Since their debut 30 years ago, guitarists Per Pålsson and Jesper Sivebæk - the Scandinavian Guitar Duo have established themselves among the most popular chamber ensembles in Denmark. They literally exploded on the concert scene just shortly after graduating from the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Southern Denmark when they won first prize in Danish Radio’s prestigious Chamber Music Competition.

From that auspicious beginning their fame and accomplishments continue to grow, receiving the Sonning Foundation’s special Segovia Prize, founded by the legendary Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia as well as taking Gold or Silver in many international guitar competitions. The Duo has toured in Europe, USA and China. While impeccable in their musicianship, it is their incredible interconnectedness as a duo, performing almost as a single instrument, that has wowed critics and audiences the world over.

For their new album, Per and Jesper chose some of the pieces they love most dearly and have played for many years. From their own arrangement of Händel’s virtuosic Chaconne to the enchanting innocence of Faure’s Dolly Suites, (written by Faure for his daughter), an original from Fernando Sor, the Paganini of the guitar, and of course, a stop along the way to sunny Spain, courtesy of Enrique Granados as well. While fans of the guitar will thrill to the Duo’s effortless precision, this is an album that most fully displays the guitar as beloved broadcaster and teacher Jim McCutcheon has described as “the instrument held closest to the heart.”