Duo Siqueira Lima – ambassadors of South American guitar
The Duo Siqueira Lima, formed by Brazilian guitarists Fernando Lima and Cecilia Siqueira, is among the most acclaimed representatives of South American guitar on the international stage. Since 2002, the duo has carried forward Brazil’s remarkable tradition of great guitar duos, continuing the artistic lineage of ensembles such as Duo Abreu and Duo Assad.
Artistry and performances
With their blend of virtuosity, imagination and musical dialogue, Fernando and Cecilia have performed in more than forty countries, enchanting audiences at leading chamber music series and international festivals for classical guitar and jazz. Their collaborations with renowned orchestras – including the Gävle Symphony Orchestra in Sweden, the Orquesta Filarmónica de Montevideo in Uruguay and the Russian Philharmonic – have expanded the presence of guitar duo performance on symphonic stages worldwide.
Repertoire and collaborations
Recognized as masters of transcription and adaptation, the duo has built a rich and versatile repertoire that bridges classical and Latin American traditions, with a special emphasis on Brazilian music. Their interpretations combine rhythmic energy, expressive subtlety and deep cultural connection.
They have also inspired numerous composers to write new works, premiering pieces by Sergio Assad, Marco Pereira, Paulo Bellinati, Elodie Bouny, André Mehmari and João Luiz Lopes. Among these, two symphonic compositions were written specifically for them: Marco Pereira’s Concerto for Two Guitars and Orchestra – Lendas Amazônicas and André Mehmari’s Portais Brasileiros No. 4 – A Saga dos Violões.
Recognition and legacy
Throughout their career, the Siqueira Lima Duo has been honored with major awards such as the Profissionais da Música Award in Brazil and the Brazilian International Press Awards in the United States. Their famous four-hand arrangement of Tico-Tico no Fubá has become a global success, reaching audiences far beyond the classical guitar community and showcasing their rare combination of technique, precision and charisma.
Origins
The story of the duo began in 2001, when both artists shared first prize at the II Pro-Música/SESC International Guitar Competition in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The following year, under the mentorship of Henrique Pinto and Sergio Abreu, they decided to form the Siqueira Lima Duo – a partnership that continues to redefine the possibilities of the guitar duo format and to celebrate the vitality of Latin American music around the world.