Some great performances graced the stage at the last Society meeting on October 5th. Our Featured Artist Ryan Walsh is a wonderfully accomplished home-grown classical guitarist (graduate of University of Oregon) who also made the bold transition to study in Spain at the Conservatorio Superior in Seville. The result is a remarkable combination of musicality and exquisite technique which, combined with a rich library of repertoire, enabled Ryan to turn himself into a human jukebox for the evening and take requests from the audience. The pieces he performed included works by Eric Satie, Fernando Sor, Leo Brouwer, Sergio Assad, Antonio Lauro and some literally evocative own compositions. If you missed his performance, stay posted because we hope he will make a return trip to Corvallis in the not too distant future!
Our Open Stage session featured the usual smorgasbord of fun music. Tom kicked off with Villa Lobos Prelude No. 4 then changed gear to serenade us with “These Foolish Things Remind Me of You”. Mike also delivered a range of styles with a piece of his own composition, followed by the jig, “Behind a Bush in the Garden” and then “Rainy Day”. Our youngest performer of the night, Dmitri, also followed a jazz trend performing Joseph Kosma’s Autumn Leaves while Jon and Berto returned to Spain with
Asturias (Leyenda) and four Sevillanas (perhaps in tribute to Ryan’s Conservatory roots?) respectively. The Ensemble session is quickly becoming a favourite for regulars and visiting artists alike. Out-of- towners are unanimously impressed with the way everyone pitches in and create a supportive fun environment. If you haven’t made it along yet, be sure to bring your guitar and join in – it’s great fun!
Our next Guitar Society Meeting will be on Monday November 2nd, 7-9pm at Gracewinds Music on 3rd St. (Use the back entrance). Because of the popularity of the open stage and ensemble sessions, we decided to focus every third meeting just on these two activities. Therefore the November Featured Artist is YOU! So please mark your calendars, bring your guitar and join us in making some fun music.
Agenda for November 2nd Meeting
7:00p – 7:05pm Welcome
7:05 – 7:45pm Ensemble – bring your guitar and join in.
BREAK & refreshments
8:00 –9:00pm Open Stage – time to get on stage and play for a friendly audience.
As a growing non-profit organization, we need all the support we can get, so please consider a donation at the door and please like us on Facebook.
Other News
Portland Classic Guitar has announced its 2015/2016 concert program and it includes some great artists including Paul Galbraith, Sharon Isbin, Berta Rojas, Edel Munoz, and the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Opportunities also exists to participate in master classes with the visiting artists. You can find out more at www.portlandclassicguitar.com.
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