PENTATONE release, featuring music by Thomas Adès, Harrison Birtwistle and James Dillon, honored at Italy’s Chitarra d’Oro
Guitarist Sean Shibe has been awarded the Chitarra d’Oro 2026 for Best CD in the Solo Guitar category for Vesper, released in 2026 by PENTATONE. The album is devoted to the music of Thomas Adès, Harrison Birtwistle and James Dillon.
Described by the awarding body as one of the most original guitarists of his generation, Shibe builds with Vesper a program dedicated to contemporary music. Particular prominence goes to Adès, one of the most important composers of our time, whose Forgotten Dances, written for Shibe, marks his first independent work for solo classical guitar. The decision of a composer of his stature to write for the instrument is considered a contribution of great importance to the contemporary guitar repertoire.
The album moves from Adès’s Forgotten Dances, which reinterpret and transform the forms of ancient dance, through the sound world of Birtwistle, to Dillon’s 12 Caprices. Shibe approaches these pieces by exploring the colors, articulations and sonic possibilities of the guitar with extraordinary sensitivity.
Vesper was previously named an Editor’s Choice by Gramophone and has been shortlisted for the 2026 Gramophone Awards in the Contemporary category.
With this recognition, the Chitarra d’Oro honors a project that unites virtuosity and research, helping to expand the guitar repertoire of our time.
The award will be presented during the 31st International Classical Guitar Convention (XXXI Convegno Internazionale di Chitarra Classica) on 10 and 11 October 2026 at the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale in Rome.
Read more here.
Vesper is out now on PENTATONE.
