Tariq Harb’s journey to distinction in the world of classical guitar has been marked by notable achievements and unwavering dedication. With a string of accolades including top prizes in renowned competitions like the Barrios WorldWideWeb Competition, the Montreal International Classical Guitar Competition and the Tokyo International Classical Guitar Competition, Harb quickly emerged as a leading figure in his generation.
Praised for his masterful technique and poetic expression, TED Global praised his “unparalleled command of melody and emotion”, while Patrick Roux, Artistic Director of Guitare Alla Grande, extolled his “impeccable playing” and his “elegant and charismatic stage presence.” CBC Radio crowned him as their NEXT! guitarist in 2013, heralding him as “Canada’s next classical guitar superstar,” further solidifying his international acclaim.
Harb’s concert engagements span the globe, gracing stages in North America, South America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. His performances in iconic venues such as the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Jordan, Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan concert hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Cairo Opera House have captivated audiences. He has also shared his expertise through masterclasses and appearances at prominent guitar festivals and as an adjudicator at music competitions worldwide.
With seven solo albums to his credit and many singles, encompassing a diverse range of repertoire, Harb’s contributions extend beyond performance to include instructional videos and publications aimed at enriching the classical guitar community. As a composer and arranger, his suite “Spirit”, published by Les Productions d’Oz, showcases his innovative approach to solo guitar composition. His arrangement of Chopin’s Prelude No. 4, Op. 28 has been featured on recordings by Decca and is forthcoming on Sony Classical. Furthermore, his new duo project “17 Strings” alongside oud virtuoso Abdul-Wahab Kayyali, has been signed to ATMA Classique to release their debut duo album “Reinventions” in March 2027. Harb has also signed with G² Records and Publishing in Germany to release a solo EP in April 2027.
A Jordanian-Canadian, Harb’s journey from a career in finance to the world stage of classical guitar is a testament to his unwavering passion and determination. With a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Fine Arts degree in Violin Performance from Concordia University, a Master in Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from McGill University, a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Toronto and a faculty position at Concordia University, Harb continues to inspire aspiring musicians while enjoying support from industry-leading sponsors. In a world where talent and perseverance converge, Dr. Tariq Harb stands as a beacon of excellence, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of musical discovery and artistic expression.
September 2026