It’s a treat any time we get to hear a new guitar concerto, and this one, by the noted Polish composer Gerard Drozd, is a really good one! His Concierto de Gliwice Op. 175 is full of bright melodic moments, stirring passages, and some excellent guitar work courtesy of Montenegrin guitarist Goran Krivokapić, to whom the piece is dedicated. Krivokapić, who turns 40 this year, has had a distinguished career, winning numerous competitions, concertizing all over the world, and teaching. He is paired here with the AUKSO Chamber Orchestra of the City of Tychy, and a handful of woodwind players, conducted by Marek Moś. (“AUKSO” means “growth” in Greek; the group was founded in 1998.) This premiere performance of the concerto took place at the 20th Gliwice Guitar Festival in Poland in November 2018. Give it a try! It’s a wonderful piece! —Blair Jackson
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