Opposing yet complementary performers can create thrilling artistry - this is the basis on which Contra Guitar Duo was formed by Hamish Strathdee and Emma-Shay Gallenti- Guilfoyle.

The pair met at their university auditions in 2011 and have been making music together ever since. Their contrasting musical personalities and charming personal chemistry bring a dynamic spin to the fantastic combination of two guitars.

United by their passion to bring audiences music they love, Hamish and Emma-Shay are excited to showcase the varied and rich expressive capabilities of the guitar duo as an ensemble. In 2023, the duo released their debut recording, Contra released on Move Records, Australia’s longest-running classical music label.

Contra Guitar Duo has performed extensively in Europe and Australia. Performance highlights include the Dubai World Expo, Staatsoper Hamburg, Melbourne Guitar Festival and the Darmstädter Gitarrentage, where they presented several Australian works. The duo has been fortunate to be recognised and lauded by organisations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, PPCA Performers Trust Foundation and ANU School of Music.