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Inspiring Concert
Posted this in the classical group; but thought the fingerstyle group would be interested too.
Got a last minute invite to a USC faculty concert last night. On stage: James Smith, William Kanengizer, Scott Tennant, Brian Head, and Pepe Romero. They were, at times, accompanied by violinist Endre Balogh and celloist Paula Fehrenbach. It took place in a 400-seat theatre on the USC campus. The music was a tribute to Tarrega and Albeniz and began with a pre-concert lecture on the two of them, given by Walter Aaron Clark, musicologist.
The audience was filled with guitar fans, players, and student players. Jim played duets with Endre and Brian Head -- beautifully arranged by Jim. William Kanengizer played Granada, Capriccio Arabe, Maria, Lagrima, Marieta. Scott Tennant played Rumores de la Caleta and Recuerdos de la Alhambra. Pepe did the second half: Gran Jota, Sevilla, Cordoba, Torre Bermeja.
Pepe's playing was so inspired. He started by saying, "this music is so special to me because I grew up on it - watching and listening to my father and his friends playing it every day. Tonight is very special -- to be here sharing the stage with my dear friends - the faculty of USC. It is my hope that tonight I can transport you to the living room of the humble house I grew up in, in Malaga, Spain." He told a short story about each piece before he played it, mostly remember his days as a child and his father. His playing is just so beautiful and like no other player I have ever seen. When he does rasquedos it is like fine silk blowing in a soft breeze. For the finale, he played Leyenda along with the entire faculty. It was an arrangement, I'm sure, that Jim put together. Jim is an amazing arranger. I was covered in chills watching all these world class players on one stage in a tiny theater tucked away on the USC campus! Gosh - what an honor to be invited to this insider's concert. Later, after the concert, a woman in attendance says to me, "can you believe what we just saw and heard? Doesn't it just take your breath away?" Yep, definitely!
Got a last minute invite to a USC faculty concert last night. On stage: James Smith, William Kanengizer, Scott Tennant, Brian Head, and Pepe Romero. They were, at times, accompanied by violinist Endre Balogh and celloist Paula Fehrenbach. It took place in a 400-seat theatre on the USC campus. The music was a tribute to Tarrega and Albeniz and began with a pre-concert lecture on the two of them, given by Walter Aaron Clark, musicologist.
The audience was filled with guitar fans, players, and student players. Jim played duets with Endre and Brian Head -- beautifully arranged by Jim. William Kanengizer played Granada, Capriccio Arabe, Maria, Lagrima, Marieta. Scott Tennant played Rumores de la Caleta and Recuerdos de la Alhambra. Pepe did the second half: Gran Jota, Sevilla, Cordoba, Torre Bermeja.
Pepe's playing was so inspired. He started by saying, "this music is so special to me because I grew up on it - watching and listening to my father and his friends playing it every day. Tonight is very special -- to be here sharing the stage with my dear friends - the faculty of USC. It is my hope that tonight I can transport you to the living room of the humble house I grew up in, in Malaga, Spain." He told a short story about each piece before he played it, mostly remember his days as a child and his father. His playing is just so beautiful and like no other player I have ever seen. When he does rasquedos it is like fine silk blowing in a soft breeze. For the finale, he played Leyenda along with the entire faculty. It was an arrangement, I'm sure, that Jim put together. Jim is an amazing arranger. I was covered in chills watching all these world class players on one stage in a tiny theater tucked away on the USC campus! Gosh - what an honor to be invited to this insider's concert. Later, after the concert, a woman in attendance says to me, "can you believe what we just saw and heard? Doesn't it just take your breath away?" Yep, definitely!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Doc Rogers on -
Great experience. Thanks for sharing.
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Permalink Reply by Will Becker on -
Woops, hit the wrong button. Sorry.
Yes, Donna, the experience was as real as it gets. I have had the experience at least six times with Pepe Romero and almost as many with William Kanengizer and Scott Tennant. You should see the classical performance by the quartet, The Romeros. If you like this performance, I suggest you listen to Los Angeles Acoustic Guitar Quartet. I love the arrangements by a former member of LAGQ, Andy York, and highly recommend his solo work and former work on LAGQ's CD's.
These gentlemen are as nice as people as they are great players. Very humble and talented at the same time. Pepe, specifically, shares such love of the guitar in a master class that it leaves you floating.
Hopefully, we will have Pepe and the others with us for a long time yet. They will keep the bar high for the performances of classical guitarists all over the world.
Will Becker
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Permalink Reply by James Huckson on -
Wow! What an amazing experience! Thankyou for your post, Donna.
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