Biography

Antoniy Kakamakov is a prize-winning classical guitarist, chamber musician, and educator. His performances are acknowledged for being “powerfully emotional and virtuosic.” Antoniy’s programs consist of milestones from the classical guitar repertory. “He tackles the most difficult repertoire with aplomb, and his interpretations have intensity as well as beauty” (David Tanenbaum). Antoniy plays with a “pure and humble commitment with every note” (Marc Teicholz).

Antoniy Kakamakov began his performing career at the age of 12. He has appeared in performances throughout the United States and Europe. Highlights include appearances at the top classical guitar festivals in the US. He was featured in the US premiere of Sergio Assad’s piece “Trios Brasiliens a Saint Paul” at the 2008 Guitar Foundation of America, and the second ever performance of the acclaimed Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina’s “Repentance” for three guitars alongside David Tanenbaum at La Guitarra California. Antoniy has performed for the OMNI concert series with the Pacific Guitar Ensemble at Herbst Theater in San Francisco, as well as a solo recital for the Bravo Bach Festival at the Harris Center Of Performing Arts. Antoniy has played concerts for the Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, South Bay, Sierra Nevada guitar societies, O1C, Trinity concert series, and many others.

Antoniy Kakamakov is a multiple award winner from guitar competitions of national and international recognition. At the early age of 13, he had already won three international guitar competitions in Sinaia, Craiova (Romania), and Assenovgrad (Bulgaria). He is the winner of the Sierra Nevada Guitar Festival and Competition and the first of its kind Wesley Day Guitar Recording Competition, providing the winner with a CD recording and a concert tour. Antoniy has received second place in the SFCM Guitar Concerto Competition and is a prize winner from the Portland, Louisville, and Tennessee Festivals. Subsequently, he has actively participated in organizing and judging various guitar events. He was the competition director of the Walnut Creek and Sierra Nevada Guitar Festivals for several years, as well as been a judge at the SFCM Concerto Competition, the GFA regional symposium, and the Pacific Guitar Festival.

Besides his solo career, Antoniy is an active chamber musician. He is a member of the Pacific Guitar Ensemble - a unique group of 6 guitarists consisting of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music faculty and a few exceptional alumni. SFCV calls it “the most innovative guitar ensemble ever.” Their debut album “begin” was released in 2012 under the boutique classical guitar label GSP. The recording features newly written pieces and arrangements by Sergio Assad, Belinda Reynolds and Peppino D’Agostino. The Pacific Guitar Ensemble has performed throughout the US including concerts for the OMNI Series, Throckmorton Theater, Cranbrook Music Guild, Mill Valley Chamber Music Concert Series, Berkeley Art Museum, Sonoma State University and others.

Antoniy has a true passion for teaching the art of classical guitar to children and adults. He is the classical guitar faculty at the California distinguished charter high-school Oakland School for the Arts. His students have performed at venues such as Herbst Theater and have received awards from the Walnut Creek Guitar Festival and Competition. His student’s OSA Classical Guitar Ensemble holds superior ratings from the South Bay Guitar Society. Antoniy has given masterclasses at Portland State University, Cal State Fullerton, San Francisco State University, UC Santa Cruz, Modesto Junior College and others. He also maintains a large private studio in the South Bay Area.

Antoniy Kakamakov started playing guitar at the age of 10 in his native country of Bulgaria in the studio of Milena Valtcheva. His talent and passion for guitar was quickly recognized, and he was awarded full-scholarship to study at the prestigious all arts boarding school Idyllwild Arts Academy under Terry Graves and Michael Kudirka. After receiving his high-school diploma, Antoniy was offered full scholarship to attend the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he received his Bachelors, Masters, and Professional studies diplomas under the tutelage of David Tanenbaum and Latin Grammy winner Sergio Assad.