Collection: THE NEWMAN & OLTMAN GUITAR DUO: THEIR MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS
For over four decades, Michael Newman and Laura Oltman have stood as one of the most influential ensembles in the world of classical guitar. Since their debut at New York’s Carnegie Recital Hall in 1977, the Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo has been celebrated for a seamless technical precision and a "matchless musicality" that has redefined the boundaries of the guitar duo medium.
The duo’s impact is perhaps most visible through their commitment to expanding the guitar's repertoire. They have premiered dozens of new works, many of which were written specifically for them by some of the most significant composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Their collaborations include commissions from Pulitzer Prize-winner William Bolcom, Roberto Sierra, and Dušan Bogdanović. Notably, their work with the legendary composer Leo Brouwer resulted in the masterpiece The Book of Signs, a double concerto for two guitars and orchestra which they premiered with the Delaware Symphony.
Their discography is equally expansive, spanning various genres and eras. Highlights include:
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A New Look: A groundbreaking collection of contemporary works.
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Laments and Dances: Featuring music by Music from the Americas.
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Music from Bergen County: Highlighting regional heritage and modern compositions.
Beyond their performances on global stages—from the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico to the Taipei National Theater—Newman and Oltman are pillars of the guitar community. They serve as the founders and artistic directors of the Raritan River Music Festival, which has commissioned over 60 new works, and are the Directors of the New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes.
Currently, Michael Newman serves on the faculty of the Mannes School of Music, while Laura Oltman teaches at Lafayette College and Princeton University. Performing on matching guitars built by the renowned luthier Thomas Humphrey, the duo continues to inspire audiences with a sound that is as unified as it is profound. Their legacy is not just one of performance, but of a tireless devotion to the evolution of the instrument itself.
