The United States Guitar Orchestra kicked off its tour Thursday with a performance at a 13th-century monastery in Lisbon, Portugal.
The U.S. Guitar Orchestra made its debut in Lisbon Thursday night. Two more concerts are scheduled in the coming week.
"I’m having a great time surrounded by so many fun and talented people. We all just feed off each other’s skills and energy.”
Eight Guilford College graduates are participating in a nine-day tour of Portugal with the U.S. Guitar Orchestra, led by Provost and Charles A. Dana Professor of Music Kami Rowan. The tour kicked off Thursday evening with a performance at a 13th-century monastery in Lisbon.
The Guilford alumni — Brendan Lynch ’10, Andrew Bracken ’11, Laura Boswell ’12, Brandon Walker ’22, Tucker Gamble ’22, Connor Brady ’22, Noah Dabney ’24, and Lexi McGraw ’25 — are among the ensemble's performers. The opening concert featured a 24-minute solo by Brandon Walker.
All eight Guilfordians were music majors at the College.
Brendan, who is among members who toured with the orchestra in 2019 to France and 2022 to Spain, says the opportunity to travel and collaborate with some of the nation’s top classical guitarists “is something that’s hard to put into words.”
“I’m having a great time surrounded by so many fun and talented people,” he adds. “We all just feed off each other’s skills and energy.”
Before heading overseas, the 25-piece orchestra spent three days rehearsing in New York City, including a performance at Holyrood Episcopal Church–Iglesia Santa Cruz, a Manhattan congregation that has long served as a sanctuary for immigrants.
Kami describes the orchestra — known for its innovative approach and virtuoso talent — as a group that blends commissioned works, classical repertoire, and cultural exchange into a fresh, collaborative musical experience. She co-founded the orchestra in 2019.
Eleven members of the touring ensemble have also performed in the Guitar Summit at the Eastern Music Festival, which is based at Guilford College in the summer, although it is not being held this year. Speaking from the bus en route to Thursday’s performance, Kami reflected on the experience.
“I’m looking around at everyone, and they’re reminding me how fortunate I am,” she says. “There are so many gifted people on this bus and on this tour.”
Want to learn more about Guilford and its renowned Music Department and Classical Guitar program? Contact Kami at or Steve Mencarini.