The Preiss Kalonaris Duo

Jonathan Preiss and Stefano Kalonaris form a dynamic and exciting acoustic guitar duo that has proved a popular hit at receptions and corporate events, with a repertoire drawing on their rich expertise in jazz, classical music, Brazilian music and other styles.

As well as frequent solo and duo concerts and recitals with Preiss Kalonaris, Jonathan leads Brazilian samba/choro Brazil Connection, and plays in a duo with acclaimed Celtic accordionist Luke Daniels; together they have performed at major folk festivals and other venues including Glasgow’s Celtic Connections and Towersey Festival, and in 2005 they released their debut album Above the Bellow.

Some of Jonathan’s other recent projects have included recording on Aled Jones’s last album, and playing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in the live performances of the Lord of the Rings soundtrack at the Royal Albert Hall. Other activities have included playing at Birmingham Town Hall in Pierre Boulez’ serialist masterpiece “Le Marteau Sans Maitre”, writing arrangements for Michael Ball’s appearance at Hampton Court Festival and playing in the West End in the new Gypsy Kings-composed musical “Zorro”.

As well as performing with Jonathan Preiss, Stefano also performs with numerous ensembles including the samba schools Paraiso ( winner of the 2005 Notting Hill Carnival ), Rhythms of the City, the Afro-Peruvian group Calle Limon and his own Stefano Kalonaris Group.

The Duo’s recent performances have included events for Vitali Music in Penha Longa, Sintra, Portugal, and LCH for Upstage LiveCom. Corporate clients include: Legal Week magazine, BT, KPMG, BBC Worldwid, BNP Paribas, Swan Hellenic cruises and the Brazilian Embassy.