Gao Hong
is a renowned Chinese Pipa master, composer, and performer. Having already received accolades such as the Beijing Art Cup, she graduated from Beijing’s esteemed Central Conservatory of Music after studying with Pipa Master Lin Shicheng. She soon moved to the United States, where she performed at multiple notable festivals and concerts and continued to amass an impressive array of awards and honours. Also, the author of the first English language Pipa method book, Gao’s career is as colourful and varied as her music. A luminary steeped in the art of collaboration, Gao has performed across the globe and visited genres such as Afro-American jazz, bluegrass, klezmer, and pop, to name just a few.

Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde
is a renowned London-based musician and recording artist from Argentina. Having grown up surrounded by music, Ignacio played his first guitar at six. Just three years later, he discovered what would become one of the defining influences of his successful career – flamenco music. Over the following years, Monteverde’s considerable natural talent was enhanced through committed practice. Yet what may make Ignacio such a unique artist is his exploration of, dedication to, and unbridled passion for the musical world. Indeed, the world at large has had an impact on Monteverde. Having travelled extensively, Ignacio has enjoyed absorbing influences from across the globe, each impressing an added depth to his performances and compositions. Much more than just a performer, Ignacio’s musical proficiency has traversed into the more technical side as an accomplished producer, arranger, and sound engineer. These skills have led to a veritable bounty of collaborations with notable artists across various musical styles. Widely recognised by his peers, Monteverde has garnered multiple awards and accolades for his outstanding contribution to music as both a performer and audio engineer.