Chichio Productions at the 9th Jüchen Guitar Festival – Our First Exhibition 

This month, Chichio Productions had the pleasure of presenting our very first public exhibition at the 9th Jüchen Guitar Festival. Held at the historic and beautifully serene Nikolauskloster, the festival brought together exceptional guitar makers, performers, and enthusiasts—making this experience truly meaningful for us.

In addition to showcasing our ongoing documentary and music film projects, we also introduced our newly acquired cinematography and photography equipment to the public for the first time. These tools will significantly elevate the visual quality and efficiency of our future classical music productions, allowing audiences to experience the music and performers more intimately. Many visiting guitarists and luthiers showed great interest in our setup and workflow, and our conversations with them sparked new technical and artistic ideas.

The festival itself was warm, energetic, and full of inspiration: exciting competitions, insightful masterclasses, wonderful concerts, and unforgettable food. The bakery at Nikolauskloster is said to have over 80 years of tradition—and after tasting it ourselves, we can absolutely confirm it's well deserved.

Throughout the event, we met many people who share a deep love for the guitar: performers, luthiers, and enthusiasts from different countries. Whether discussing music filmmaking or exploring possibilities for future collaborations, these exchanges were truly enriching and inspiring.

For Chichio Productions, this was a completely new experience. We will continue to capture music through film, connect people through art, and share more stories from our journey with the classical guitar world.

 New Video Release: RHEINSAITEN performs "Aragonaise" by Bizet

We are delighted to present our latest video: the renowned guitar quartet RHEINSAITEN performs the fiery "Aragonaise" from Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite — in a brilliant arrangement for four guitars by William Kanengiser.

"Aragonaise" is a dance-like homage to the Spanish national character. Originally composed as an orchestral piece, it opens the fourth act of Bizet's opera Carmen and immediately brings the spirit of southern Spain to the stage. Marked by rapid rhythms and a vivid interplay between lyrical melodies and percussive motifs, it poses a true challenge for any ensemble — and a thrill for the audience.

The Artists: RHEINSAITEN
Founded in 2013, the quartet RHEINSAITEN brings together four exceptional artists from the classical guitar world — all of them internationally awarded soloists and highly respected educators.

Ema Kapor – A Serbian guitarist with a flourishing international career, known for her energetic and expressive performances. She has won numerous international competitions and shares her expertise as a dedicated teacher.

Miguel Mandelli – A Brazilian guitarist with a refined sense for tone color and structure. As a multiple prizewinner, he is equally active as a soloist and a well-regarded guitar pedagogue.

Yucen Du – Originally from China, he is known for his technical precision and musical depth. A laureate of various competitions, he performs regularly on international stages and is a committed and experienced teacher.

Daniel März – A German guitarist with a strong focus on chamber music and contemporary repertoire. Also an award-winning soloist, he brings clarity and sensitivity to his interpretations and is deeply involved in guitar education.

All four are internationally acclaimed soloists as well as excellent teachers, based in Germany. Their artistic individuality and shared commitment to music education and performance shape the quartet's distinctive sound – dynamic, precise, and full of vitality.

 Hubert Käppel performs his arrangement of Henze's El Cimarrón under the title Memorias de el Cimarrón  in an Evocative Live video Recording

We are excited to announce a special live sound and video recording featuring renowned guitarist Hubert Käppel at the Zündorf Monastery Chapel in Cologne-Porz. This event captures his arrangement and interpretation of Hans Werner Henze's groundbreaking work El Cimarrón.

Composed in 1969–1970, El Cimarrón (The Runaway Slave) is one of Henze's most powerful and experimental compositions. The idea originated from Hans Magnus Enzenberger, a writer and friend of Henze, who had previously come across the story of the former slave Esteban Montejo in a report by the Cuban author Miguel Barnet. Based on the real-life story of Esteban Montejo, the piece blends music and spoken narrative to create a deeply moving and theatrical experience. Originally scored for four instrumentalists (Narrator/Singer - Flutist - Percussionist - Guitarist), the work pushes the boundaries of classical music, incorporating elements of percussion and extended techniques, partly intertwined with improvisation.

Hubert Käppel, a leading figure in classical guitar performance and education, brings his masterful artistry to this unique project. The historic and intimate setting of Zündorf Monastery Chapel adds to the atmosphere, making this recording a truly special artistic event.

Stay tuned for the release of the video and audio recordings, capturing this remarkable fusion of history, music, and storytelling!

Fortepiano & Romantic Guitar: A Unique Recording of Rossini's "Eduardo e Cristina" Overture 

We are pleased to share our recent collaboration with Sheila Arnold (fortepiano) and Alexander-Sergei Ramírez (romantic guitar) for a special video recording of Gioachino Rossini's "Eduardo e Cristina" Overture, arranged by Ferdinando Carulli.

Rossini's opera Eduardo e Cristina, first performed in 1819, is known for its expressive melodies and lively orchestration. The overture is a brilliant example of his signature style, full of dynamic contrasts and captivating themes.

The combination of fortepiano and romantic guitar is rarely heard today, making this project a truly special artistic endeavor. Sheila Arnold and Alexander-Sergei Ramírez, both internationally acclaimed musicians, bring historical authenticity and masterful artistry to their performance.

Stay tuned for the release of this remarkable video, where Rossini's operatic brilliance meets the charm of early 19th-century chamber music.

Bach in a New Light: Video Recording with Miguel de Oliveira Mandelli 

We recently filmed a special video featuring Brazilian guitarist Miguel de Oliveira Mandelli performing Johann Sebastian Bach's Partita II in D minor, BWV 1004 – Giga at the historic Zündorf Monastery Chapel in Cologne-Porz.

Composed between 1717 and 1720, Bach's Partita II in D minor, BWV 1004, is one of his most profound works for solo violin. The final movement, giga, is a fast-paced dance filled with intricate counterpoint, virtuosic passages, and rhythmic drive. As part of a partita that culminates in the legendary chaconne, the giga serves as a vibrant and energetic contrast, showcasing both technical brilliance and expressive depth.

Mandelli's masterful interpretation on the classical guitar brings a fresh perspective to this Baroque masterpiece, blending precision with emotional intensity. The historic Zündorf Monastery Chapel enhances the atmosphere, adding warmth and depth to the visual and musical experience.

Stay tuned for the video release and immerse yourself in this remarkable performance.