Document Type

Press Release

Publication Date

4-8-2011

Abstract

The energetic Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, known for diverse programs that range from Bach to bluegrass, performs Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m. in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel as the fourth and final concert of the 2010-11 Lawrence University Artist Series.

Tickets, at $22-20 for adults, $19-17 for seniors, and $17-15 for students, are available through the Lawrence Box Office in the Music-Drama Center, 420 E. College Ave., Appleton or by calling 920-832-6749.

Recognized by The New York Times for their ability to break through “barriers between classical, jazz and pop,” the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet sets the standard for virtuosity among guitar ensembles.

Nathan Wysock, who teaches classical guitar in the Lawrence conservatory of music, said a LAGQ concert is like “watching a great magician.”

“No guitar quartet better exemplifies precision, style and grace than the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. They are simply the best,” said Wysock. “They are all individual masters of the instrument, but when they come together they really create something special. When I hear them play, I am always struck by their effortless mastery. They create beautiful, exhilarating music with what appears to be a simple wave of their hands.”

Now in its 30th year of concert performances, the LAGQ traces its roots to University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where the original foursome met as students. Three of the founding members — John Dearman, William Kanengiser and Scott Tennant — are still with the quartet. The newest member, Matthew Grief, joined the group in 2006.

Known for their flair of interweaving various musical styles into their own unique sound, the LAGQ has recorded everything from baroque to tango, from jazz to John Philip Sousa.

Their CD “Guitar Heroes” won a Grammy for Best Classic Crossover Recording in 2005, while the disc “LAGQ: Latin” was Grammy nominated in the same category in 2003. Most recently, they were featured on the recording “Interchange, concertos by Rodrigo and Assad” by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, which was released last spring.

Download

Share

COinS