Americas Guitar Duo was founded in 2016 by classical guitarists Gillian Omalyev (USA) and Vinícius Jacomin (Brazil) after meeting during their studies at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold in Germany. United by a deep mutual respect and a shared passion for the rich musical traditions of their respective countries, the duo is dedicated to performing and promoting the art music of North and South America.
Since its formation, the duo has performed at renowned festivals and concert series such as the Iserlohn International Guitar Symposium, WDR3 Open Auditions, Torhaus Dortmund, Palais Wittgenstein Düsseldorf, and for theLandestheater Detmold. They have toured extensively throughout Germany and Europe, earning multiple awards, including prizes at the Gevelsberg Youth Competition, Nordhorn Guitar Festival, and a CAS Certificate at the Musik-Akademie Basel.
Their commitment to artistic excellence and educational outreach is reflected in their organization of festivals and workshops, such as the Guitar Days at the Institut für Musikalische Bildung in Dortmund. In 2021, they collaborated closely with composer Sofia Gubaidulina, performing a concert series to celebrate her 90th birthday, showcasing her complete works for guitar.Their debut CD Mundus Novus, released on Trekel Records, and the upcoming album Canonica reflect their stylistic diversity and devotion to new music. With an ever-expanding repertoire and a mission to connect cultures through the guitar, Americas Guitar Duo continues to captivate audiences with their expressive and dynamic performances.
Vinicius Jacomin
Vinícius Jacomin is a Brazilian classical guitarist known for his expressive playing and dedication to chamber music. With over 15 years of international concert experience, he has performed across Europe and the Americas, collaborating with renowned musicians and composers. He is the co-founder of the Americas Guitar Duo, an ensemble devoted to exploring the rich traditions of North and South American art music.
Jacomin holds degrees from prestigious institutions including the Hochschule für Musik Detmold and the Musikakademie Basel, and has studied under leading pedagogues in solo and ensemble performance. In addition to his concert activity, he is a passionate educator, currently teaching at the University of Paderborn and various music schools in Germany. His teaching has led numerous students to win prizes at national and international competitions.
He has given masterclasses at institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music (USA), Başkent University (Turkey), and the Hochschule für Musik und Künste Paraná (Brazil), and performed at events like the International Guitar Symposium in Iserlohn.
As a performer, Jacomin’s repertoire spans from classical and contemporary works to Brazilian music. His discography includes the 2019 release Mundus Novus with the Americas Guitar Duo (Trekel Records). His work with composers such as Jaime Zenamon, Martin Redel, Sofia Gubaidulina, and Eduardo Frigatti highlights his commitment to new music and artistic collaboration.
Gillian Omalyev
Gillian Omalyev is an American classical guitarist whose career bridges continents, generations, and musical traditions. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (B.Mus.) and the Hochschule für Musik Detmold (M.Mus.), she has also pursued advanced studies at the Musik Akademie Basel and the Orpheus Institute in Ghent.
Her performances have taken her across Europe and the Americas, including solo and chamber music appearances at festivals and concert series in Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the USA. She is a founding member of Americas Guitar Duo with Vinícius Jacomin and the amiciPrisma Duo with Sebastian Kausch.
A passionate educator, Gillian is one of Germany’s pioneering Suzuki guitar teachers. She currently teaches at the Städtische Musikschule Hamm and several institutions in NRW, where her students regularly receive top awards at competitions such as Jugend musiziert. She has led workshops and masterclasses in the USA, Brazil, and Germany, including the International Guitar Symposium Iserlohn and institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music.
Omalyev’s artistic scope also includes the production of the CD Mundus Novus, the curation of a concert tour honoring Sofia Gubaidulina’s 90th birthday, and the development of educational concert series and workshops for students and amateurs alike. Her work reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and community engagement.