Guitar Houston 2006-2007 Concert Season

Click here to Download the Guitar Houston 2006-2007 Season Flyer (Acrobat PDF). This is a large file for the Acrobat reader.

This year's concert season will feature an elite line-up of internationally recognized and prestigious concert artists. Also we will have master classes, artist receptions, and more!

Grammy nominated artist Paul Galbraith - 10/21/06.

Concert 10/21/06 at Emerson Unitarian.
Master Class 10/22/06 at HCC Stafford
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"The best guitarist of his generation."
-Classical Guitar Magazine

CRITIC'S CHOICE: ONE OF THE TWO BEST RECORDS OF 1998
"Magnificently played, thoughtful and majestic performances . . . a landmark in the history of guitar recordings."
-Gramophone

"His interpretations, no matter how idiosyncratic, are always interesting . . . his enlarged guitar echoes the wide range of the Baroque lute (for which Bach himself transcribed some of this music) while affording a plush tone . . . his playing has a firm spiritual core."
-The New Yorker

PAUL GALBRAITH’s recording of the Complete Bach Violin Sonatas and Partitas (Delos) was nominated for a 1998 GRAMMY AWARD in the category of Best Solo Instrumental Album.

This 2-CD set was also chosen as one of the two best CDs of 1998 by Gramophone Magazine, which called it “a landmark in the history of guitar recordings.” It received a “Four Star” rating in Stereo Review, and reached the TOP 10 on Billboard’s classical charts.

Galbraith has been featured twice on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and numerous times on “Performance Today.” He made his New York début at the Frick Collection, receiving a rave review in the New York Times.

Quaternaglia Brazilian Guitar Quartet, February 3, 2007

Quaternaglia Guitar Quartet "Quaternaglia’s performances thrill with their subtleties, their orchestral energy and transparence in addition to the Brazilian swing. A fantastic ensemble".
PAULO BELLINATI (Brazil)

"Purity of guitar sounds shines through Brazil’s Quaternaglia."
SUSAN BLISS, LOS ANGELES TIMES (USA)

"Not a note was out of place all evening, and every nuance of interpretation was together."
FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM (USA)

Quaternaglia Program

Click here to Download or View the Guitar Houston Quaternaglia Concert Program (MS-Word). This is a large file for Microsoft Word. 

I PART
Heitor Villa-Lobos (Brazil, 1887-1959)
	Bachianas Brasileiras n. 1 (1930)   	transcription by Sergio Abreu 
I-	Embolada
II-	Modinha (Preludio)
III-	Conversa (Fuga)

Paulo Bellinati (Brazil, 1950) 
	Baião de Gude (1997)*

Sérgio Molina (Brazil, 1967)
	Sonata Cravo e Canela (1998)*

II PART

Alberto Ginastera (Argentina, 1916-1983)
	Danzas Argentinas op. 2 (1937)    	arrangement by João Luiz  
I-	Danza del viejo boyero (Dance of the Old Cowherd)
II-	Danza de la moza donosa (Dance of the Delightful Young Girl)
III-	Danza del gaucho matrero (Dance of the Artful Herdsman)


Leo Brouwer (Cuba, 1939)
	Tres Danzas Concertantes  (1958)  	arrangement by Fabio Ramazzina  
I-	Allegro
II-	Andantino
III-	Toccata

Sérgio Assad (Brazil, 1952)

	Uarekena (1994) 			  

 * pieces dedicated to Quaternaglia Guitar Quartet

Katona Twins 3/9/07, Friday at 8PM

" ..the delicate Perfection of the Katonas' playing electrified the music. The intense ensemble between the Katonas is irresistible."
- The Times London

"...virtuosos who play with an almost eerie unanimity of style and considerable charm.”
-The New Yorker, June 2002

"Rarely have I heard such dynamism."
-Classical Guitar Magazine

"The Hungarian born Katona Twins, Peter and Zoltán, have given recitals throughout the world including performances at the Carnegie Hall in New York; the Purcell Room of the Royal Festival Hall and Wigmore Hall in London; the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam; the Konzerthaus in Vienna ,the Suntory Hall in Tokyo; the Forbidden City in Beijing; the Alte Oper in Frankfurt and the Philharmonie in Cologne.

The twins have won numerous prizes, both individually and together. In 2004 they were awarded, with the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni prize, the first guitarist in the trust's history. In 1998 they won the Concert Artists Guild Competition held in New York thereby securing management throughout the USA; tours soon followed as did their Carnegie Hall debut. In 1997 they were winners at the Young Concert Artist Trust auditions in London and that brought with it London based worldwide management; in the same year they successfully auditioned for the Park Lane contemporary music group. Earlier in their careers the twins won the S.T. Johnson Foundation prize in 1995 and The Laura Ashley prize in 1996. In 1993 they won first prize at the most prestigious guitar duo competition in Montelimar, France. In the same year Peter & Zoltán won first prize at the international guitar duo competition held in Bubenreuth, Germany and were awarded the Cultural Prize of the City of Kassel, Germany. The wide repertoire of the duo spans from Scarlatti to Piazzolla’s tango music. Their programmes also include concertos for two guitars and orchestra by Rodrigo, Vivaldi, Piazzolla and Tedesco. Michael Berkeley, Judith Bingham, Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez and several other contemporary composers have written for and dedicated works to the Katona Twins.

From the age of ten the twins have studied both individually and as a guitar duo in Budapest, Frankfurt and at the Royal Academy of Music in London. During their studies they benefitted from classes with Julian Bream and John Williams.

The Katona Twins have been invited on numerous occasions to record for the BBC and other international television and radio stations. Their CD releases include music by Scarlatti and Handel; Rodrigo; Albéniz and pieces by Piazzolla, Granados, de Falla and Mozart."

Katona Twins Concert Program

Rossini (1792-1868), guitar duo arr. Mauro Giuliani (1781 - 1829):
Overture to the Rossini opera "La Gazza Ladra" (The Thieving Magpie)

J. S Bach (1685-1750)
French Suite Nr. 5 (BWV 816):
Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Bourree, Loure, Gigue

Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)
Three Dances from „El sombrero de tres picos“:
1 Danza del Molinero, 2 Danza de los Vecinos, 3 Danza de la Molinera

Interval

Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)
El amor brujo (Excerpts):
- Introduccion
- Danza del Terror
- El Circulo Magico
- Pantomima
- Danza Ritual del Fuego

M.C. Tedesco (1895 –1968)
Two Preludes and Fugues from “The well tempered guitars”:
Op.199 (A minor, C# minor)

Paco de Lucia* (1947- )
Cepa Andaluza

M.C. Tedesco (1895 –1968)
Prelude and Fugue in E major from “The well tempered guitars” - Op.199

Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)
Otono Porteno

Nigel North - 4/14/07

"I was bowled over by how masterful and how musical it was." -Julian Bream, London, 2002

Nigel North is among the world's top lutenists and Baroque artists today. Nigel has recorded several acclaimed CD's and continues to receive rave concert reviews.

Photograph by Hanya Chlala (London).

Concert is April 14 at 8pm at Emerson Unitarian.

Master Class is the following Sunday, April 15, 12 noon to 3PM at the HCC Stafford campus. Anyone wanting to book a MC slot, call David Barfield at 281-367-9060.

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Concert Program


BACH ON THE LUTE

Nigel North (Lute )

Music by J S BACH (1685-1750)


Suite in B flat major (after the 4th cello suite, BWV 1010)

Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Bouree 1 & 2
Gigue

Sonata in G minor (after the 1st violin sonata, BWV 1001)

Adagio
Fuga (Allegro)
Siciliana
Presto


INTERVAL


Suite in G major (after the 3rd cello suite , BWV 1009)

Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Bouree 1 & 2
Gigue

(all transcriptions for lute by Nigel North )

Cavatina Duo 4/28/07, with master class on 4/29.

Cavatina Duo "Their Piazzolla performance is vibrant and colorful, demonstrating their quality with its well-judged phrasing and rhythmic emphasis. Excellent technical control and convincing intensity that creates a haunting atmosphere. Highly recommended!"
- Classical Guitar Magazine, England

"Truly, a composer could not ask for more devotion to the music or more technically and musically assured performances."
David Leisner, composer and guitarist

"Their sometimes playful, sometimes soulful approach to the tangos is just what the pieces need.. This pair serves up a rich selection of flute and guitar repertoire with a hand in-glove style of playing."
- American Record Guide

The Cavatina Duo, consisting of Eugenia Moliner, flute (from Spain) and Denis Azabagic, guitar (from Bosnia) has become one of the most impressive combinations of its kind. Their powerful and versatile performances have captivated audiences in many festivals of chamber music across Europe and the USA.

Cavatina’s original programs and exquisite musicianship are now making the way through music halls in North America, Europe, South America and Asia. Thrilled audiences simply wish their prompt return after hearing this “extraordinary duo.”

Critics are raving:

“This is not the sort of playing that comes from discussion and careful score markings. These two feel the music deeply and are of one mind as they play” (American Record Guide). “Outstanding communicative abilities” (Classical Guitar Magazine).

Eugenia Moliner has been acclaimed as a brilliant young musician by the British Flute Society magazine. She performs with pianist Rob Broek and with other chamber groups, The New Opus Trio and Cavatina Duo. Eugenia’s discography includes one CD’s for the Spanish Label Opera Tres and two for the label Orobroy.

Denis Azabagic is considered to be among the elite guitarists of the world. He is recognized for his marvelous tone and technical virtuosity. Denis has played with orchestras in Europe and in USA. He is a usual guest in concert series and venues such as Masters of guitar at the Concertgebouw, Holland, Radio France, etc. Winner of ten of the most prestigious international competitions, he has a discography which includes 6 CD’s, a video recording (Opera Tres, Printemps de la Guitarre, Naxos, Mel Bay) and a manual entitled “On Competitions-Dealing with Performance Stress” published by Mel Bay. He is a member of the guitar faculty at Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Their commitment to increase the original repertoire for this combination has already inspired composers from around the world to dedicate new works to the duo.

The duo’s performances have been broadcast by radio and television stations in Europe and North America.

Their mixture of Spanish passion and Balkan sensibility make Cavatina Duo concerts a unique experience.

Master Class is the following Sunday, April 29, 12 noon to 3PM at the HCC Stafford campus. Anyone wanting to book a MC slot, call David Barfield at 281-367-9060.

2006-2007 Concert Season

The Guitar Houston Concert Season brings you established, top-tier artists who are recognized at an international level. All the artists selected for the Concert Season have won at least one major guitar competition, have production CD releases, major press reviews, and an established concert career. Whereas the open meetings and Salon Concert series will feature up-and-coming artists or local talent, the Concert Season is a guaranteed level of premium quality.

Concert tickets will be sold individually at the show and at Guitar Houston events. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the phone # and email addresses below. As always, the concert ticket price is kept as low as possible to break even on the event. GH ticket prices are generally half the amount paid at commercial events. Guitar Houston is a non-profit organization, and we pass this savings on to you.

If you are not yet a member of GH, now is the perfect time to join and save money on the concert season and enjoy the other membership benefits, as well as to support the mission of GH to enhance the classical guitar presence in Houston.

Guitar Houston Season Ticket Benefits:

Lessons and Master Classes:

Master classes are usually arranged with all the artists in the concert season. The classes will occur the day following the concert. The exact time and location will be announced later for each class.

It is not every day that you have an opportunity to study with world-class performers. Why not learn from the very best? Guitar Houston is very committed to providing opportunities for players at all levels to sign up for master classes or private lessons with our concert artists for a very reasonable price. Contact Guitar Houston if you are interested in studying with these great artists. Season ticket holders will have preference in booking reservations - but once Guitar Houston receives your check, your slot is guaranteed. Sign up early to avoid missing out!

You can also "audit" the master class as a non-participant observer. These classes can be very informative.

Admission Policy and Concert Etiquette

The nature of classical recitals is such that all audience noise must be kept to a minimum so that everyone can enjoy the show. Since classical guitar is not a very loud instrument comparatively, this is even more important to remove distractions. One noisy patron can ruin the experience of many others. Often the patron does not realize how loud they are being; in a quiet room, even small sounds carry. We ask:

All ticket sales are final. GH reserves the right to remove any patron who creates a disturbance and refuses to heed advisements.

2006-2007 Concert Season Venue

The concerts are at the Emerson Unitarian Church at 1900 Bering Drive. Their website directions are at this URL: http://www.emersonhou.org/locationmap.htm.

The easiest way to get there from 610 is to take the San Felipe exit and turn left on Bering, and the building is on the right.

All concert performances are at 8 pm.

The masterclass will be at Houston Community College, Stafford, Fine Arts Dept - 13645 Murphy Road, Suite 233, Stafford, Tx 77477. Web address of the Stafford Convention Center: www.staffordcentre.com. There is a good map on this site, and the HCC location is just south of the convention center. We are in a small strip center that is right next to a Wendy's restaurant.

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