Featured Performer: Janet Grohovac

Janet Grohovac
Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 7:30pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$15 adults, $10 students

Janet Grohovac, recent winner of the 2009 Northwest Guitar Competition is one of Canada’s musical gems! An Alumni of the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the University of Victoria, Janet played her first guitar competition at age 16 winning top prize in the youth division of the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival. In 2007, Janet graduated from the University of Victoria obtaining a Bachelor of Music with distinction studying under Dr. Alexander Dunn. In May 2009, Janet received her Master of Music degree from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied with Adam Holzman.  This year, Janet has returned to Austin to begin her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Texas. Janet returns home for the Summer Guitar Academy and what will be an unforgettable concert!

“Janet Grohovac offers everything someone would want from the classical guitar: elegance, style, and beautifully compelling tone!” – Classical Guitar Canada

Faculty Showcase

Guitar Academy Faculty and the Victoria Guitar Trio
Monday, July 5, 2010, 7:30pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$15 adults, $10 students

Join Alexander Dunn, Douglas Hensley, Emily Nagalbach (flute) and the Victoria Guitar Trio (Michael Dias, Adrian Verdejo and Bradford Werner) for a night of classical guitar chamber ensembles. An exciting concert of Bach, Beatles, Canadian works, and tangos!

Stephen Lochbaum

Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:45pm – 1:45pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$10 admission

Virtuoso classical guitarist Stephan Lochbaum performs transcriptions of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and J.S. Bach violin works. A multiple competition winner and extraordinary classical guitarist in all styles from solo masterworks to jazzy solos and pop arrangements this is one very versatile talent.

“One of Canada’s strongest players!” – Guitar Victoria

Competition Prizes:
1st place: $700
2nd place: $400
3rd place: $200
Youngest Competitor Prize
(presented by Bradford Werner)

Both rounds of the competition are open to the public by donation.

Semi-Finals: July 5th, 9:30-10:30am, Alix Goolden Hall

Finals: July 8th, 9:30-10:30am, Alix Goolden Hall

Faculty bios:

Alexander Dunn
B.Mus, M.Mus, San Francisco Conservatory of Music; PhD, University of California, San Diego. Extensive summer studies at the Aspen Festival and Sommerakademie Mozarteum. Performances and activities at music festivals include Darmstadt, Salzburg, Vancouver New Music, International Guitar and Lute Institute, Stetson Internatioanl Guitar Workshop, Guitar Foundation of America, Boston GuitarFest, Northwest Guitar Festival, Paracho Festival de Guitarra, Vancouver Festival, Early Music Society of the Islands, CBC Festival de Printemps, Zihuatenejo International Guitar Festival, Appalachian Guitar Festival, Singapore Youth Festival, and many others. Mr. Dunn has performed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Cuba, and numerous other places. A sought after instructor, his students are regular prize winners at regional and national competitions. Dr. Dunn is an examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music and currently heads what is considered one of Canada’s top guitar programs at the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Michael Dias
B.Mus, University of Calgary; M.Mus, University of Victoria (Guitar Performance). An enthusiastic teacher and performer, Michael Dias completed a Masters of Music in classical guitar performance under Dr. Alexander Dunn at the University of Victoria in 2008. A Calgary native, he previously studied under Jacob Salomons and has had the opportunity to play in masterclasses with reknowned artists such as David Tanenbaum, Roland Dyens, Benjamin Verdery, Adam Holzman, Judcael Perroy and Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Michael was the recipient of the first prize at the 2008 Northwest Guitar Festival.

Janet Grohovac
Janet Grohovac began her music studies at the age of 5 in Victoria, BC. Following extensive training in piano, musicianship and theory, she began guitar lessons at the age of 15. Shortly after enrolling at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Janet played her first guitar competition at age 16 winning top prize in the youth division of the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival. In 2007, Janet graduated from the University of Victoria obtaining a Bachelor of Music with distinction studying under Dr. Alexander Dunn. In May 2009, Janet received her Master of Music degree from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied with Adam Holzman. Janet enjoys attending music festivals throughout North America and has played in masterclasses for world-renowned artists such as Pepe Romero, Roland Dyens, Scott Tennant and Eliot Fisk. Most recently, Janet received first prize in the 2009 Northwest Guitar Competition. This year, Janet has returned to Austin to begin her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Texas.

Douglas Hensley

Douglas has also worked with ensembles such as Aventa, Ensemble Laude, Victoria Philharmonic Choir, Victoria Children’s Choir, CapriCCio, Anima, Les Violes de Ste Colombe, and the Civic Orchestra of Victoria, and he has appeared in faculty recitals at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and UVic. In California, he performed with numerous ensembles as well as the Symphony Orchestras of San Francisco, Berkeley and Marin. He co-founded and co-directed the contemporary music ensemble ISKRA with conductor Kent Nagano. Mr Hensley has significantly enriched the guitar’s repertoire by commissioning and premiering over 50 works by composers from many different countries, including Jean Coulthard and Murray Adaskin (Canada), Henk Badings (Holland), Hans Holewa and Rolf Martinsson (Sweden), Rudolf Kelterborn (Switzerland), Larry Polansky and David Loeb (USA), Byung Dong Paik and Hyo-shin Na (Korea), Reza Vali (Iran), Junko Mori (Japan), György Geszler (Hungary), etc. He has recorded, on several labels, a wide variety of pieces for classical and electric guitars, lutes, viola da pendola, oud, and setâr. He has studied classical Persian music with several Iranian masters in California and Paris, including Mohammad Rezâ Lotfi, Dâriush Talâ’i, Rez Ghâsemi and Mahvash Guerâmi.

Stephen Lochbaum
Classical guitarist Stephen Lochbaum began his musical studies with rock and roll and the blues when he was twelve years old. Over the years he explored every genre that came his way: jazz, blues, heavy metal, folk, county and flamenco. Stephen then attended Kwantlen University College in Langley where he began studying classical guitar with Dr. Bruce Clausen. He went on to earn his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of Victoria. His guitar studies were with Dr. Alexander Dunn. Stephen has had the opportunity to perform with Pepe and study with him in masterclasses. He performed Dr. Dunn’s newly discovered Beethoven arrangements for two guitars in Festivals and recitals in Montreal, Calgary, Tofino, and Victoria. He placed third in the 2005 Northwest Guitar Competition, and later won the 2005 Canadian National Festival classical guitar section. In 2005, Stephen began teaching at the Victoria Conservatory of Music where he stayed for 2 years. Soon after he played with the Vancouver Cantata Singers, which was to be his first radio broadcast on CBC radio 2. In 2006, Stephen began playing classical concertos, pop arrangements, and original compositions in nightclub settings around Vancouver hoping to bring this music to new audiences. Currently, Stephen is preparing for international competitions as well as maintaining a rigorous jazz and classical performance schedule.

Adrian Verdejo
Adrian Verdejo began his musical training on piano and guitar at the age of eight. He studied with Raymond Bell and Michael Holzer at the Regina Conservatory of Music. He has played electric guitar with several bands. He studied with Stephen Boswell at Capilano College and in 2004 he earned his Bachelor of Music (distinction) at the University of Victoria studying under Dr. Alexander Dunn. In 2007 he received his Master of Music from the University of Ottawa studying with Patrick Roux. he has won top prizes in music festivals and competitions and performs regularly in a variety of settings. Mr. Verdejo is a faculty guitar instructor at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Bradford Werner
AVCM (Performance/Teaching); Diploma (Camosun); Artistic Director – VCM Summer Guitar Academy 2008-2010; Examiner and instructional faculty member at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Originally from Nelson, British Columbia, Brad now resides in beautiful Victoria where he teaches and works as a freelance musician. Primary guitar studies with Dr. Alexander Dunn at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and previous studies in various disciplines with Stephen Boswell, Wes Wraggett, Stephen Brown, and Murray Visscher. In 2009 he was a finalist in the Northwest Guitar Festival Competition. Brad is currently working with Adrian Verdejo and Michael Dias as a member of the Victoria Guitar Trio and Quelus Guitar Duo premiering new works with a focus on Canadian content.

Carlo Aonzo Vancouver Mandolin Workshop

Saturday, June 12, 1 pm to 5 pm

Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver (near Renfrew Skytrain Station)

Improve your technique and learn more about the history of this beautiful instrument.

This workshop is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s top classical mandolinists. Carlo Aonzo of Savona, Italy – performer, recording artist, conductor, arranger, musicologist and instructor – has led many such sessions in Europe and in the U.S. Now here is a world-class workshop you can attend without leaving town.

The workshop, designed to benefit intermediate to advanced players, will include technical exercises, some music to work on as a group, and an interesting historical presentation.

Sign up now for Carlo’s first-ever Vancouver workshop. The cost is $50 and a limited number of places are available. For more information and to register, contact Linda Bull by email at bull.linda@gmail.com or by phone at 778-898-0688.

To learn more about Carlo: www.aonzo.com www.myspace.com/carloaonzo

Scarlatti D minor Sonata, K89, Carlo Aonzo, Mandolin

Mark your calendars now for the 2010 Summer Academies Showcase on May 15^th from 1-4pm at the VCM!

Come see what the Summer Academies are all about!  This free event will feature performances, masterclasses, open rehearsals, class demonstrations, information booths and a BBQ by donation.  Of special note is the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Award Winners Concert from 2-4pm in Alix Goolden Performance Hall during the Showcase.  We are celebrating our wonderful VCM students and their accomplishments at this year’s Festival.  While you’re there, don’t forget to enter the draw for a chance to win tickets to our Summer Series concerts or a $200 tuition voucher to a Summer Academy of your choice!

Guitar Events Include:

• 1:00 – 2:00 pm, Alix Goolden Hall, Guitar Orchestra rehearsal with Michael Dias
• 2:00 – 2:30 pm Courtyard performance by academy student Rachel Bekesza
• 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Room 302 Masterclass with Dr. Alexander Dunn (auditors welcome, participants already filled).
• 1:00 – 4:00pm, Wood Hall, Guitar Academy Booth: Questions, Info, and more with Bradford Werner.

Please visit the official website for applications and brochures and more:

• www.vcm.bc.ca (see Summer Academies -> Guitar)

• VCM Summer Guitar Academy Fanpage on Facebook

VCM Summer Guitar Academy and Competition 2010
July 5 – 9, 2010

Faculty
Bradford Werner (Artistic Director, A.V.C.M.)
Alexander Dunn (B.Mus., M.Mus., Ph.D.)
Janet Grohovac (B.Mus., M.Mus.)
Stephen Lochbaum (B.Mus., M.Mus.)
Adrian Verdejo (B.Mus., M.Mus.)
Michael Dias (B.Mus., M.Mus.)
Douglas Hensley (B.Mus., M.Mus.)

Concerts

(admission included in registration)

Faculty Showcase
Guitar Academy Faculty and the Victoria Guitar Trio
Monday, July 5, 2010, 7:30pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$15 adults, $10 students

Stephen Lochbaum
Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:45pm – 1:45pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$10 admission

Janet Grohovac
Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 7:30pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$15 adults, $10 students

Guitar Academy Student Recital
Friday, July 9, 2010, 2:00pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
Admission by Donation

Guitar Academy Student Showcase
& Orchestra Concert
Friday, July 9, 2010, 7:30pm
Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$5 admission

VCM Guitar Academy Competition 2010

Competition Prizes:
1st place: $700
2nd place: $400
3rd place: $200
Youngest Competitor Prize
(presented by Bradford Werner)

All competitors must have selected the competition checkbox on the registration form in order to compete. Furthermore, all competitors/participants are expected to audition with the artistic director before final registration (fully registered participants have already met this requirement). No changes will be made past the registration deadline (June 4th, 2010).

Required piece for round one: any Classical/Romantic Era etude (Sor, Guiliani, Mertz, etc.).

Competition Rules and Procedures:
There are two competition rounds.
The required piece for round one is any Classical/Romantic Era etude (such as Sor, Guiliani, Aguado, etc.). Competitors are encouraged to play any Classical/Romantic era work if no etude is prepared. Playing time not to exceed 7 minutes.
Three competitors will be chosen to proceed to round two as ‘finalists’. Finalists will be announced at intermission of Monday night’s concert – Faculty Showcase, Monday, July 5, 2010, 7:30pm, Wood Hall.
Round two competitors may perform any selection/s they choose but may not exceed 15 minutes total playing time. Competitors may, or may not, perform selections from round one. Prizes will be announced at Friday night’s concert: Guitar Academy Student Showcase & Orchestra Concert, Friday, July 9, 2010, 7:30pm, Wood Hall.
All finalists are expected to perform a solo selection in the Guitar Academy Student Showcase & Orchestra Concert Friday, July 9, 2010, 7:30pm., Wood Hall.

Faculty bios:

Alexander Dunn
B.Mus, M.Mus, San Francisco Conservatory of Music; PhD, University of California, San Diego. Extensive summer studies at the Aspen Festival and Sommerakademie Mozarteum. Performances and activities at music festivals include Darmstadt, Salzburg, Vancouver New Music, International Guitar and Lute Institute, Stetson Internatioanl Guitar Workshop, Guitar Foundation of America, Boston GuitarFest, Northwest Guitar Festival, Paracho Festival de Guitarra, Vancouver Festival, Early Music Society of the Islands, CBC Festival de Printemps, Zihuatenejo International Guitar Festival, Appalachian Guitar Festival, Singapore Youth Festival, and many others. Mr. Dunn has performed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Cuba, and numerous other places. A sought after instructor, his students are regular prize winners at regional and national competitions. Dr. Dunn is an examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music and currently heads what is considered one of Canada’s top guitar programs at the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Michael Dias
B.Mus, University of Calgary; M.Mus, University of Victoria (Guitar Performance). An enthusiastic teacher and performer, Michael Dias completed a Masters of Music in classical guitar performance under Dr. Alexander Dunn at the University of Victoria in 2008. A Calgary native, he previously studied under Jacob Salomons and has had the opportunity to play in masterclasses with reknowned artists such as David Tanenbaum, Roland Dyens, Benjamin Verdery, Adam Holzman, Judcael Perroy and Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Michael was the recipient of the first prize at the 2008 Northwest Guitar Festival.

Janet Grohovac
Janet Grohovac began her music studies at the age of 5 in Victoria, BC. Following extensive training in piano, musicianship and theory, she began guitar lessons at the age of 15. Shortly after enrolling at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Janet played her first guitar competition at age 16 winning top prize in the youth division of the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival. In 2007, Janet graduated from the University of Victoria obtaining a Bachelor of Music with distinction studying under Dr. Alexander Dunn. In May 2009, Janet received her Master of Music degree from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied with Adam Holzman. Janet enjoys attending music festivals throughout North America and has played in masterclasses for world-renowned artists such as Pepe Romero, Roland Dyens, Scott Tennant and Eliot Fisk. Most recently, Janet received first prize in the 2009 Northwest Guitar Competition. This year, Janet has returned to Austin to begin her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Texas.

Douglas Hensley
Douglas has also worked with ensembles such as Aventa, Ensemble Laude, Victoria Philharmonic Choir, Victoria Children’s Choir, CapriCCio, Anima, Les Violes de Ste Colombe, and the Civic Orchestra of Victoria, and he has appeared in faculty recitals at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and UVic. In California, he performed with numerous ensembles as well as the Symphony Orchestras of San Francisco, Berkeley and Marin. He co-founded and co-directed the contemporary music ensemble ISKRA with conductor Kent Nagano. Mr Hensley has significantly enriched the guitar’s repertoire by commissioning and premiering over 50 works by composers from many different countries, including Jean Coulthard and Murray Adaskin (Canada), Henk Badings (Holland), Hans Holewa and Rolf Martinsson (Sweden), Rudolf Kelterborn (Switzerland), Larry Polansky and David Loeb (USA), Byung Dong Paik and Hyo-shin Na (Korea), Reza Vali (Iran), Junko Mori (Japan), György Geszler (Hungary), etc. He has recorded, on several labels, a wide variety of pieces for classical and electric guitars, lutes, viola da pendola, oud, and setâr. He has studied classical Persian music with several Iranian masters in California and Paris, including Mohammad Rezâ Lotfi, Dâriush Talâ’i, Rez Ghâsemi and Mahvash Guerâmi.
Stephen Lochbaum
Classical guitarist Stephen Lochbaum began his musical studies with rock and roll and the blues when he was twelve years old. Over the years he explored every genre that came his way: jazz, blues, heavy metal, folk, county and flamenco. Stephen then attended Kwantlen University College in Langley where he began studying classical guitar with Dr. Bruce Clausen. He went on to earn his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of Victoria. His guitar studies were with Dr. Alexander Dunn. Stephen has had the opportunity to perform with Pepe and study with him in masterclasses. He performed Dr. Dunn’s newly discovered Beethoven arrangements for two guitars in Festivals and recitals in Montreal, Calgary, Tofino, and Victoria. He placed third in the 2005 Northwest Guitar Competition, and later won the 2005 Canadian National Festival classical guitar section. In 2005, Stephen began teaching at the Victoria Conservatory of Music where he stayed for 2 years. Soon after he played with the Vancouver Cantata Singers, which was to be his first radio broadcast on CBC radio 2. In 2006, Stephen began playing classical concertos, pop arrangements, and original compositions in nightclub settings around Vancouver hoping to bring this music to new audiences. Currently, Stephen is preparing for international competitions as well as maintaining a rigorous jazz and classical performance schedule.
Adrian Verdejo
Adrian Verdejo began his musical training on piano and guitar at the age of eight. He studied with Raymond Bell and Michael Holzer at the Regina Conservatory of Music. He has played electric guitar with several bands. He studied with Stephen Boswell at Capilano College and in 2004 he earned his Bachelor of Music (distinction) at the University of Victoria studying under Dr. Alexander Dunn. In 2007 he received his Master of Music from the University of Ottawa studying with Patrick Roux. he has won top prizes in music festivals and competitions and performs regularly in a variety of settings. Mr. Verdejo is a faculty guitar instructor at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Bradford Werner
AVCM (Performance/Teaching); Diploma (Camosun); Artistic Director – VCM Summer Guitar Academy 2008-2010; Examiner and instructional faculty member at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Originally from Nelson, British Columbia, Brad now resides in beautiful Victoria where he teaches and works as a freelance musician. Primary guitar studies with Dr. Alexander Dunn at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and previous studies in various disciplines with Stephen Boswell, Wes Wraggett, Stephen Brown, and Murray Visscher. In 2009 he was a finalist in the Northwest Guitar Festival Competition. Brad is currently working with Adrian Verdejo and Michael Dias as a member of the Victoria Guitar Trio and Quelus Guitar Duo premiering new works with a focus on Canadian content.

Lectures and Classes

From Tone to Timbre
with Stephen Lochbaum
Tone, Timbre, volume, and more! This class provides the student guitarist with expert advice on sound production and volume, one of the most challenging aspects of the instrument. Instructor Stephen Lochbaum, renowned for his strong tone and balanced control of sound, guides students through the maze of techniques and possibilities inherent to the classical guitar.

Chamber Music & The Guitar
with Adrian Verdejo
The role of the guitar in chamber music. Students are guided through the essential skills needed by any guitarist playing in an ensemble experience. This will be an interactive chamber coaching and ensemble skill-building workshop for guitarists at all levels.

Approaching the Composer: Performance Issues in the Guitar Repertoire
with Michael Dias
Through the examination of autograph manuscripts and first editions, this interactive workshop explores the issue of the composer’s intent in his/her’s compositions. Works by Villa-lobos, Falla, and Ponce (and others) will be discussed. The course includes practical performance hints and interpretation skills for the student guitarist.

Guide to the Renaissance Lute
with Douglas Hensley
An introduction to Renaissance lute tablature with an emphasis on accessing the wealth of 6-course lute music just waiting for the guitarist to retune their G string and start playing. Topics include an introduction to lute tablature of the 16th century, playing directly from those sources, a sampling of the 6-course lute repertoire, as well as demonstration of the renaissance lute itself.Application Deadline: June 4, 2010
Classes fill up quickly, so apply early. Registrants after this date may be accepted on a space-available basis, but will not be guaranteed full services.

To apply for the Summer Guitar Academy, please complete and send in the Application Form or apply in person at the VCM.

Financial Assistance
Bursary Deadline: May 15, 2010
Some bursary assistance will be available. Applicants must comply with all deadlines and requirements. Late applicants will not be considered for financial assistance.

To apply for a bursary, please fill in the Bursary Application Form* and return it to:

Katie Pinilla
Student Accounts/Financial Aid Coordinator
Victoria Conservatory of Music
900 Johnson Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3N4

Or by fax to 250-386-6602

Refund Policy

Accommodation
Out-of-town students are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements. Reasonable rates are offered at the University of Victoria residences. Phone: 250-721-8395 or email: housing@uvic.bc.ca.

Program Information
Bradford Werner, Artistic Director
250-592-9278

General Information
Emily Nagelbach
Manager, VCM Summer Academies
250-386-5311 ext.231

* Due to the fact that the summer bursaries are funded by a corporate sponsor, we require financial information to award a bursary.

I am delighted to extend an invitation to the 20th Northwest Guitar Festival, April 9-11, 2010, hosted by the Victoria Conservatory of Music in beautiful Victoria, BC. The festival boasts the ‘best of the west’ with an emphasis on the wonderful resources and talents of performing artists from western Canada including Janet Grohovac, Stephen Lochbaum, Victoria Guitar Trio, Duo Verdejo, Oberon Guitar Trio, Continuum Consort, and festival director Alexander Dunn.

The final concert is the incomparable Pepe Romero. Aside from a whirlwind touring schedule, Maestro Romero is an honorary doctorate recipient from the University of Victoria and is the force behind Victoria’s energetic guitar scene. His concert will be greatly anticipated.

Presentations and masterclasses will be offered by Stephen Boswell, lutenist Ray Nurse, composer John Oliver, Randy Pile and festival artists. Composer/performer Michael Nicolella will lead the Canadian premiere of his Vals Eterna with festival faculty and participants.

Players from western Canada and the US Northwest will vie for NWGF Competition prizes: 4th - $250CAD,
3rd – $450CAD, 2nd – $600CAD, 1st – $1000CAD

Please visit the Victoria Conservatory of Music website (http://www.vcm.bc.ca/) and click under “VCM Special Events” for general information on registration, festival programming, competition details, travel, and accommodation. Online and mail-in registration and payment is available.

I encourage you to forward this invitation to your friends, students, and guitar enthusiasts. I look forward to seeing you in Victoria to help celebrate an extraordinary guitar event.

Alexander Dunn
2010 Northwest Guitar Festival Director

Alexander Dunn & Friends
Friday, April 9, 8:00pm, Alix Goolden Hall

Victoria Virtuosi – Janet Grohovac & Stephen Lochbaum
Saturday, April 10, 8:00pm , Alix Goolden Hall

PEPE ROMERO
Sunday – 11 April at 8pm at the Alix Goolden Hall, Victoria
Conservatory of Music. Tickets cost $38.50 for adults and $5 off for
students and are available through the McPherson Box Office
(www.rmts.bc.ca or 250.386.6121) or at the door.

Tickets for evening concerts at the Northwest Festival will be available through the McPherson box office (www.rmts.bc.ca or 250.386.6121) or at the door.

Festival Concerts

Continuum Consort (Elizabeth MacIsaac, soprano; Emily Nagelbach, flute; Molly Janz, viola; Douglas Hensley, guitar) &
Victoria Guitar Trio (Michael Dias, Bradford Werner, Adrian Verdejo)
Friday April 9, 2:00pm, Wood Hall

Competition Semi-Finals
Saturday April 10, 9:30am, Wood Hall

Oberon Guitar Trio (Brad Mahon, Ralph Maier, Murray Visscher) &
Duo Verdejo (Meghan & Adrian Verdejo)
Saturday April 10, 2:00pm, Wood Hall

Youth Showcase + MultipleGuitars
Sunday April 11, 10:00am, Wood Hall
NWGF artists and students in a program of mixed ensembles, with the Canadian premiere of Vals Eterna by Michael Nicolella.
If you wish to apply to the Youth Showcase concert (age 18 and under), please send your request, resume and program information to Bradford Werner

Competition Finals
Sunday April 11, 2:00pm, Alix Goolden Hall

Presentations

John Oliver
Music of John Oliver
A discussion of the composers’ works and evolving trends
Friday April 9, 12:00-1:00pm, Wood Hall

Randy Pile
BC Guitar Encounter
Guitars by British Columbia luthiers Mikhail Robert, Fritz Mueller, Marcus Dominelli, and Douglass Scott. Mr. Pile will present and perform on each instrument. The luthiers will be available for discussion and private showing of instruments.
Saturday April 10, 12:00-1:00pm, Wood Hall

Ray Nurse
Music of John Dowland
The seminal Renaissance figure is examined by Canada’s premiere lutenist and lute builder
Sunday April 11, 12:00-1:00pm, Wood Hall

Masterclasses

Stephen Boswell
Instruction by one of Vancouver’s finest guitar proponents
Friday April 9, 4:00-6:00pm, Wood Hall

Alexander Dunn
Instruction by one of the most respected teachers in North America
Saturday April 10, 4:00-6:00pm, Wood Hall

Oberon Guitar Trio Masterclass
Instruction by Calgary’s most prominent guitarists/instructors, in residence at Mount Royal Conservatory
Sunday April 11, 5:30-7:00pm, Wood Hall

Other Activities

Vals Eterna, Michael Nicolella, director
One of the most interesting and experienced guitar performer/composers in North America, Michael Nicolella conducts the Canadian premiere of his guitar octet with faculty from the Northwest Guitar Festival.
Rehearsals: April 9, 6:00-7:00pm, April 10, 10:30am-12:00pm, Sunday April 11, 9:00am-10:00am. Performance: Sunday, April 11, 10:00am.

May 2nd at the Cowichan Theatre in Duncan BC: Click here for information and tickets!

We’ll be back at the venerable Cowichan Theatre May 2 to record a live CD for Pacific Music, Warner Canada. This will mark the debut of the 11th annual IGN tour touring the United Kingdom, Canada, and the USA in 2010-2011. For the 11th annual International Guitar Night, Brian will be joined by Clive Carroll, England’s show-stopping steel string guitarist and favorite IGN alumnus; Alexandre Gismonti, exciting young Brazilian guitarist and son of the legendary Egberto Gismonti, and Pino Forastiere from Italy, one of the leading players of the new contemporary steel string guitar world.

The Performers

Clive Carroll was recently described as“the best and most original young acoustic guitar player and composer in Britain” (Acoustic Guitar Magazine).

Clive was born on April 8, 1975 and has been immersed in a diverse range of music ever since. His mother plays the button accordian and sings traditional Irish ballads. His father is an accomplished bodhran player, banjo player, and instrument maker. Putting his considerable skill to use when Clive was little more than eighteen months old, his father made him his first banjo. By the age of ten, Clive was performing regularly with his family band, and as a soloist. At the age of twelve, Clive took up the guitar. Only eleven years later, in the summer of 1998, he achieved a 1st Class Honours degree in Classical Guitar& Composition from Trinity College of Music, London.

Throughout his musical career, Clive has been awarded an array of prizes including;
1994 John Halford Prize for Composition
1994 Gladys Puttick Memorial Prize for Extemporisation
1997 Ivor Mairants Guitar Award
1997 Continuum Ensemble ~ National Improvisation Competition (Finalist)
1998 Gladys Puttick Memorial Prize for Extemporisation
1998 Montagu Cleeve Prize for Guitar
1999 Essex Young Musician of the Year

Clive’s debut solo album was released in 1999 under the Old Bridge Music record label and has been lauded by John Renbourn, John Williams and Christy Moore amongst others. He has toured most recently with John Renbourn, Tommy Emmanuel, and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, and in 2004 Clive was included in Total Guitar Magazine’s “Top 10 Acoustic Guitarists of all Time”. His 2nd CD, the Red Guitar, was released in Summer 2004 to great critical acclaim.

In 1998, CLIVE CARROLL (born in Chelmsford) was given the opportunity to play at his local pub with JOHN RENBOURN – one of the world’s seminal and still hugely influential guitarists. John was also a pivotal member of PENTANGLE, a group that also featured BERT JANSCH and JACQUI McSHEE. That night, Renbourn encouraged him to record a solo album, and finally in 1999 after playing a support to CHRIS NEWMAN & MAIRE Ni CHATHASAIGH, Clive was given his first record deal by their label, ‘Old Bridge Music’.

The only guitar player to win the Essex Young Musician of the Year (1999), Clive’s long awaited 2nd solo album, ‘The Red Guitar’ contains eleven original pieces as well as works by Gilbert Biberian & Wayne Shorter,(formerly of jazz supremos, WEATHER REPORT). This is just one stunning review -

Truly a guitarist for all seasons, Carroll here delivers an album full of ornamentation and filigree, putting him up there with his peers such as John Renbourn and Tommy Emmanuel. Inspirations run from newgrass and fusion jazz to the inevitable Irish stylings, all cleanly arranged and immaculately interpreted. Rating: THUMBS UP! ( FRoots magazine)

His first solo CD, ‘Sixth Sense’ received an unusually high level of attention from radio shows, reviewers and journalists and has since been described as “a milestone in the journey of the steel-string guitar”. Over the next two years John Renbourn took Clive on tour all over Europe and America. In 2002 the BMG/RCA record label took an interest in Clive. He recorded solo for them on one album, which is still selling very well.

Pino Forastiere

The music of Italian guitarist Pino Forastiere comes from a solid classical, contemporary, and rock background that is hard to define. He employs a dazzling blend of slapping, tapping, strumming, altered tunings, and harmonics combined with classical phrasing and a focus on distinct and addictive melodies. His music is “something like a mix of Steve Reich’s interlocking rhythmic patterns meet Michael Hedges’s techniques, all while admiring Eddie van Halen” (John Schaefer, WNYC Radio).

Born in Latronico, Southern Italy, Pino moved with his family to Rome in his early childhood. In 1992 he graduated from one of the most prestigious European Music Academy, Santa Cecilia Conservatory of Rome, with a degree in classical guitar, taking his final exam with a ten-string classical guitar. In the following years, he used this ten-string guitar in live performances with baroque, contemporary and original repertoire. In 1996 he laid down this instrument and picked up a six-string acoustic guitar. He has studied composition and chamber music, performed in various ensembles with classical or original repertoire, and collaborated with jazz, experimental, electronic and pop projects.

Pino Forastiere lives in Rome, Italy; he performs in festival and venues in Italy, United States and Canada, also for classical societies; in January 2008 he premiered at Teatro Palladium in Rome “Why Not?”, an epic concerto for electro-acoustic guitar and string orchestra (Roma Tre Orchestra, conductor Pietro Mianiti). Live recording of the concerto “Why Not?” is contained and gives the title to his third solo album, released by Candyrat Records (2008). His latest work, “Live DVD/CD” (Candyrat, 2009) is a ‘best of’ from all his previous solo compositions.

Since 2003, year of release of his debut solo album “Rag Tap Boom”, Pino collaborates with the fingerstyle leading authority John Stropes, Director of Guitar Studies of the UWM University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and editor of guitar composer such as Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, Alex de Grassi.

» Hits the clearness of the brilliant sound, resolute andsometimes freezing while related to the warmth of harmonizing,cultured but “felt”. It’s hard to find a Cd for solo instrument thatcould be completely appreciated also by non-instrumentists: hereis one.Daniele Bergesio, World Music Magazine

» Contrary to the in-your-face approach taken by many of hispeers, Forastiere opts to delay overt flexing of his guitar musclesuntil quite late in the disc, thus drawing the listener in with hisgentle musical narrative rather than with garish technicaldisplays. This disc is truly exceptional because its virtuosicqualities are secondary to its inception as a piece of fine art.Timothy Smith, Minor7th.com

» Like Hedges, Forastiere employes a dazzling blend of slapping,tapping, strumming, altered tunings and harmonics. However, healso combines those elements with classical phrasing and a focuson distinct and addictive melodies. Anil Prasad, Guitar Player» It’s fun to watch, and it amuses Forastiere as much asanyone. He grinned at his hands as if they were mischievouschildren at play.
Tom Strini, Journal Sentinel – from the review of the concert held
at UM Peck School Recital Hall of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on
November 18, 2005.

Alexandre Gismonti

A guitarist from a renowned family, with a profound musical knowledge, Alexandre Gismonti has developed his own language as both a performer and composer.

With his father, the legendary Egberto Gismonti, he has played in major theaters and festivals in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Cuba, México, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Spain, Israel, Denmark, Portugal, and France.

As a soloist, Alexandre has performed in theaters both in Brazil and abroad, including the Baden Powell Room, Finep, Ibam, Cecília Meirelles, SESCs, Furnas Cultural, Municipal Theaters in several cities, and the series “Music in the Stars” (Planetarium of Rio de Janeiro) in “Music at the Museum”.

In 2002, Alexandre represented Brazil in the international guitar festival “Entre Cuerdas”, in Chile. In 2003, he performed as a soloist in the 41st Villa-Lobos Festival, in Rio de Janeiro. In 2004, he was selected for the 7th Visa award prize of Brazilian music, in São Paulo.

In 2001, Alexandre made his recording debut with Egberto Gismonti on the disk “Nicanor Teixeira ” (Rob Digital). In 2006, he recorded his own arrangements, interpreted by the great singer Jane Duboc, in the disk “Golfinho Gaivota” (Independent).

Alexandre’s compositions have been selected for important Brazilian instrumental music festivals, such as the 1st Festival Guarulhos instrumental (Guarulhos-SP), the 1st Tim festival of “choro” (Belem-PA), and the 7th Visa prize.

He has received much critical praise in both the Brazilian and foreign press. According to the newspaper “Brecha”, Uruguay, July 2001:

“The son of Egberto is a young guitar virtuoso. Alexandre`s approach is very different from that of his father… he played with an amazing interpretive authority for his age of 20”.

As the culmination of a long and illuminating musical journey, Alexandre returned to the studio in 2007 to record another duet record with his father for ECM Records. In this project, Alexandre split with Egberto all the arrangements and compositions for two guitars.

In 2009, Alexandre’s first solo CD will be released. As an established touring artist, Alexandre performs in various configurations. In solo performances or with his trio, he presents a repertoire ranging from new arrangements of Brazilian music classics to his own compositions. He also plays in another trio, with Eli Joory (saxophonist and composer) and Michel Maciel (guitarist). And, Alexandre regularly appears beside Egberto Gismonti, bringing new music and new acclaim to his father’s brilliant career, and assurance that his legacy lives on in capable hands.

Brian Gore

“Brian Gore’s strong, well developed melodies and intriguing chord sequences set him apart from the myriad of steel-string fingerstylists who compose in open tunings. His finely crafted poetic “songs without words” take the listener on a spellbinding emotional ride.”
–Ron Forbes Roberts, Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“An artist of the highest caliber.”
–Ray Toumey, the Boulder Chautauqua

San Francisco guitar poet Brian Gore is gaining a reputation as one of the most interesting and influential performers of “the next generation” in fingerstyle guitar. A musical romantic, his compositions draw inspiration from myth and modern literature. Hailed as having “…one of the most unique new acoustic guitar styles on the scene today (News and Review),” his lyrical, understated compositions integrate classical and percussive techniques that display what the Los Angeles Times calls “a characterful bounce and spaciousness all his own.”

Gore’s style of playing offers strikingly beautiful tone and dynamics– qualities that are often hard to find in steel string players. His melodic, evocative songs rely heavily on the use of open tunings, extending the “stream of consciousness” style of guitar composing he grew up with in Northern California. “Music started out as a kind of therapy for me,” says Gore. “Consequently, I am a very emotional player. Now, my style of playing has also become a well honed craft. I am very grateful I can share this with people.”

His buoyant personality and odd sense of humor help add lightness to his shows. “By the time I’m done with a performance,” explains Gore, “people really know the meaning of the term ‘extroverted introvert’.” While Gore integrates some of the flashier percussive techniques into his pieces, the poetic quality of his music is preserved. “Because my music is simple and somewhat rootsy, it’s easy to relate to, which is something I’m thankful for. Also, it helps keep me grounded.”

Gore is an artist in residence at the Boulder Chautauqua, and endorses LR Baggs Equipment, Ryan Guitars and Morris Guitars. He is founder of the International Guitar Night, sponsored by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. His first CD, produced by Peppino D’Agostino, is called The Path of Least Resistance. His second CD, Legacy: Solo Guitar and Duets, is available on Germany’s Acoustic Music Records Label. His music has been featured on NPR’s nationally syndicated Echoes Radio, and many other local public radio programs.

Brian founded The International Guitar Night in 1995 as a forum for the world’s finest guitarists/composers to play their latest original songs and share musical ideas with their peers in public concert. This has evolved into critically acclaimed annual tours in the US (starting in 2000), Canada (starting in 2006) and the UK (starting in 2007), a CD on Favored Nations Records released in 2004, a guitar instruction book published in 2005, and IGN releases on Warner Music Canada (the 3rd annual CD will be released in 2008).

Tickets – $38.50 ($5 student discount) and are available through the McPherson Box Office (Pepe Romero tickets) or 250.386.6121) or at the door.

Pepe Romero is an acclaimed living legend in the world of classical music. The feature concert of the Northwest Guitar Festival.

www.vcm.bc.ca

Maestro Romero maintains a whirlwind touring schedule and is regarded as one of the top classical musicians in the world. He has played for US presidential administrations, the Vatican, the Prince of Wales, the Queen of Sweden, has been knighted by the King of Spain, and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Victoria. The richness and beauty of Romero’s music has been communicated to millions of people throughout the world.  Victoria is delighted to host Pepe Romero for this special concert and he will be joined by his colleague Alexander Dunn.

DATE/TIME: February 11th, 2010, 8:00pm
VENUE: Alix Goolden Hall – Victoria Conservatory of Music 907 Pandora Ave.

Tickets at the door: $10 General / 5 Students & Seniors
www.guitarvictoria.com
Info: admin@guitarvictoria.com

A showcase of Victoria’s Professional Talent. Proceeds go toward Guitar Victoria and to guitar programs in need such as the Victoria Conservatory Summer Guitar Academy.

We need your support so spread the word and come see a great concert!

Free tickets to students age 15 and under, pick them up at the Victoria Conservatory Front Desk (900 Johnson Street, M-F 9:00-5:00pm. There’s still 20 left so pick them up fast!

Join our Facebook event!

Join our event and invite your friends…it makes you just plain awesome!

Performers include:

• Victoria Guitar Trio performing latin influenced trio music by Patrick Roux
• Continuum Consort, soprano Elizabeth MacIsaac, flutist Emily Nagelbach, and guitarist Douglas Hensley Songs of Mystery and Night by David Loeb
• Carli & Julie Kennedy , performing original songs from their recent recording!
  
• VCM Guitar Orchestra, directed by Michael Dias
  
• Quelus Duo, performing the first movement of Hetu’s Double Guitar Concerto with string quartet: the string trio is Satori Strings: Cathryn Kennedy, Zachary Taylor and Elizabeth Jane Fields and to form the quartet we have special guest Philip Manning.
• Duo Verdejo, performing works for Viola and Guitar (Megan Verdejo, viola)
  
• Alexander Dunn, performing Beatles arrangements and in music by John Oliver in guitar quartet
  
• Douglas Hensley, performing with the spectacular Continuum Consort
• Michael Dias, performing in nearly everything! What a guy! Victoria Trio, Quelus
  
• Bradford Werner, your host for the night, Quelus Duo, Victoria Trio
  
• Adrian Verdejo, joins Megan Verdejo to showcase guitar-viola works, Victoria Trio
  

Intermission will feature draw prizes for: Free guitar lessons from the performers, CDs, books, and more!

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La Guitarra en México
Oct. 25-29

Mexico comes to Victoria with a five-day residency by four leading instructors/performers from the state of Veracruz. Topics include the Veracruz Son, Manuel Ponce, and Mexican guitar music. The masterclasses will focus on Latin music and its influences. All events are open to the public and are admission by donation. The schedule is as follows:

Concert – Randall Kohl & Gustavo Castro
Sunday Oct. 25, 8pm.
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
Works of Kohl, Berkeley, Dyens and Head

Masterclass: Music of Manuel Ponce by Enrique Velasco
Monday Oct. 26, 5-6:30pm
UVic School of Music, Rm. B106
Nikki Payie and Michael Dias perform the Cabezon and Folia Variations of Ponce.

Lecture: Historically Informed Musical Interpretation by Dr. Gustavo Castro
Wednesday Oct. 28, 12:30-1:30pm
UVic School of Music Rm. B016
An in-depth discussion of historical style and its application to guitar repertoire.

Lecture: The Veracruz Son Jarocho by Dr. Randall Kohl
Thursday Oct. 29, 1–2:15pm
McLaurin Music Wing, Rm. B120
African, Spanish and indigenous elements combine to create the son, a type of music, song and cultural lifestyle from the port city of Veracruz. During Spanish colonial times, the Catholic Church tried unsuccessfully to ban the son, but its irrepressible energy and tendency to deride death and the church, persisted.

Concert – Enrique Salmeron & Enrique Velasco
Tuesday Oct. 27, 8pm
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
Musica de Ponce – including Suite in a minor, Cabezon Variations,
5 Preludes, 3 Mexican Songs, 4 Pieces for Guitar

Lecture: Mexican Guitar Music by Enrique Salmerón
Thursday Oct. 29, 5-6:30pm
UVic School of Music, Rm. B106
Style, repertoire and trends in guitar music written by composers from Mexico.

Concert – Randall Kohl, Gustavo Castro,
Enrique Salmeron, Enrique Velasco
Thursday Oct. 29, 8pm
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
Trios and quartets by Diabelli, Loman, Kohl, and Los Beatles.

Summer Guitar Academy and Competition 2009
July 6 – 10, 2009

Official Website: www.vcm.bc.ca/summerguitar/index.html

Bradford Werner, Artistic Director

We are delighted to invite you to the Victoria Conservatory of Music for the Summer Guitar Academy and Competition 2009, taking place in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Classical and acoustic guitarists will study, perform, and aspire with artists Adrian Verdejo, Michael Dias, Alexander Dunn, Douglas Hensley, and Bradford Werner. Concerts, classes, competitions, and exciting activities round out what will be an energizing week in one of Canada’s most exciting guitar centres.

Faculty
Bradford Werner (Artistic Director, A.V.C.M.)
Adrian Verdejo (B.Mus., M.Mus.)
Michael Dias (B.Mus., M.Mus.)
Douglas Hensley (B.Mus., M.Mus.)
Alexander Dunn (B.Mus., M.Mus., Ph.D.)

Programs
Summer Guitar Academy
4.5 hours of warm-up/yoga sessions; 5 hours of guitar orchestra; 7.5 hours of masterclass; 4 hours of performance workshops/lectures; performance in Student Concert; complimentary admission to Faculty Concerts.

Private Lesson Package
Addition of two one-hour private lessons with a Summer Guitar Academy faculty member for students enrolling in the Guitar Academy.

Activities
Warm-up and Technique Sessions
Guitar Orchestra
Masterclasses
Private Lessons
Performance Workshops and Lectures
Faculty Recitals
Student Recitals
Competition

Concerts
Summer Guitar Academy Faculty Concert
Monday, July 6, 2009, 7:30pm
Robin and Winifred Wood Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$15 adults, $10 students

Victoria Guitar Trio
Wednesday, July 8, 2009, 7:30pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Victoria Conservatory of Music
$15 adults, $10 students

Academy Student Recital
Friday, July 10, 2009, 7:30pm
Metro Studio
Victoria Conservatory of Music
Admission by Donation

Academy Competition
Academy participants are encouraged to compete and experience the Academy Competition, but participation is not mandatory. Prizes: $600, $300, $100 and more! Required piece: any Classical Era etude (such as Sor, Guiliani, Aguado, etc.).

Application Information
Deadline: June 8, 2009
Please visit the official website: www.vcm.bc.ca/summerguitar/index.html

Program Information
Bradford Werner, Artistic Director
E-mail: brad@bradfordwerner.ca
250-592-9278