Yoshika Masuda, Cello

Described by the press as “a remarkable ‘cellist who possesses both intellect and innate musicality . . . one of the finest cellists of his generation” (Chopin magazine Japan), Japanese ‘cellist Yoshika Masuda has performed throughout Australia, Japan, China, Mexico, the USA, the UK and much of western Europe as a soloist and chamber musician. He is the winner of national competitions in Australia, Japan and the US, and was also awarded the prestigious Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe String Award.

While chamber music forms the core of Yoshika’s musical endeavours, his interests outside of the classical genre have led him to perform with artists such as Ben Folds at the Sydney Opera House and Pink Martini at the Hollywood Bowl. Yoshika is also featured on Leonard Cohen’s last album.

“As [Yoshika Masuda]’s bow glides across the strings, the audience is enamored with every note, every sound.”

• Alexa D’Angelo, Ventura County Star

Taso Comanescu, Guitar

American guitarist Taso Comanescu is a colorful performer full of subtle nuance and strong musicianship. His programs present a variety of repertoire that creatively captures his audiences. He is an in-demand solo performer, ensemble artist and instructor whose accomplishments have taken him around the globe.

Taso has recorded two full-length albums, collaborated with internationally acclaimed dramatic tenor Charles Castronovo and given his symphonic debut with the West Coast Symphony. He received his degrees from Pepperdine University studying with Christopher Parkening and the University of Southern California under Scott Tennant. He has been a member of the music faculty at Pepperdine University since 2011 and has recently become a popular instructor at Elite Guitarist. Other musical projects outside of classical guitar include his work with the Greek Rebetiko Trio and LA-based rock band Blind Sparrow.

“…I felt aware of the stillness of the audience. All eyes and ears were riveted on the young classical guitarist Taso Comanescu. His fervor and devotion were immediately clear for each musical phrase of his stunning performance from Francisco Tarrega’s soulful Lagrima to Isaac Albeniz’s Asturian, classical piece Leyenda. He was magical.” – Debra de Liso, award winning theatre director