearingconcertduo.com