“This is state-of-the-art duo playing. If you haven’t discovered them, you should.”
— American Record Guide
“Their work is outstanding. They have a beautiful sound, a wide range of tone, a subtle and broad control of dynamics, perfect ensemble, and subtle and expressive phrasing. . . This is some of the finest guitar duo work I’ve heard since the Assads, and I look forward to hearing more from this pair.”
— American Record Guide
“A delightfully diverse program of music, shared with an admirably seamless level of musicality and technique. The real discovery of the evening were three original compositions by Olga Amelkina-Vera, who gently stretched expectations sharing her delightful musical imagination.”
— Gayle Williams, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
“The Metroplex-based duo impressed with touching musicality, elegant presentation, and seamless coordination. Four preludes and fugues from Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s “Well Tempered Guitars”. . . showcased delicate textures and incandescent tones. . . Of two recent compositions by Amelkina-Vera, subtle effects defined the three character pieces in “Beings”–the low, menacing huff of the mysterious Minotaur; the harp-like strums of incandescent Sylphs; the hypnotic patterns unraveling across Salamander.”
— Chris Shull, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“. . . [the duo] wove a dreamy spell in Astor Piazzolla’s “Lo Que Vendra.”
— Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News
“Fernand Vera and Olga Amelkina-Vera are remarkable musicians. Their performance are a perfect blend of artistic refinement, sensitivity, and dynamic virtuosity, all delivered with impeccable accuracy and musical expression.”
— Frank Koonce, Arizona State University
“Fernand Vera and Olga Amelkina-Vera are flawless guitarists possessing musical taste and refinement in the highest degree. Their performances show a beautiful command of the entire range of sounds, dynamics, and effects of which the guitar is capable, together with a deep understanding of the repertoire. I consider them one of the best guitar duos I have heard in terms of perfect ensemble, naturalness of expression, and sheer musicality.”
— Robert Guthrie, Southern Methodist University
“. . . an absolutely beautiful sounding duo!”
“A real pleasure to hear–wonderful uniformity of articulation and phrasing. A first rate duo.”
“Rhythmic vitality and a light and facile approach.”
“Lilting phrases, good communication between players. A fine, expressive performance.”
— University of Texas at Brownsville Guitar Ensemble Festival and Competition
“Exquisite’ defines the experience—and experience it was as the duo created an ambience beyond music with their personal chemistry, stunning stage appearance, and inspired compositions.”
— Karen M. Foley, Vice-President, Guitar Fort Worth