Steven Thachuk is known as a unique and versatile guitarist who challenges classification. Performing works from J.S. Bach and Toru Takemitsu to John Lennon and Radiohead, he challenges the nature of the instrument’s repertoire and boundaries. Playing traditional classical guitar, electric guitar, and a steel string instrument, he has appeared in recital, as a chamber musician, and soloist with orchestra throughout North America and Europe. His playing has drawn critical acclaim. The Westfalen Post in Germany has commented that after his concerts “the audience remains in the seats for a long time, saddened that the concert has ended” and the Nordeste in Mexico has called Thachuk “a master of interpretation and artistry” In addition to many other awards, he received the prestigious Chalmers Performing Arts Training Grant in 1994.
He has contributed to several projects recently. He has recorded premieres of contemporary and experimental works for electric guitar and soprano on Voices of the Pearl Vol. 3, and recorded the guitar parts for the Orchestral Concept Album Atlantis by Nadeem Majdalany. Additionally, he recorded the electric guitar parts for a production of the Missy Mazoli chamber Opera Songs from the Underground. Thachuk also works with his brother, Bradley Thachuk in the arranging, orchestration and production of concerts for rock musicians and orchestra, including albums and tours or shows Steve Hackett, as well as Dave mason, and Tributes to the Tragically Hip and the Grateful Dead. He continues his touring as a classical guitarist, focusing mainly on contemporary works and newly written music for guitar. Thachuk has also recently worked as a composer for Black Valley Films in Los Angeles, and continues to play in bands around town in the Los Angeles area.
An avid supporter of new music, Thachuk has premiered numerous works by composers such as Gerald Garcia, Liviu Marinescu, Elisabeth Sellers, Robert Baker, Denis Dion, Luke Mercier and Scott Adams. In 2007 he appeared as soloist with the Pacific Symphony and Chorus in Oswlado Golijov’s Oceana with Grammy Award winning guitarist John Dearman. Thachuk has also given the world premiere performances of Gerald Garcia’s Heart of the Rose-Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra, in Manchester, England and Scott Adams’ Eurasia for Guitar and Orchestra in New York. Capstone Records released his performance of Liviu Marinescu’s Pastiche in 2008.
In addition to his performing career, Thachuk has an international reputation as a leading teacher and pedagogue of the instrument. He is much in demand for masterclasses and concerts at universities, conservatories, and major guitar festivals throughout North America and Europe, most recently teaching at the Guildhall School for Music and Drama and the University of Surrey in England. In 2002, Steve Thachuk was appointed as Professor of Guitar and Chair of Guitar Studies at California State University, Northridge. Previously, he has served on the faculties of the University of Toronto, the Glenn Gould Professional School at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Queen’s University. Thachuk also serves on juries for many major international guitar competitions. In 2008, he was appointed to the Council of the MusikAkademie in Koblenz, Germany.
Steven Thachuk pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, and continued his studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he completed his doctoral degree.
Thachuk is a member of the Meyer/Thachuk Guitar Duo and also performs with flutist Sarah Wass. He has toured and performed with eclectic acoustic guitar groups with such guitarists as Julian Coryell (Leonard Cohen, Jewel, Alanis Morissette) and Jeff Young (Megadeth). Thachuk has released two CDs, Evocacion, with the Meyer/Thachuk Guitar Duo, and Currents, a solo recital CD of 20thcentury guitar works.
Steven Thachuk is a BMI composer and lives in Los Angeles.
Steven Thachuk uses Godin Guitars for his amplified work.
