Bio
Classical guitarist Collin Holloway began playing at the age of nine in his hometown of Oklahoma City. Recognized as a burgeoning talent from an early age (his first solo recital was met with two standing ovations), he studied with Matthew Denman before pursuing his higher education at the Eastman School of Music with Thomas Viloteau and Nicholas Goluses.
Upon graduation, he obtained his master's degree with Dieter Hennings at the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts and was selected to study privately with the renowned musician Angelo Gilardino in Vercelli, Italy.
Collin's performing experience is extensive. He has toured across much of America and Spain as a soloist and as part of various ensembles in festivals such as Austin City Limits, CHAMBERart Madrid, and the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute. Highlights of his career include winning the Haire Guitar Competition, two consecutive first place finishes at the National Brownsville Guitar Duet Competition, and being recognized as a "Rising Young Artist" by the Opera Club of the Villages.
Most recently, Collin was chosen as a soloist to premiere the work "Malagueña de Jotron" at the Armstrong Theater with the renowned Los Romeros Guitar Quartet, as well as appearances with the Juliani Ensemble.
As a musician, Collin strives to bring to life the intimate nature and inherent poetry of the guitar through a beautiful tone and a sensitive touch. This can be heard throughout his debut album "A Musical Portrait", where he performs rare works by Angelo Gilardino and Graciela Agudelo, amongst other more seminal compositions.
An adamant performer of chamber music, Collin is one half of The Muse Duo. This guitar and piano duo was formed at the Eastman School of Music with pianist and composer Robert Benedict. Just months after playing together for the first time, The Muse Duo toured parts of the United States. Currently, the Muse Duo is championing new music for this rare setting of instruments through the composition of new works by Robert, as well as premiere performances of these compositions. Their debut album "Experiments" was released in April 2023.
Collin is also a co-founder of the Off the Dock Chamber Music Festival, an intimate festival dedicated to bringing chamber music to the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, providing a platform for emerging artists and fostering community through music.
Education
Eastman School of Music, University of Kentucky, Private study in Italy with Angelo Gilardino
Awards
Haire Guitar Competition Winner, National Brownsville Duet Competition, Rising Young Artist
Performances
Austin City Limits, CHAMBERart Madrid, Los Romeros Quartet collaboration
Projects
The Muse Duo, Off the Dock Chamber Festival Co-founder
Concerts
Upcoming Events
The Muse Duo Recital
An evening of contemporary works for guitar and piano featuring premieres and favorites from our "Experiments" album.
Off the Dock Chamber Festival
Annual chamber music festival co-founded by Collin, featuring intimate performances in the beautiful Finger Lakes region.
Past Performances
Austin City Limits
Performed at one of America's most prestigious music festivals, showcasing classical guitar to diverse audiences.
CHAMBERart Madrid
International festival performance bringing classical guitar to Spanish audiences with contemporary repertoire.
Armstrong Theater
World premiere of "Malagueña de Jotron" with Los Romeros Guitar Quartet at this prestigious venue.
Celedonio Romero Institute
Masterclass and performance at the renowned guitar institute, studying with masters of the classical guitar.
Juliani Ensemble
Recent collaboration with the renowned chamber ensemble, expanding repertoire and artistic horizons.
Private Recitals
Intimate solo performances bringing classical guitar to private venues and special events.
Discography
A Musical Portrait
Released independently in April 2022. Features solo guitar repertoire including works by Angelo Gilardino, Graciela Agudelo, and Sergio Assad's "Chuva" from Seis Brevidades. Approximately 45 minutes of intimate classical guitar music.
Featured: "Chuva" by Sergio Assad
"Inspired by a rainy morning in the Chicago Loop" - Part of Seis Brevidades, written in Chicago and Paris during 2008, dedicated to Odair Assad.
Experiments
Guitar and piano duo album with composer Robert Benedict, released in April 2023. Features new music championed by The Muse Duo for this rare instrumental setting.
The Muse Duo
Formed at the Eastman School of Music with pianist and composer Robert Benedict, The Muse Duo champions new music for guitar and piano through composition and premiere performances.
Listen
Videos
Classical Guitar Performance
Solo classical guitar performance by Collin Holloway
Guitar Performance Video
Featured performance showcasing classical guitar artistry