Lora Kurusa & Michael Stoop – Classical Guitar Duo
'Across Strings: A Journey Through Spain and South America'
Lora Kurusa and Michael Stoop first met in Wellington, where they pursued their bachelor degrees in Classical Guitar Performance, under the tutelage of Dr. Jane Curry at the New Zealand School of Music. Over the years their paths intertwined through competitions, guitar summer schools and ensemble performances, where they cultivated a deep musical connection built on shared artistry and passion.
Though now based in different cities - Michael in Christchurch and Lora in Auckland - the duo established a dynamic inter-island collaboration in 2025, to present the beauty and versatility of the classical guitar duo and solo repertoire.
Their debut programme, 'Across Strings', invites audiences on an evocative musical journey through the sounds of Spain and South America. With works ranging from the nostalgic lyricism of Cavatina from The Deer Hunter, to the tango pulse of La Cumparsita and the introspective beauty of Gismonti’s Água e Vinho, their programme captures the soul, rhythm, and colour of these deeply expressive musical cultures.
'Across the Strings' offers an intimate and heartfelt evening of music, showcasing the classical guitar’s unique voice in the hands of two of New Zealand’s emerging talents.
Lora Kurusa
Born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, Lora started her classical guitar journey at the age of 12. After four years of study she was awarded A+ for her Grade 8 exam, and at the age of 15 she won her first scholarship to study classical guitar at the Elder Conservatorium’s Open Music Academy. Lora won the Biennial New Zealand International Classical Guitar Competition (Youth Division) in 2020, and she has since been the recipient of multiple scholarships to attend international classical guitar summer schools. Lora successfully auditioned for Classical Guitar Performance at the University of Auckland while she was still in Year 12, and soon after graduating she became a sponsored artist with the Italian/Australian classical guitar luthier Domenic Roscioli. One of the highlights of Lora’s performance career was performing 'Fantasia Para un Gentilhombre' with the New Classics Sinfonia in Auckland Town Hall’s Chamber room in 2024.
Michael Stoop
Michael is a guitarist, composer and music teacher based in Christchurch. His compositions were first published by SOUNZ in 2019, and many of them have been performed by a number of musicians throughout New Zealand. Michael won prizes for his performances of his own compositions at the Biennial New Zealand International Classical Guitar Competition in 2018 and 2020, and he won the NZAG award in 2020. One of the highlights of Michael’s performance career was arranging, performing and filming Debussy’s complete Suite Bergamasque with guitarist Nick Price in Wellington in 2022.
