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AlmaNova is a talented, classically trained flute and guitar duo presenting an eclectic program of music from all over the world. This innovative duo has been trained in the classical tradition while exploring other types of music. AlmaNova's great love of all musical genres shines through to their audience by way of dynamic performances and mesmerizing stage presence. AlmaNova has traveled all over the world playing their unique blend of classical repertoire infused with music from the Balkans, Spain, Latin America, and the British Isles.

The AlmaNova Duo began their career in France while studying at the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. Since then they have had the privilege to perform throughout Europe and the North America including Paris's Theatre de Naples, the Tijuana International Guitar Festival, the Juan Serrano International Guitar Festival, and the Dom Armije in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

In February 2006, the duo performed alongside David Starobin at the International Giuliani Festival as a featured chamber ensemble. They were featured artists in the USC World Music Festival at Bovard Hall in Los Angeles, and the International Festival of World Music in Claremont, California.

In August 2006, they were filmed for a public television while playing at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California. AlmaNova has also been featured in many televised specials in Europe including Hayat Station, Studio 99, BHTV, and the National Broadcasting Station of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As one of the most highly sought after performing ensembles on the West Coast, AlmaNova has been featured on various concert series including the City of Beverly Hills's Music in the Mansion and the City of Manhattan Beach's The Previews.

The duo has been coached by some of the best musicians in the world of classical music including Pepe Romero, Scott Tennant, Jim Walker and John Mills.

AlmaNova is pleased to be a featured performance at the 2008 National Flute Association's annual convention in Kansas City. They recently performed as special guests with the Chamber Opera Chicago.

In October 2006, AlmaNova released their first CD recording featuring original works by Mr. Imamovic inspired by the sounds and folk melodies of his native Bosnia. Their second CD, 'Classic Giuliani' is a compilation of the music of 18th century guitar virtuoso Mauro Giuliani.

Jessica plays Sankyo Flutes and Almer plays Kenny Hill Guitars exclusively.

Jessica Pierce

Flutist Jessica Pierce began her studies in Northern California with Isabelle Chapuis and Mimi Carlson. Jessica attended Santa Clara University where she received a Bachelor's Degree in both music and French. During her time there, Jessica was a soloist with the Santa Clara Orchestra as well as the Saratoga Symphony. She was accepted into the prestigious Academie Internationale d'Ete de Nice where she studied with Philippe Bernold, Christian Lardé and Claude Bolling.

Her studies then brought her to Paris where she attended the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris with Pierre-Yves Artaud. Jessica graduated the conservatory with honors both in flute performance and chamber music. While in Paris she began a guitar and flute duo, AlmaNova, with guitarist, Almer Imamovic.

The duo has had many concerts together around the world, particularly in Sarajevo at the Dom Armije and in Paris at the Theatre de Naples. The duo has also performed at the Tijuana International Guitar Festival in 2004 in Mexico, the Cardiff International Center of Culture in Wales, the 2006 International Giuliani Festival in Pasadena and the 2007 National Flute Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Jessica is currently a student of Jim Walker at the University of Southern California where she has completed a Master's Degree in Flute Performance and is completing a Doctorate of Musical Arts. While at USC, Jessica has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Scott Tennant, Itzhak Perlman, Eleonore Schoenfeld, Peter Marsh, Gary Glaze, and Kevin Fitzgerald and has performed under the baton of Carl St. Clair, Sergei Commissiona, Jorge Mester, John Barnett, Yehuda Gilad, and Donald Crockett.

Jessica has also worked along side great artists within the Pop/Rock world such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Richard Marx, Dennis DeYoung, Wayne Brady, and Heather Headley. AlmaNova is currently on tour with classical/cross-over singer, Valencia Vas.

Jessica is currently Professor of Flute Studies at the South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory.

Almer Imamovic

Guitarist Almer Imamovic began his studies in Sarajevo, Bosnia under the guidance of the world-renowned teacher, Mila Rakanovic. Shortly after graduating high school in 1997, he had the great honor of playing with the London Mozart Players where he performed selections of Vivaldi in the Bosnian National Theatre.

Almer then was awarded a scholarship to continue his studies at the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris with Rafael Andia where he received a diploma for guitar and chamber music studies. While in France, Almer participated in the International Day of Culture in Stockholm where he was asked to perform in Nobel Hall. He went on to receive his Master's Degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with John Mills where he was awarded a teaching assistantship. During his time in Wales, he won the John Mills Prize and had very successful performances at Bolivar Hall and the Queen Alexander House in London. Almer completed his graduate studies at the University of Southern California studying with Scott Tennant and Pepe Romero.While at USC, Almer was the 1st place winner of the Fresno International Guitar Competition.

As a soloist, Almer has performed with the Stivers Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sarajevo Philharmonic, which included a special performance for the Bosnian leader Sulejman Tihic. In April 2007, Almer was invited to perform again with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Gittleman for a two-night engagement in Ohio. In addition to these important solo engagements, Almer also is very involved in the promotion of world music and is a highly sought-after studio musician. He is currently on tour with classical/cross-over singer, Valencia Vas.

While in Paris he began a guitar and flute duo, AlmaNova, with flutist, Jessica Pierce. AlmaNova Duo has had many concerts together around the world, particularly in Sarajevo at the Dom Armije and in Paris at the Theatre de Naples. The duo has also performed at the Tijuana International Guitar Festival in 2004 in Mexico, the Cardiff International Center of Culture in Wales, the 2006 International Giuliani Festival in Pasadena and the 2007 National Flute Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Almer is currently Artistic Director and Head of Guitar Studies at the South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory.