Present from the Past

The Classic Arts Duo is the product of the two musically diverse personalities of violinist Greg Pannell and guitarist Joseph Gminder. Brought together through a variety of ensembles over the past decade The Classic Arts Duo have settled into a niche that is truly their own. Greg Pannell's musical background is extensive and varied, with guitar and later the piano taking precedence until finally the violin emerged as his primary instrument. Pannell is a graduate of the Shenandoah conservatory of Music in Violin Performance. He was a member of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra for twelve years and is currently Principal Second Violin for the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra and played Principal Second Violin for the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra. As an orchestra player, Pannell has been involved in performances with many world renowned artists, ranging from classical to jazz. Notably: Itzhak Perlman, Ella Fitzgerald, Glen Campbell, Dionne Warwick, Bob Hope, The Manhattan Transfer, Andre Watts, and many others. Joseph Gminder began his music career at the age of six, learning viola at Elon College. His interests soon broadened to include studies in piano, trumpet, and later, French horn. The horn became his major instrument, and earned him a music scholarship at Emmanuel College. Gminder also developed an early love for the classic guitar, and at age twelve, studied the instrument at Emmanuel. In 1982, he began teaching guitar and French horn at the Salisbury Music Conservatory. Gminder has performed with the National School Orchestra Association, the All-State Wind Ensemble, the School of the Arts in Winston Salem, and various concerts affiliated with the Salisbury Music Conservatory.