The Tidewater Classical Guitar Society is a nonprofit arts organization founded in 1984 to provide cultural and educational opportunities to those interested in the classical guitar. The Norfolk concert series began in March 1985, with a three concert schedule featuring local performers. The TCGS was incorporated in Virginia in January,1985.
By the time the Williamsburg series was inaugurated in 1987/88, we had graduated to presenting performers of international renown. Concerts were added in Virginia Beach in 91/92, and recently we have been asked to consider concerts in Hampton as well. (Note: it's about 70 miles from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach, with Hampton and Norfolk in between.) This year we will present 3 concerts in Williamsburg and 5 in Norfolk (including the David Russell concert - presented jointly with the Virginia Waterfront Music Festival, and included in both the Williamsburg and Southside season tickets).
We have an annual operating budget of $35,000, supported by subscription and individual contributions, as well as grants from the Norfolk Commission for the Arts and Humanities, the Williamsburg Arts Commission, the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, the Hampton Arts Commission, the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Business Consortium for Arts Support of Hampton Roads. We have no paid staff.
The Society presents a season of performances by many of the world's best known and most outstanding guitarists and lutenists. Mandolin and balalaika have also been featured. As a part of the TCGS mission, the Society sponsors master classes by many of the concert performers and promotes guitar and lute education, while TCGS members perform many outreach concerts free of charge to the community.