Monday, August 18, 2025
12 PM
Javid & Naoko is a New Flamenco ensemble comprised of a husband and wife guitar virtuosos Javid & Naoko. Exquisitely original guitar compositions instilled with the intense energy of the heart and the fiery passion of the soul. Javid & Naoko have released five full-length New Flamenco albums.
Javid embarked upon the path that would eventually lead to a professional career in music by studying classical guitar at the tender age of 12. Javid studied guitar at the Tehran Music Conservatory in the picturesque and ancient city of Tehran, Iran. The serene and melodic guitar tones proved mesmerizing, and thus imbued his heart and soul with the indelible creative inspiration that would sustain him throughout the road that lay ahead.
At the age of 20, having studied classical guitar for 8 years, the young musician emigrated to France, where he made the acquaintance of three gypsy Flamenco guitarists performing along that quintessential “grand avenue” of Paris, the Champs-Elysees, so alive with cafes, concert halls and theatres. Their hauntingly lyrical Flamenco music cast a spell upon the youthful guitarist, an enchantment that would propel him to new horizons.
It was while living along the Champs-Elysees that his developing musical style came under the influence of such notable guitar masters as Andre Segovia, Paco de Lucia and Manitas de Plata. The stage was now set, and after five years in France he moved to Munich, Germany, where he lived for a brief period, all the while concentrating on the continuing development and evolution of his own distinctive musical style.
In early 2000, the course of both his professional and personal life would forever be altered by a chance meeting with Naoko from city of Hiroshima, Japan. They married in June, 2000 and have become his partners in both life & Music.
Naoko has not only proven to be an incredible font of inspiration to his creativity, but has also significantly contributed to his musical endeavors through her own unique talents, both performing with him on the Flamenco rhythm guitar and assisting him in song arrangements.
Before meeting Javid, Naoko had never touched a guitar. After watching Javid perform with other rhythm guitarists, Naoko was inspired to learn herself. In 2001, starting with a few tips and techniques from Javid, she slowly eased into the rhythm guitar.
One day, when Javid was in need for a new rhythm guitar player, Javid asked Naoko “Why don’t you play with me? I think you’re ready.”
Javid says, “Naoko was such a natural music talent. I’ve performed with many different players but not one of them could play as well as Naoko.”
The way Naoko holds the strings is very unique. Audiences often comment about Naoko, saying that when she plays the rhythm guitar her hand it’s looks like it’s dancing, or like she’s playing the harp.
Javid & Naoko have performed at concerts throughout the United States, France, Germany and Japan. They have appeared on San Diego television and their music has also provided background on DVD soundtracks. In 2006 Javid’s Flamenco album “SILK ROAD” was sent to 275 radio stations in all around U.S and Canada.
They were selected as the only Flamenco players to perform for Dave Koz (SAXOPHONIST AND COMPOSER) on the Dave Koz’ Cruise in 2005. In 2006, Javid twice opened concerts with his lovely wife Naoko for the most famous jazz trumpet player, Chris Botti.
Free concerts at noon every Monday year-round . . . no wonder the Mini-Concerts are the longest-running and one of the most popular classical music series at the library! This series was founded by Glenna Hazleton in 1970 at the Athenaeum, and has been going strong ever since. The concerts feature both local and touring musicians, prize-winning students, university music faculty members, local chamber ensembles. . . and the repertoire also includes jazz, folk, and world music. There are no reservations, no tickets . . . just line up at the side door of the Athenaeum before noon. (Donations are always welcome!) Mini-Concerts take place every Monday at noon and last about an hour.
The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Doors open at 11:40 a.m. Last entry is at 12:10 p.m. or once capacity is reached. Seating is first-come; first-served. Reservations are not necessary, but seating is limited.