CC Duo & collectif9
Biography CC Duo & collectif9
CC Duo
Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan have set a benchmark in the world of classical guitar with their award-winning recordings, commissions of major orchestral works, and competition performances. On their debut release, FOCUS, Tracy Anne Smith (American Record Guide) states that “with sensitive, authoritative, au courant playing, Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan retain their individuality while communicating like old friends.”
FOCUS was awarded Classical Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards in 2021. Also in 2021, the duo released its third album with Analekta Records, INTIMATE IMPRESSIONS, featuring original arrangements of piano, harp, and guitar music written in 20th century Paris. The album has been streamed over 3 million times worldwide. Cowan and Cicchillitti toured Canada under the auspices of Prairie Debut in 2020-2022 and with Debut Atlantic in 2018. They were awarded third prize at the 2021 international ensemble competition of the Guitar Foundation of America, as well as 2nd prize in 2023.
The duo has established its identity at the forefront of new music for guitar. At the inaugural 21st Century Guitar Conference in Ottawa, Steve and Adam commissioned and premiered nine new electroacoustic works by the New York-based composer collective, ICEBERG New Music. In 2022/23, the duo undertook their most ambitious project yet with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts: to premiere and record six new commissions for two guitars and orchestra with Ottawa-based chamber ensemble 13 Strings. Cicchillitti and Cowan are sponsored by Augustine Strings and play guitars by Sergei de Jonge and Bruno Boutin.
collectif9
Known for innovative programming and unique arrangements of classical repertoire and new commissions, Montréal-based string ensemble collectif9 performs “with an infectious energy and vigour that grabs an audience’s attention” (The WholeNote). Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, collectif9 attracts diverse audiences in varied spaces. For an experience that combines the power of an orchestra with the agility of a chamber ensemble, collectif9 explores partnerships with composers, video artists, poets, lighting designers, and other inspired collaborators to create multidisciplinary projects that come to life in acoustic or amplified settings.
On international tours, on films, and its Alpha Classics CDs, collectif9 enjoys critical acclaim: “brilliant arrangements, exuberantly performed” (The Wholenote); “Satirical and serious, frivolous and intense, No Time for Chamber Music delves into rich and complex musical textures with original and intimate arrangements.” (BroadwayWorld.com); “Their eagerness to break the mold while upholding the highest performance standards make collectif9 a model for 21st century classical music ensembles.” (Oregon Arts Watch)
Worldwide tour highlights include concerts at the Festival de Música de Morelia (Mexico), La Folle journée de Nantes (France), Festival de Lanaudière (Québec), Shenzhen Concert Hall (China), and Sound Unbound (Barbican Centre, London).
