With their current program, From Intersections To Interwoven, this extraordinary duo is touring Australia, Belgium, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, presenting concerts and guitar workshops. In May 2026, the duo won first place in the Ö1 Goes Songcontest competition with their original composition Together We Might Stand.

At first glance, the two musicians could hardly be more different. Crossing Strings brings together two seemingly contrasting musical worlds.
Carina discovered her passion for classical guitar at the tender age of eight and went on to achieve considerable success in international guitar competitions as a member of a classical guitar duo. Alongside her performing career, she teaches at the Gustav Mahler Music School and mentors students at the Gustav Mahler Private University.
Markus brings his extensive experience as an internationally touring guitarist, composer, and founder of the Vienna Fingerstyle Festival, held annually at the renowned Porgy & Bess jazz club. His sophisticated original compositions, groovy arrangements of well-known songs, and inventive percussive techniques add a distinctive dimension to the duo’s sound.

Both accomplished musicians in their respective fields, Carina and Markus present a diverse and engaging program combining original compositions with their own arrangements of classical, jazz, and pop favorites. Their two voices complement the instrumental performances, bringing both passionate intensity and playful lightness to the music.
By bridging two seemingly opposing musical worlds, Crossing Strings creates a rich and multifaceted fusion of classical, jazz, and popular music, inviting audiences on a journey into entirely new and unexpected musical territory.

With their current program, From Intersections To Interwoven, the extraordinary duo is touring Australia, Belgium, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, presenting concerts and guitar workshops.

“Markus Schlesinger catapults himself and his Classical Fingerstyle Guitar Duo to the forefront of the European fingerpicking scene.”

“Although Carina Maria Linder’s roots lie in classical and chamber music, she ventures beyond her traditional repertoire, performing and singing folk and blues with remarkable empathy and virtuosity.”

CONCERTO Magazine, Issue 6/2022, Austria’s specialist magazine for jazz, folk, blues, and world music