Fall concert tour '15

It's been an awesome year.  Memorable.  A title-winning athletic season, and a sabbatical concert tour.

After a whole summer of barely touching my guitar in the midst of 2 athletic championship events including a trip to France, I embarked on a sabbatical concert tour in late October.  The tour included University concert series events, a guitar society, school visits, masterclasses, and ending with a "Live in Studio C" performance on Nashville NPR.  I played solo classical guitar, and a short lute set.

The program
Renaissance set: 2 spanish vihuela pieces on guitar, Elizabethan lute music on lute - including Monsieur's Almaine by D. Batchelor.  Handel Suite (HWV 441), and 4 Brazilian pieces - 2 by Reis and Brasilerhino which I arranged.  Intermission.  Farruca - flamenco, Merlin's Dream by Koshkin, Frevo by Gismonti and a set of fingerstyle pieces by Hudson (Delta), J. Reed (Drive-in, Jerry's Breakdown), and S. Salz (Bluetude).

It was a really comfortable program... a mixture of a brand new piece - Merlin's Dream, and pieces I've played on and off over the years.  The big choice was whether I wanted to include Frevo or Mallorca by Albeniz, I chose Frevo because it was the faster and more lively piece.

Performances
First, I played some 'warm up gigs' at church service at Otey Parish, Adams Place retirement home, MTSU performance classes, IONA art gallery, and some late night sessions at All-Saints in Sewanee.

My last 'informal' gig was a performance at the Belmont School of Music for the Guitar Seminar class.  My colleague Robbie actually got me paid an honorarium for the gig.  It went really well.  Probably because I was relaxed and talking with the students.

Springfield, IL

Then, the tour started... thanks to MTSU for the nice new Ford Taurus motorpool car that I used for 2 weeks.  Off to Boone, NC and to see my colleague Doug at Appalachian St. University.   Concert went well, just a few brief memory slips but not bad for a first full concert.  It rained constantly and was cold in the mountains, mid 40s all day.   I left that night for Greensboro and visited Patrick Lui's at the Weaver Academy.

I played for his students, (to be interrupted by a fire drill) and it went well.   This has to be the best high school guitar program I've ever visited.  Patrick has done amazing things with these students.  Some of the 16 yr olds were playing better than my college sophomores.  Before going to an excellent Vietnamese restaurant, Patrick snapped this photo of his students and me.

Masterclass at Weaver Academy - Greensboro, NC

Continuing on toward Greenville, NC to East Carolina University and to see my colleague Elliot.  Before my concert he asked me if I wanted to stream it live on line, I said, "sure, WTH."  With very little notice, I notified my parents so they were able to watch it.  I also got an audio recording.   After listening to it, the performance seemed ok, about 98% accurate, good tempos, and some energy.

The response on FB was good, in fact one of the local people - Drew, who regularly attends guitar concerts said, "One of the best guitar recitals I've seen at Fletcher Recital Hall, and I've seen many over the past 15 years!!!!!!"  Definitely an overstatement, but nice to hear.  I had a nice hang with Elliot that night, pizza and ice cream.  And the next day I gave a masterclass.   His students played great and I met a guy I'd love to recruit as a grad student.

East Carolina Masterclass

Back to Sewanee for weekend of practice and teaching my students at the University of the South.  

Then, off to Chattanooga to visit the McCallie School where Chip Evans runs possibly the best guitar program in the state.  I played my whole program pretty much for his 2 classes and it went well.   I answered a lot of questions but didn't hear his kids play.  I know they have an excellent guitar ensemble program.

Now the long drive to Hattiesburg and my concert at Southern Miss where I stayed with Nick Ciraldo.  I have to say, this concert was my only regret, it was somewhat of a 'southern miss' (pun intended).  It wasn't terrible, but just more mistakes than the others.

Afterward, I taught a masterclass and heard some excellent doctoral level students.  One from Brazil played the Bach Chaconne.

Performance at the McCallie School - Chattanooga

Then, back to Murfreesboro to turn in the car, and back to Sewanee to host my annual fall party on the weekend.... it was a blast.  I had driven 2000 miles in 2 weeks.

I then had a week to gather myself for my last 3 performances.

Springfield, IL was a long drive.  I had the misfortune to blow a tire on the highway and had to hunt for a tire service center.   Was lucky it happened during business hours, otherwise... I'd been driving a long way on a temporary tire.

Masterclass at Univ. of Southern Mississippi

The wonderful Springfield guitar society is somewhat unique because it has many patrons who in fact do not play the guitar, but simply enjoy it.  I spent some time on Mark Pence's couch resting in the afternoon before my concert in the beautiful Grace Lutheran church.

Springfield, IL - with my trusty hot water bottle

It was a small crowd, perhaps 35-40 people, but the place sounded nice.  The concert went very well, probably one of my best, and was very well received.   I wanted some time to decompress before my last 2 concerts so I drove all night to get back to Sewanee by daybreak after returning the MTSU car.

I relaxed on Sunday and felt well prepared for my Monday night concert at St. Luke's in Sewanee.   I had a front page photo in the Sewanee Messenger to promote the concert and was happy that it was well attended, at least 60 or 70 people I think, mostly community people, friends and faculty.   It went very well.  My friend John who has seen me play for 25 yrs said, "It was my finest hour."  Don says I "nailed it," and the Music Chair Stephen thanked me for a "wonderful evening of music."

It was a 7:30pm concert and I was home before 10 pm and actually practicing for my next, last, and highest pressure concert:  my NPR show, "Live in Studio C" with Will Griffin.  I got up at 7:30am, practiced an hour and arrived at the radio station an hour ahead of time.   I was toasted so I just put my seat back and rested for 10 min before walking into the radio station.  I did not feel nervous or uptight, just wanted to make Will the host, feel at ease and have a nice short performance.  It's always a bit unnerving to play live on the air in a city like Nashville - where there are more guitarists per capita than probably anywhere on earth.  Plus, I knew the recording would be archived on the WPLN website, maybe forever.

I always like starting with the 2 Spanish Renaissance pieces I've known forever which I play with a capo.  Then, the rest of the program, I tune to drop D for the Handel, Brazilian piece, and Hudson's 'Delta.'   I didn't want to struggle on air with tuning so I brought my cheap Takamine to play the first 2 pieces with.   But it turned out that Will had brought his concert guitars in to show me.  They sounded much better than the Takamine, so I used one of them on the air.  I mentioned it in our on-the-air interview, and 'thanked him for loaning me his guitar.'   I'm sure that confused a lot of listeners... why would I play with a borrowed guitar?   Anyway, the Handel went ok... some buzzes and slight issues but no serious or discernible stops or memory slips.  I took fairly conservative tempi.   The last 2 pieces, 'Xodo de Baiana' by Reis, and 'Delta' by Hudson went really well, as did the interview.   It was a great way to end my tour and the soundfile is available to listen HERE on line.  The Sewanee Music Chair, Steve posted the link on the Sewanee Music website.  So glad it went  ok.  The tour as a whole was a success, despite the hand issues I'd been having.

St. Luke's - Sewanee

Afterward, I did not attempt to play my guitar for almost 2 weeks.   Did some construction work on my deck to get ready for a new hot tub.  Shifting my focus toward athletics and the upcoming track season.

Playing concerts is something that is in me I feel I can pull out anytime with sufficient notice.   I can get ready in 4-5 weeks to pull off a professional concert since I have a decent  foundational technique.  I've been at it a long while.   I distinctly remember staying up all night learning Guardame las Vacas as a 19 yr old, my dad leaving for work, and me still awake downstairs - telling him about the huge amount of progress I had made that night.   I played that same piece in my concerts this tour.  This concert program wasn't as difficult as some of the programs I played 15 yr ago, but still virtuosic enough, and certainly diverse... which has become a trademark of sorts for me.  Glad to have included a new work, 'Merlin's Dream' - a tremolo piece.

By contrast, athletics is more of a long term lifestyle commitment.   It doesn't take as much time on a daily basis as getting ready for a concert, but it takes more of a long term commitment - months rather than weeks.  And you can not 'cram' for a race.

It's good to have both, music and athletics.  The ancient Greeks valued both equally.     If I didn't have athletics or music, I'd find some other discipline or endeavor.  Life is a balance.   Life is definitely good.   This has been truly a great year.

Fall concerts...

My fall concert season went very well...

My program included the new Handel Suite, 4 Brazilian cafe pieces (including Brasileririnho, my new transcription), Mallorca by Albeniz, and some American fingersyle pieces including 2 Jerry Reed pieces... (Drive In, Jerry's Breakdown).   After hearing Yo-yo Ma and Paco D'Rivera play Brasileririnho, I had to find a way to play it, and I did!  The piece ended my first half.  I also played some old stuff ... my lute set, a flamenco piece, Delta, Bluetude, and Frevo.

In addition to my guest artist concerts at Mississippi State University and Wofford College, I also did a lot of public service events.   These included numerous classes at MTSU - including a 150 member intor to music class, a church service at Otey Chapel in Sewanee, a concert for Adams Place retirement community, and 2 school performances - Centennial High School in Franklin, and Evergreen Charter School in Asheville, NC.   I absolutely love playing for kids and answering their questions, and listening to their stories!

Both college trips were awesome, long drives in the University car.   First, down to Mississippi St. on the Natchez Trace, and then to Spartanburg, SC through the mountains and Asheville, NC.   Wofford College's Leonard Auditorium was quite a grand venue and a decent crowd.  Happy to receive a standing ovation.   The Evergreen Charter School was so cool, a funky young faculty, everyone wore jeans and was comfortable, laid back, and cool.  The kids were polite and smart.  They were very nice and appreciative.  Thanks to Karen and the staff.

A nice fall tour.  Here are some photos...

Wofford College - Troubadour Series 

Wofford College - Leonard Auditorium

On the road through Asheville

Evergreen Charter School - 6th grade

Mississippi State University - after concert 

A brief "non-history" of the guitar at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival

I rarely bitch about anything on this blog anymore, but.... I'm naming (some) names in this one.  I thought about writing this as an editorial in the local paper, but no... I'll just put it on my blog.  Now as a resident of Sewanee, and a guitar professor of 25 years, I have some interest, history, and perspective on this issue.

First, I need to make it clear that I have no interest in participating in the Sewanee Summer Music Festival as an employee, as it conflicts with my position as Director of Guitar Studies at the TN Governors School for the Arts.  At this point in my career, after 25 years as a Music Professor at MTSU, I enjoy time off in the summer to prepare for fall concerts.   So, my concern on this subject is really for the sake of my graduates, (many of whom are very qualified with Doctorates from prestigious Universities), and for the general standing of guitar in my community - because I love the guitar and I know others do as well.

But, there was a time when I was interested in guitar at the SSMF ... when I first came to TN, I made an inquiry to the Director and Founder, Martha McCrory ... thus, the story begins, approximately 1990 - '91.  

My conversation with McCory went something like this:  

Yelverton:  I'm interested in starting a guitar program at the SSMF.   

McCrory: Sorry but this is an orchestral and chamber music festival and there is no chamber music for guitar.   

Yelverton (stunned):  Well, maybe I should notify my chamber ensemble of that fact.
(conversation ends quickly)

McCrory also mentioned that she had been asked about this repeatedly in the past.

Yes, as a founding member of the MTSU Faculty Chamber ensemble, the Stones River Chamber Players, I was pretty stunned at this lack of perspective... saying it as kindly as I can - with all due respect to McCrory, whose musical contributions to this area are immense.  After 25 years of chamber performances, 2 European tours, commissions, and a few CDs, I can assure you, there is plenty of quality chamber music for guitar.  Everyone knows this.  

Fast forward 15 yrs to 2006.   I just happen to have a friend of a major donor to the SSMF, and was asked if I would like to attend the 50th anniversary concert - seats up front in the VIP section.  So, we attended.  There was an emotional speech by Mr. Savage, the Managing Director of SSMF, I think a plaque was dedicated to McCrory or a conductor's podium or something.  Guess who I happened to be sitting next to?  Martha McCrory.  I politely congratulated her upon her honor and mentioned I was an MTSU Music Faculty member.  She asked me what instrument I played and I said, 'classical guitar'.  She turned her away and never looked at me or said another word to me.  

Later I asked the donor if he knew Martha McCrory, he said, "yes ...  for a long time."  And  I said, "what's with her hostility toward the guitar?"  His reply was revealing.   It was suggested to her numerous times in the early years to have a guitar program and once she responded, (citing the popularity of the guitar  - paraphrasing), "If we had guitar, no one would want to play orchestral instruments."

After the concert, I went backstage and talked to both James Paul, and Mark Savage, the directors of the SSMF.   Both were enthusiastic about having a guitar program, they said they "loved the guitar" and asked me to submit materials with the idea that perhaps we could offer a guitar program in the future.  I did, and as expected, heard nothing.  

To be fair, Sewanee really doesn't have much of a Music Dept.  I think they have about 5 full time faculty, I think only 2 with Doctorates.  (MTSU by contrast - 34 full time faculty - nearly all have doctorates).  From people I know who teach adjunct at Sewanee, their impression is that it's rather lax in procedure, even lazy.   One person I talked to had to keep reminding a chair to submit paper work just to receive a hard earned adjunct paycheck.  A number of MTSU faculty have taught adjunct at Sewanee in the Music Dept., now we just send our grads to teach there, for experience, since you can't make a living as adjunct (or even for some who are called: "Visiting Professor").

There seems to be little accountability, transparency, and organization in the University.   There are people who have been teaching full time for more than a decade without ever being tenured.   University websites are poorly organized with outdated versions still up, and confusing to anyone looking for information. (The University once received an F rating for transparency in the College Sustainability Report Card, but they have improved a bit recently).   As an athlete who trains at the track, I noticed it took the University a month to put away all the lacrosse equipment, netting and goals left after the school year had ended.   This would never happen where I work, where people are held accountable, procedures are followed, and a professional way of doing things is the norm.

Case in point, I played a concert at St. Lukes in '09.  Very well attended, a professional presentation, all credit due to my colleague Don, a professor at the college (not in music) who helped organize it.  But ...when I played this last Feb., the Dept. never really followed up, or advertised the concert as they said they would.  An outside group (SLIM / WCDT radio) tried to organize it but put the wrong date in the local paper.  We even had to call campus police to open St. Luke's because the Music Dept. didn't even remember or care to unlock the door!  A bit insulting as I was donating my time and efforts to give this free concert.  We did it for a very small crowd and then the next day, people showed up to hear the concert on the wrong date.  I said screw it, and booked a concert at Otey, which was a nice experience and decently attended.  

In my experience, it's sort of a recurring theme: 'It's almost impossible to get anyone at Sewanee to lift a finger for someone else.   Kind of like that song, "I'm all right Jack, keep your hands off of my stack."   Complacency rules.  I feel really sorry for young guys trying to get a program of any kind started at this college.  It's a 'good ole boy network' of sorts.

When I say 'good ole boy network,' it was never more apparent than several years ago when they hired some guy to play the Aranjuez Guitar Concerto with the Sewanee Orchestra.  The guy got the gig because he knew a faculty member there, apparently not even in music.  This guitar soloist was so inept he couldn't play the entire concerto, so they eliminated the last movement.  Can you imagine?

Finally, one of my graduates was hired as a visiting professor of guitar at Sewanee.   I hoped he would become full time this fall, as he was led to believe would be possible, but no.  Doesn't look like that will happen.   He has worked his ass off this year for adjunct pay, even putting together a great guitar festival, playing a concerto, and doing a load of community work.   But still, no benefits and just adjunct pay.  He is extremely qualified.  Well, maybe it's at least it's a glimmer of hope for the future.  I hope it will develop into something.  

The undeniable fact is that guitar in popular.  The Sewanee Artist Series has twice presented the LA Guitar Quartet, and both times - it was one of the best attended concerts on the series.   (I was asked by the series director about advice on stage chairs, to which I responded ...  even offering to bring artist benches).   People LOVE the guitar.  At least the community does.  (The Artist Series seems always poorly attended by students - go figure).

It's funny, SSMF programed a "flamenco" piece for double bass and harp this season.   They are having Bela Fleck - banjoist perform a concerto and new work.   About as close as you come to having guitar... with no guitar.   Close, but no cigar.   

You would think that since more prestigious summer music festivals like Tanglewood, Aspen, Chautauqua, and Brevard have guitar, Sewanee might get a clue and follow suit.  But no.  Change happens slowly in "the south" ... especially at the University who carries that namesake.  

Tennessee Guitar Festival 2014

Tennessee International Guitar Competition Results:

FIRST PRIZE - Jesus Serrano (Mexico): $1200 + Glenn Perry, guitar
SECOND PRIZE - Jeremy Collins (USA): $750
THIRD PRIZE - Celil Kaya (Turkey): $500
FOURTH PRIZE - Stephen Lochbaum (Canada): $300

All prize winners received strings and accessories from D'Addario.

Thanks to the Tantalus Quartet of Stephen Mattingly, Lynn McGrath, Adam Foster and Kris Anderson who joined me in residence at my home for 5 nights... and to Stanley Yates, Silviu Ciulei and Chad Ibison.

And wow... the parties.   Not only did the Tantalus Quartet bring a wonderful judges panel to the festival, we also had a wine sommelier in residence with Adam Foster.

Friday night pasta...

Prize winners, judges, performers... friends

Saturday night paella...

Tennessee Guitar Festival 2014, May 29-31

Another great festival shaping up for next week.   We're pleased to have the Tantalus Quartet in residence as well as Stanley Yates, Silviu Ciulei, and Chad Ibison.

In addition to the $1200 First Prize for the TN Guitar Competition, the winner will receive a Glen Perry concert guitar valued at $7000.

The event is open to the public.  The Thurs - Sat schedule of event is here.

There will be 3 rounds of competition, 3 evening concerts, 2 lectures on guitar education, 2 masterclasses, and 2 great dinner party receptions.

All single events are $10, or all  festival event are $30.   Registration is available in the lobby of MTSU's Wright Music Building at any festival event.

What keeps people coming back to this festival are the good times.   Join us!   Paella anyone?

MTSU alumnus Silviu Ciulei wins Schadt String Competition

$8000 First Prize - It's surely one of the largest prizes ever won by an MTSU Grad.

The Schadt String Competition is the annual national solo string competition of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. I had a feeling Silviu would win.   He played the Giuliani op. 30 Concerto.  He first learned it in high school in Romania.  This was a stunning win due to the level of competition.  He competed against a very competitive group, GFA Prize winners, the previous 2nd Prize winner in this competition, etc...  but there was no doubt.   He received the judges unanimous decision as well as the audience ballot.

Dr. Silviu Ciulei will return to perform a concerto with the Allentown Symphony next season, as well as a series of solo concerts.

I met Silviu 10+ years ago after I performed a concerto in Constanza, Romania with the Black Sea Philharmonic.   I'm glad he decided to visit me backstage after the concert.  I immediately recognized his ability.  I tried for a year to get the MTSU upper administration to offer some help for him to come to MTSU, to no avail.  But, it was former MTSU School of Music Director, George Riordan, who recognized Silviu's talent in about 10 minutes, and later approved an unprecedentedly large scholarship package.   Without Dr. Riordan's help,  Silviu may not have been able to come to study in the USA at MTSU.

Silviu is an old-school type player... plays with a big sound, lots of rest stroke.   My type of player.

Dr. Silviu Ciulei has earned a place for himself in the US due to his extraordinary gifts and contributions.  I certainly hope the immigration system does the right thing and grants him a green card.  If anyone has earned it, he has.

Congrats gitano.

MTSU alumnus Matt Palmer at Carnegie Hall

Matt Palmer was selected with short notice to perform on the prestigious D'Addario Carnegie Hall Performance series.  He received a standing ovation:

This concert came about when a Taiwanese guitarist was unable to make it, the D'Addario Foundation had to scramble to find an American virtuoso to fill the bill.  Most people spend years preparing for a NY debut in this, the most hallowed concert hall in the world, but Matt pulled it off with three days notice, and from all reports, rocked the house.

Even more remarkable for me as a teacher, I had heard that it came down to 2 main choices: both MTSU graduates!  Silviu Ciulei was the other person they had contacted.  Silviu told me today that Michael Newman, a prominent NYC guitarist had contacted him about a 'possible concert in NY' ... not hinting it was Carnegie Hall.  The Foundation President told me she had a hard time deciding between the two.   I told her to consider Silviu for next year.  Silviu this weekend is competing in the Schadt Concerto Competition.  God, I hope he wins it.  $8000 first prize.  He took 3rd last time.

I don't know if there is a higher honor for a teacher to have a student receive a standing ovation in Carnegie Hall ... save for perhaps 2 students.   Next year, Silviu.

Matt demonstrates his nail sanding technique in between pieces in Carnegie Hall

 

Matt getting ready to bring it - the Green room selfie, Carnegie Hall

Matt has come a long way from the days of heavy metal and working on cars in the tiny east TN town of Fall Branch.   Here's Matt pulling an engine from a Chevelle...

Concerts and fireplaces

I really loved playing at Otey Parish in Sewanee.   Everything felt good ... the room, the guitar, the music, the people... it really took the edge off for my upcoming faculty recital at MTSU tonight, Feb. 10, at 8pm.  

Last Monday, I did a radio concert / interview for a station in Winchester.  It was unfortunately advertised incorrectly by the local newspaper - wrong date, so only about 20 people showed up.   It was fun to talk about my music influences and background.  But it made it difficult to focus on playing after talking several minutes in between each piece.  It went ok, but no where near as well as the Otey concert.

It's time again for the winter Olympics.... I really love the games.  Watching the Olympics makes a great backdrop for practicing guitar and lute.   I almost forgot how great my wood burning fireplace is at Cedarcrest log house, about three times the size of my fireplace in Sewanee.  I have the last of my split red oak that has now seasoned almost 5 years and wow, does it crank out the heat!

Heading back up to Sewanee tonight after the concert, so I can train indoors at the Fowler Center because it's supposed to be very cold and snowy tomorrow.  Work week starts after 4 on Tuesday. Track meet on Friday in Birmingham.

Otey Parish concert

St. Lukes radio performance / interview

Guitar Concerts in Sewanee

William Yelverton in concert
Sewanee, TN - Free concerts

Feb. 3 - 7:30 PM
St. Luke's Chapel, U of the South
Artist showcase, radio interview / performance
WCDT FM 106.9 (Winchester, TN)

Feb. 9 - 3:00 PM
Otey Parish

Music of:
Handel, Dowland, Reiss, Albeniz, Gismonti and more

The program will be 1/3 historical repertoire including a set of Elizabethan Lute Music, Spanish Vihuela pieces, and a Handel Suite.  The remainder will be Brazilian and Spanish with an ending set of American fingerstyle.  

Return to the stage

Nice to be back on stage. The audience was very appreciative. I played Bach, a Handel Suite, lute music, Brazilian and Spanish.   For a kick I ended with Hudson's 'Delta' and Jerry Reed's 'Jerry's Breakdown'.    Standing O ... and I then played Lauro's 'El Maribino' for an encore.     It went pretty well and the Traphagen spruce guitar was loud, clear and colorful.

 Apprehensive about the trigger thumb release surgery on Tues, but it's supposed to be routine. Looking forward to playing more concerts soon.

My teacher

Bruce Holzman was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and inducted into the Guitar Foundation of America Hall of Fame on June 30 at the the GFA Convention in Louisville.  Bruce just finished his 40th year of teaching, and I'm about to start my 25th,  how time flies.  Making the decision to pursue my Doctorate at FSU was one of the best decisions of my life. 

GFA is always a huge party, and I was happy to have seen a lot of my long time friends from FSU and colleagues from the guitar community.   What a wonderful time it was, very inspiring and fun... a great community. 

This photo was shot just after Bruce and Adam played a duet written by Sergio Assad especially for the occasion.  It was a rare treat to see Bruce and Adam play together. 

Playing for the kids

Camp Gailor-Maxon, an Episcopal Camp

The boy standing next to me told me he had a guitar and that he had learned C, G, and Em. I told him that was a great start! ... and that he should get his friends to play guitar too so they could have fun playing together.   He also asked me if my guitar was hand made and he said he could tell it wasn't from a music store or Walmart.

 I loved answering a thousand questions. I could do it all day.

Tennessee Guitar Festival 2013

It exceeded all expectations. 28 competitors of the highest quality. An awesome performance by Dr. Silviu Ciulei, and by our guest artists Carlos Castilla, Ben Bolt, and Richard Todd. The competition judges had their hands full. What keeps this festival growing is 'the hang' ... the parties and the celebration of our culture and music. This year was really spectacular. I think classical guitarists spend so much time alone refining their art, when it comes time to party, it is a particularly fun celebration. Some of these guys that I've seen year after year and especially former students and colleagues like Jerry, Howard, Ben, and Silviu, feel like family to me. We'll do it again next year and at GFA in a few weeks.

The competition was as high a caliber as any. There were some exceptionally fine players who didn't make the semis, and all 12 semifinalists were superb. The Finalists were truly some of the best guitarists in America, world-class.


Photos:
1) Paella!! We filled the big dish twice. 10lbs of seafood.
2) Our competition winners, the 'usual suspects' - Jeremy, Chad, and Joseph.
3) The awards presentation with our judges and prize winners
4) A brief clip from the flamenco portion of Silviu's recital. Just listen to the first 5 seconds, wow.

TN Guitar Festival ... afterparty #1

Silviu's concert was amazing.  The competition is amazing.

This is our culture, our music....

Dr. Silviu Ciulei - TN Guitar Festival featured artist

The Tennessee Guitar Festival and Competition gets underway Thursday May 30.

This year's featured artist on Friday May 31 will be Dr. Silviu Ciulei who will be playing a concert of half classical and half flamenco.   His program will include music of Asencio, Rodrigo, and Giuliani as well as an entire half of solo flamenco.

Silviu is a prize winner in nearly all of America's most important guitar competitions including GFA, Parkening, App State, Columbus, and Indiana U.



Complete schedule available at TennesseeGuitarFestival.com

2:40 am

Music

“The final aim and reason of all music is nothing other than the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit.”

― Johann Sebastian Bach

Guitar and moon

It was a great week... some random photos: the crescent moon setting and the gift of being able to play a 1947 Hauser I guitar in mint condition at a friend's home.

 This guitar is the Stradivarius of guitars. It is worth significantly more than I paid for my house. There are about 500 Strads in the world, but only a few Hauser I guitars. The provenance of this guitar is amazing. It was literally paid for with food and medicine by a physician to the Hauser family that was living in a desperate post war Germany. All of the collected letters between Hauser and the doctor are in the owner's possession. Fascinating.

I'm hoping to have my Handel Suite ready soon, maybe I'll play in church sometime in the near future. I'm just loving playing guitar again.

A bell like tone, rock solid basses ... this guitar gives everything I ask from it with sweetness, balance, and clarity.

 A dream guitar.

Tribute: Saudade

Tribute to the victims and families in CT.  When I saw the President cry, I cried.  Upon hearing the news, I immediately thought of a young boy I once knew.

Back in the 'Boro from out of town.   Saudade?  It's a Brazilian thing...

Saudade: a unique Portuguese word that has no immediate translation in English. Saudade describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves. It often carries a repressed knowledge that the object of longing will never return.  Saudade was once described as "the love that remains" after someone is gone. Saudade is the recollection of feelings, experiences, places or events that once brought excitement, pleasure, well-being, which now triggers the senses. It can be described as an emptiness, like someone or something that should be there in a particular moment but is missing.

 


 I like this tune... but I really should stop recording pieces the same day I learn them!

Porch rehearsal...

Rehearsing the Piazzolla with Andrea on my porch...

TN Guitar Music

Just learned this piece 2 days ago.   Will play it faster when I live with it for a while....

Yee Haw!

About time this TN guitarist learned some down home TN guitar music...