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Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla
- Longmont, CO
- Classical Guitarist
- Travels nationwide
- $150.00 and up
Overview
"One of the very best acoustic guitarists in the world....music of the most exquisite order." Matt Fink, All Music Guide
Guitarist and composer Michael DeLalla's music is a delicious brew of traditional influences and classical, jazz, Celtic, World Music and folk stylings. A trained classical guitarist, he can bring a wide-reaching repertoire to any occasion, drawing on traditions worldwide. Weddings, corporate events and concert series are a specialty. Michael's longstanding reputation is built on his ability to communicate with first the client to establish the precise needs of the performance, then the audience with his solid and professional presentation.
36 Reviews
Michael was very easy to work with and he accommodated us nicely. He did our wedding reception where he very much played to the crowd's mood. They provided great dancing music as well as good background music!
Celtic Music, Guitarist
Personable and very eager to please. Many complements from our guests.
Celtic Music, Classical Guitarist, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
We hired Michael for our grand opening event and he was a pleasure to work with. He created a perfect ambience for the event and set the mood. It was easy to work with him and we would definitely hire him again in the future!
Celtic Music
Michael was very prompt and professional, and played great too! Highly recommend.
Jazz Guitarist
We had Micheal come and perform Irish pub songs for our St. Patricks Day party. Everyone loved him!
Celtic Music, Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks, Richard and Shiloh--you folks throw a first-rate party; I'm pleased I could be part of it!
Michael did a great job playing music during my daughter's wedding ceremony as well as the cocktail hr.
Celtic Music, Classical Guitarist, Jazz Guitarist
My wife and I were looking for a guitarist to provide classical music/classic rock/world music/Flamenco/Folk for our wedding and we were so thankful to find Michael and his colleagues Steve & Sandra. All three musicians were fantastic, played beautifully, and were all really kind and easy to work with.
Michael and team played for our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, and everything they played provided the perfect ambiance and mood for our guests. Additionally, we were impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail. They arrived early to set up and were very accommodating of our requests. Michael was also very easy to communicate with prior to our wedding and made it an easy choice. He listened to our backgrounds and really understood what we were looking for.
Michael and his colleagues are highly skilled musicians with a wide range of repertoire and fit exactly what we were looking for and we are so grateful to have found them to make our wedding perfect. Thank you Michael!
Classical Guitarist, Composer, Guitarist, Singing Guitarist, World Music
Michael provided the perfect soundtrack to our Farm to Table Brunch. He was great to work with and very helpful in the lead up to the event. He's skills were impressive and I had multiple attendees ask where we had found him for booking. We will definitely work with him again!
Classical Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks so much Christine--I so enjoyed being part of this wonderful event.
I hired Michael to play for a friend who has had a prolonged stay in the hospital. He was perfect and what had been a challenging day for her was made better by his music.
Classical Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
I'm glad I could be of service, Susan.
Music was the perfect touch to our get together. Micheal was very easy to work with. If I get to chance to do it again. I would hire him.
Classical Guitarist, Composer, Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thank you so much Daniel--what a lovely group to play for! I'm glad I could be part of such a wonderful gathering.
Michael
Micheal is a true professional and great communicator. He was responsive at every request from the beginning of the process to end of his performance in our program. He showed up early, was prepared, and stayed to the end. His music was delightful and perfect for us. Thank you, Michael.
Classical Guitarist
Thank you to Michael DeLalla for attending and performing at our recent 55Resort Greeley Sangrias, Sunset and Spanish Guitar event. Michael did an amazing job, and we will definitely keep Michael in mind for future events. Thank you, warmly, Joanne.
Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks for having me, Joanne, and yes, I'd love to come back anytime! What a wonderful group to get to know and play for.
Michael
Mr. DeLalla showed up early to set up and was a delight to be around. His communication and recommendations made the process easy and stress free. Obviously the music was perfect, he made our wedding special and played what we asked for as well as filler music while we finished with photos. It really took our ceremony to the next level and I honestly think he under charges for his services.
Thanks again Michael!
Classical Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks Travis--you all were a joy to work with. Your dog and I became fast friends too! Best of luck to both of you.
Michael
We had a donor soiree in a backyard. Michael was such a gracious presence who added to the party both by his energy and with, of course, his music. He brought an amp and a microphone, which helped us when we had a bit of speaking to do. He really connected with what we're about, and he absolutely honored our wishes in terms of style of music. His communication was prompt and he showed up with plenty of time before our event started. Everyone commented on how he really helped to take our event to "the next level." I would absolutely hire Michael again.
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks so much, Sarah--the pleasure was mine!
Excellent! Beautiful! Highly recommend for weddings!
Celtic Music, Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, Singing Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks again, Jennifer--what a wonderful group you brought together to celebrate! Best of luck, and safe travels!
Michael
Michael played classical guitar at our daughter’s wedding and was wonderful. Even before the wedding we had been in contact and I can’t put into words how much help and input he provided us. Musical selection and personalizing his performance was truly going above and beyond. Terrific guitarist and really nice person!
Classical Guitarist
Michael played for our wedding party at Denver Botanic Gardens. In addition to his prodigious talent, he was immediately responsive, attuned to our preferences (pun intended), arrived early to our event, and was delightfully engaging with our guests. We couldn't have asked for more.
Guitarist
Michael played for our wedding party at Denver Botanic Gardens. In addition to his prodigious talent, he was immediately responsive, attuned to our preferences (pun intended), arrived early at our event, and was delightfully engaging with our guests. We couldn't have asked for more.
Celtic Music, Classical Guitarist, Composer, Guitarist, Jazz Guitarist, World Music
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks, John. It was my pleasure to be part of such a special day. You and Lisa were fabulous to work with.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael played for one of our holiday church services, and was prompt, professional, and prepared. An excellent guitar player and very cordial. Highly recommended for your next gig. Thanks, Michael!
Guitarist
We were delighted to have Michael at our welcome rehearsal - he is an amazing artist and definitely so delighted to have him at such a special occasion weekend! Thanks Michael
Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks so much, Melanie--it was an absolute pleasure to be part of such a memorable weekend.
Michael played light background music during our dinner party. I was very impressed by his skill and the music selection was perfect for our event!
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Our reception was held on the Lakeside Terrace at the Broadmoor resort in Colorado. The weather was absolutely beautiful, the wind was blowing softly, and he played for our welcome reception which was the first large event we have had since Covid. Everyone was so happy to be together again cool chatting and drinking cocktails and his classy music was a wonderful background that blended perfectly with the gorgeous mountains and scenery, without distracting from what was going on around us . It was perfect!
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Thank you Michael DeLalla ! IMy daughter, absolutely loved the uplifting Celtic original song that she now can play anytime and the accompanying video . Her friends and family as well loved it! She asked,”How did you do this!!? How did you manage to get him!!?” Michael DeLalla’s world class guitar playing somehow evoked the mystique of a craggy ocean view. I could almost hear the gulls! It was exactly the sound I was hoping for and he sang the lyrics in a voice that perfectly complemented the song. The birthday greeting with her name at the end was such a beautiful personalized touch . This was a lot of fun to get to put together with Michael and he was a pleasure to work with!
Singing Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thank you so much, Darlene--what a pleasure to work with you on this beautiful gift of a song. I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it--I know I did.
Michael DeLalla
Falling Mountain Music
Michael played at our wedding, he was amazing! Everyone enjoyed his playing and he was awesome to work with. Highly recommend!
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks, Victoria--you folks were so fun to work with. Congratulations to both of you.
Michael played for my mother's memorial service. Was very helpful in suggesting potential pieces, worked with the church and our family regarding Covid-19 restrictions, and was a pleasure to work with. Would highly recommend him.
Classical Guitarist
My husband and I booked Michael for our ceremony in Vail CO, and we had a rather unusual request for our processional song...."Fairytale in New York"...but make it wedding friendly. This song is very Celtic and very Christmas, but Michael was able to turn it into a beautiful song that was wedding friendly but still recognizable. It was hands down my favorite part of the ceremony. Michael also played beautifully as guests entered, and was very accommodating of our wacky requests. Working with Michael was easy, fun, and one of my favorite parts of the wedding ceremony!
Classical Guitarist
Response from Guitarist/Composer Michael DeLalla:
Thanks, Erin--that was a lot of fun. Cheers.
Michael
Everyone enjoyed it!
Classical Guitarist
Beautiful and classy- your work is polished and inviting- thank you for being part of our wedding day!
Guitarist
My wife asked that we have a guitarist for her Celebration of Life. Michael was not only open to the idea but embraced it. His choices of music were appropriate and outstanding. He made himself available from the beginning to the end even though the time table was fluid. Though the loss of my wife was sad the mood was to be upbeat and a true celebration. He contributed to maintaining the celebration while being attuned to the loss. He played a nonclassical song that my wife asked for during the spreading of her ashes. He stayed with the family and close friends that remained into the evening. He even shared his guitar with a friend who wanted to play and sing a song that she had composed. My short time with him made me realize what a good person he is. I hope to see him again at some of his local performances.
Classical Guitarist
We did a destination wedding in the Rocky Mountains. We flew from Chicago and Mr. DeLalla was more than accommodating, professional, incredibly talented, and just an extraordinary person to work with! He accommodated every musical selection we had, and his network of fellow musicians is impressive! Pianists, violinists, you name it, they just come and jam!
He can do classical, rock, oldies, improv and everything in between. Highly recommend for chic private parties or the most prestigious of events!!
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, Jazz Guitarist, New Age Music
Michael is a gem. Talented and caring, I would recommend him to anybody who needs a musician for any occasion.
Singing Guitarist
Michael played amazing and perfect for the event! He is extremely talented and professional.
Guitarist
Michael did a wonderful job providing music for our private client event at the Westin Westminster.
1. His communication both before and after the event was prompt and clear
2. He was on-time in setting up
3. His playing was WONDERFUL, and included both jazz standards, classical, and newly composed works. His repertoire is broad enough that there is something to suit most any taste.
4. He's pleasant and professional to work with.
5. I was able to give him the AV sound contact for the venue and he worked directly with him to make sure sound setup & settings were perfect.
I highly recommend Michael for your event, public or private!
I recommend Michael to anyone that needs a professional musician to provide music for their event. He did a great job!!!
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, Singing Guitarist
Michael was terrific to work with! He provided helpful suggestions before our wedding and played beautifully during the event! He helped our wedding day to be the day of our dreams.
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, Jazz Guitarist
I had a brunch at my home with about 50 guests of all generations and musical tastes, and I hired Michael to provide an eclectic mix of music ranging from rock to classical. Michael did an outstanding job, and my guests were highly complementary about both his range and ability, as well as his delightful personality. Two of my guests were themselves guitarists, one a classically trained guitarist, and they were very impressed with his technical skills. I couldn't have been happier with our choice.
Celtic Music, Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, Irish / Scottish Entertainment, Jazz Guitarist, New Age Music, World Music
Booking Info
Price Range: $150.00 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
What to Expect
For Concerts: "My concerts are a family friendly, multi-cultural fingerstyle guitar presentation. I tend to engage my audiences on a very conversational and participatory level; I characterize one of my performances as a “journey” we take together).
For Weddings and Private Events: I have countless testimonials that speak to the ease with which work with clients. My goal is always your satisfaction, both as we plan the music and my professionalism the day of the event.
For Corporate Events: My specialty is providing a diverse, multi-cultural program.
For Libraries, School and Educational Institutions: I've taught lessons, classes and workshops at every level. Teaching and sharing my musical experiences is a passion.
Music Licensing: As a producer since 1991 I can easily adapt tracks to your needs. All of my original compositions are available for licensing; I can provide you with any format you need.
About
Michael has been a performing and recording artist for over 30 years. For 20 years he was a member of the guitar faculty at Shenandoah University in Virginia before relocating in the Boulder area. His compositions and arrangements are as vital a part of his reputation as his repertoire for the classical guitar, drawing on traditions worldside. His music has been licensed for film and television, but his passion is live performance. He tours nationally, so no gig is too far off the beaten path. Michael also works with a number of other musicians, guitarists and other instrumentalists/vocalists, if you prefer a duo or trio configuration. The FAZ below will answer most questions, but feel free to contact him if you have even more specialized music needs.
FAQ about Michael DeLalla
“I see you tour nationally—do you even consider small intimate affairs, like a backyard wedding?”
MD: I most certainly do—in fact, I bring the same warm, engaging performance to your event that I do to the concert stage. We just need to coordinate our calendars.
“We're a multi-national corporation that hosts an annual party for our international contingent. What could you do for our event?”
MD: I have spent a professional lifetime exploring musical traditions found all over the world. With my compositions and arrangements for solo guitar (and voice, if you like—I also sing, in a few languages) you could expect to hear evocations of Japanese Koto to Celtic fiddle tunes to a Shona song for mbira to American jazz standards to ancient Breton songs to a homage to the middle-Eastern o'ud.
“Could you bring a group?”
MD: Depending on availability I have a large number of musical colleagues from whom I could put together a duo, trio or more.
"Do you take requests?"
I pride myself on constantly expanding my repertoire--that's often accomplished by the client requesting their special music. I'm happy to accommodate those requests.
"Michael DeLalla's finger-style guitar genius is akin to that of Tony McManus … of a class of what I call the Unholy Triumvirate of the American Acoustic Guitar: David Bromberg, John Fahey, and Leo Kottke…a guitar guru…"
The Greenman Review
Additional Booking Notes
All of my instruments are wired for interfacing with sound systems. For most events I can provide all of the necessary sound; access to electricity within 150 ft is needed. If I need to interface with a sound system, the following information may be useful:
I usually travel with two guitars.
Typically, I need 2 Direct Inputs, 1 vocal mic (if singing).
1 armless chair--standard folding chair is fine.
Past Booked Events
October 29, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Festival |
October 26, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
September 19, 2024 • 3:30pm - 7:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
September 13, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
September 07, 2024 • 12:00pm - 4:00pm | Grand Opening |
June 13, 2024 • 3:30pm - 7:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
March 17, 2024 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
March 16, 2024 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Cocktail Party |
March 15, 2024 • 12:30pm - 1:15pm | Retirement Community Event |
October 15, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 30, 2023–October 01, 2023 • 3:00pm - 12:00am | Wedding Reception |
September 17, 2023 • 11:00am - 1:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
August 26, 2023 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Personal Occasion |
June 16, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Cocktail Party |
June 14, 2023 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Surprise |
May 12, 2023 • 7:00pm - 10:30pm | Cocktail Party |
March 17, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | House Party |
March 11, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
February 25, 2023 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 16, 2022 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Cocktail Party |
October 12, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
October 07, 2022 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 02, 2022 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Fundraiser |
September 20, 2022 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 17, 2022 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Party |
August 12, 2022 • 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 18, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
June 17, 2022 • 3:00pm - 5:30pm | Cocktail Party |
November 13, 2021 • 12:30pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 13, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
August 13, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
August 08, 2021 • 11:30am - 1:30pm | Teen Birthday Party |
July 31, 2021 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Party |
April 30, 2021 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Corporate Event |
March 07, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Virtual Event |
September 26, 2020 • 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 30, 2020 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Personal Occasion |
May 29, 2020 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
December 06, 2019 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
October 29, 2019 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Wedding Reception |
October 12, 2019 • 12:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 07, 2019 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 07, 2019 • 9:30am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 23, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cultural Event |
August 20, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Corporate Event |
March 23, 2019 • 7:30pm - 10:00pm | Cocktail Party |
October 07, 2018 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
August 24, 2018 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 17, 2018 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Holiday Party |
January 26, 2018 • 5:30pm - 9:00pm | Corporate Event |
January 24, 2018 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 27, 2017 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Wedding Ceremony |
December 15, 2016 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Holiday Party (Christmas) |
May 22, 2016 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 09, 2016 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
February 19, 2016 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Fundraiser |
November 14, 2015 • 3:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 18, 2015 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Wedding Reception |
September 06, 2015 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 01, 2015 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Cultural Event |
June 05, 2015 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 31, 2015 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | House Party |
Set List
Includes repertoire for solo classical guitar, steel-string guitar and vocals
Andante - Matteo Carcassi
Jesu Joy of Man's Desire - JS Bach
Prelude from Cello Suite 1 - JS Bach
Joropo - Luis Merlin
Fantasia - Alonso Mudarra
Guardame Las Vacas - Luis de Narvaez
Greensleeves - Traditional Renaissance
Canon in D - Pachalbel
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World - arr by Izzy
Le Marchais du Malaucene - Michael DeLalla
Infinite Loops: See Loops, Infinite - Michael DeLalla
Lauren Grace - Michael DeLalla
Arise - Michael DeLalla
At Water's Edge - Michael DeLalla
Black Orpheus - Luis Bonfa
Round Midnight - Thelonius Monk
Auld Lang Syne - Traditional
Ding!Dong!Merrily On High - Traditional
Christmas Day in the Morning - Traditional
Veni Emmanuel - Traditional
We 3 Kings - Traditional
O Come All Ye Faithful - Traditional
Winter Wonderland - Traditional
Merrily Kissed the Quaker - Traditional Celtic
Shebag and Shemore - Traditional Celtic
My Dearest Dear - Traditional Celtic
Danny Boy - Traditional Celtic
Wedding Song - Paul Stookey
Rocky Mountain High - John Denver
Annie's Song - John Denver
Rings - Leo Kottke
Fisherman's Blues - Waterboys
Because the Night - Patti Smith
Our Song - Joe Henry
You're not Alone - Mavis Staples
I'll Never Give It Up - Richard Thompson
Vincent Black Lightning - Richard Thompson
In My Life - Lennon & McCartney
When I'm 64 - Lennon & McCartney
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
Hero - Oliver Mtuzukundi
Linus & Lucy from a Charlie Brown Xmas - Vince Guaraldi
Summertime - George Gershwin
And countless more - by countless others
Influences & Inspiration
Guitarists: Pierre Bensusan, Sharon Isbin, Baden Powell, Andrew York, Ralph Towner, Roland Dyens
Jazz artists: Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Paul Winter
Composers: JS Bach, Benjamin Britten, Thelonius Monk, Hamza el Din,
Traditional music: music from Ireland, Scotland, British Isles; South American styles such as Bossa Nova, Tango, Choro; African traditions from Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Morocco; Koto music from Japan; Native American traditions.
Setup Requirements
1 armless chair (standard folding chair is fine)
If PA is needed, access to electricity (within 150 ft)
If outdoors, overhead shelter from sun/rain