Larry Almeida

Classical Guitarist and Vocalist

Larry Almeida has performed as a guitarist and vocalist throughout the U.S., in Canada and Germany. In 2026, as a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Larry will perform numerous recitals nationwide that will feature songs and solos by American composers including two solos written for him: Sonata 1987 by Larry Alan Smith and The Sigh of the Weary (2021) by Ronald Pearl.

 

Larry was a member of the guitar faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the North Carolina School of the Arts. He studied guitar with Michael Lorimer and Aaron Shearer and voice with Hermann LeRoux, Ruby Pleasure, Fredric Moses, and Stan McDaniel.

“His program evinced an earnest care for new music. . . he played with meticulous care . . . a sound command of technique. . . .”
Will CrutchfieldNew York Times
“A light deft touch . . . captivating, graceful, charming intimacy.”
Windsor Ontario Star
“. . . when the guitar emerged, the charm began.”
Peninsula Times Tribune
“A lovely, sweet sound with considerable dynamic contrast. His technique is prodigious..
The Raleigh News & Observer
Larry Almeida is a wonderfully gifted performer. His programs sound beautiful in large and small library spaces. Mr. Almeida’s high caliber performance transformed the library and brought the community together to enjoy a beautiful musical experience.
Twylla Rehder
Larry Almeida is a guitarist who plays beautifully. . . . His music has a special purity and clarity and he brings a winning variety to his programs by singing as well as playing.
Michael Lorimer
Almeida delighted an appreciative audience with his tasteful and confident playing of a diverse program. . . . As in his past performances in Sacramento, Larry Almeida has again shown himself to be a consistently fine performer.
Craig LoganLa Guitarra: bulletin of the classic guitar society of Sacramento
Seldom, if ever, do we have a chance to enjoy in performance a classical guitarist who can accompany himself with a sweet tenor. Larry Almeida provided just that opportunity Monday night at his recital in Meredith College's Carswell Concert Hall. . . . The recital ended brilliantly as Almeida played Mauro Giuliani's bravura "Grand Overture, Op. 61" with fingers flying through arpeggios galore.
Alan J. StenzelThe News and Observer, Raleigh, NC
The response to your performances in our schools last week has been wonderful! Rave reviews have come all the way from the special kids at Floyd Knight School to our Board President's six year old daughter.
Patty BaughcomeLee County Arts Council, Stanford, NC
His playing has a lovely, sweet sound, with considerable dynamic contrast.
Nancy R. Ping-RobbinsThe News and Observer, Raleigh, NC
Larry Almeida, classical guitarist, was wonderful. We at Stocks, staff and students were elated with his style, artistry, and presence. He almost entranced the five hundred plus students during his performance.
R.A. MossPrincipal, Stocks Elementary School. Tarboro, NC
Larry Almeida is one of the finest guitarists I have had the pleasure to teach. He has a technical facility and depth of musicality that mark him as an outstanding performer.
Aaron Shearer
His performance was a model of taste, style, and musicality. All were impressed not only with his technique but with his ability to communicate. . . . In Sum, we were delighted with his visit to the Hollins campus.
John DiercksChairman Music department--Hollins College