We realize it’s kind of short notice, but classical-guitar players in Northern California and Nevada might want to check out the 2018 Guitar Symposium that’s taking place Thursday and Friday October 18 and 19 at Sacramento State University’s Capistrano Hall. The FREE two-day event, which came about because of a last-minute grant opportunity, is the brainchild of coordinator/director Dr. Richard Savino, Professor of Music at Sacramento State, as well as the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (both for about 34 years). Savino is a well-known authority on period/historical guitars (while also playing modern guitar throughout his career), and has recorded more than three-dozen CDs as a soloist or featured performer for a slew of labels. He also has enjoyed a rich, Grammy-nominated career as a chamber musician (such as his current ensemble, El Mundo).
Savino’s deep roots in the classical-guitar world and his strong connection to the SFCM show in the impressive roster of top guitarists he’s managed to snag on short notice for the Sacramento State Guitar Symposium. On Thursday, October 18, following Savino’s opening remarks, a master class will be offered by SFCM’s David Tanenbaum, followed by a session of “Chamber Music Coaching” from the LAGQ‘s John Dearman. On Friday, October 19, there are consecutive master classes by Yale’s Benjamin Verdery, current SFCM teacher Judicaël Perroy, and the brilliant guitarist-composer and former SFCM teacher Sérgio Assad. In the late afternoon, Savino and guitar expert James Westbrook will present “A Survey of Noted Historical Guitars,” and then then the Symposium closes with an open-ended “Informance”: billed as “a unique informal combination of a performance and discussion with all the guest artists.” That is certain to be amazing! To see the flyer for the event, click here. —Blair Jackson
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John Dearman (third from left) plays Bach with the LAGQ last year:
In this new video, Benjamin Verdery plays Roland Dyens’ arrangement of Villa-Lobos’ “Aria” from Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: