Guitar Houston 2007-2008 Concert Season

This year's concert season will feature an elite line-up of internationally recognized and prestigious concert artists. Also we will have master classes, artist receptions, and more!

Pepe Romero - Saturday 10/13/07

Thomas Viloteau (2006 GFA competition winner) - Saturday 12/8/07

Jason Vieaux - Saturday 1/19/08

Adam Del Monte - Saturday 2/16/08

Raphaella Smits - Saturday 4/19/08

GUITAR HOUSTON is pleased to announce its 2007/2008 International Concert Series.

In our ninth year as Houston's premiere fine arts organization dedicated to classical guitar, we are pleased to offer a diverse season ranging from Spanish traditional and flamenco idioms to jazz and 19th c. Romantic guitar repertoire on a period instrument.

The season begins with the maestro..... Pepe Romero, Saturday, October 13th, 2007, at 8 PM. With Pepe's third appearance for GH, there are three certainties: virtuosic performance with a Spanish accent, a metaphysical connection between performer, music and guitar, and, of course, an enormous audience!

His accolades are too numerous to list here but for those unfamiliar with the maestro, I will relate he has performed and recorded with the London, New York, Los Angeles and I Musici orchestras, circumnavigated the globe continuously in his forty plus year career playing in all the great concert houses, and recorded over 30 CDs.

I was told by a great American concert guitarist that, "Pepe owns the Concierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo and the rest of us are renting it". Need I say more?

For additional background on the legend that is Pepe Romero, please visit www.guitarhouston.org for a link to his website and the websites of all our featured artists.

IMPORTANT! All tickets for Pepe are reserved seats. Those who purchase early get the best seats. DO NOT DELAY. As always, GH member season ticket subscribers sit in the front four rows all year for a mere $95.

On Saturday, December 8th, 2007, at 8 PM, 22 year old Parisian, Thomas Viloteau, takes the stage to demonstrate why he won the 2006 Guitar Foundation of America Competition.

Having studied with French guitar phenom, Judicael Perroy (a GH favorite) and guitarist/composer Roland Dyens, this rising star has placed first at numerous guitar competions including the Salou Guitar Competition (Spain), the Segovia International Competition (Spain), the Ville d'Antony International Competition in Paris and the Mottola Competition in Italy.

Thomas is currently on a seven month concert tour of over 50 cities in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Jason Vieaux, the great American guitar virtuoso, will make his second GH appearance on Saturday, January 19,2008, at 8 PM, performing a program featuring the music of Spain, Latin America and American jazz. His newest CD release, "Images of Metheny," is a recording landmark featuring Jason's transcriptions of jazz guitar great, Pat Metheny.

In addition to his programming innovations, Jason has premiered contemporary compositions by composers such as Jose Luis Merlin, Eric Sessler, Arthur Hernandez, Gary Schocker and Fazil Say.

When Jason is not in the studio recording or touring, he heads the guitar program at the Cleveland Institute of Guitar.

On Saturday, February 16, 2008, at 8 PM, Israeli born Adam del Monte makes his second GH appearance straddling two musical genres with his guitar artistry. Trained both in classical and flamenco guitar, his interpretations of Albeniz and Granados are uniquely his own and stand with the best.

Many flamenco guitarists will tell you classical guitarists cannot play flamenco with authenticity (too pretty!); conversely, classical guitarists complain that flamencos don't play pretty enough when they attempt to cross over. Well.....Senor del Monte destroys this conventional wisdom with machine gun rasqueados, rhythmic ferocity, and the nuanced, interpretive classical guitar skills one expects from only a dedicated classical guitar performer of the highest order.

Adam lived and studied with the gypsies of the Sacromonte in Granada, Spain, before learning and performing with Flamenco guitar maestros such as Pepe "Habichuela," Paco Cortez and Gerardo Nunez.

Besides being the newest member of the Falla Guitar Trio, Adam has debuted a progressive flamenco ensemble blending jazz with flamenco.

When not touring, Adam teaches on the guitar faculty of the University of Southern California.

To conclude our season on Saturday, April 19, 2008, we welcome the long awaited debut of Belgian 19th c. guitar specialist, Raphaella Smits.

Raphaella will be performing on a 19th c. Mirecourt seven string guitar, breathing life into the compositions of the likes of Mertz, Coste, Legnani, Giuliani et al.

Her accomplishments extend beyond the 19th c. rep to include collaborations with Jorge Cordoso and Carlo Domeniconi.

A thirty year career of performing worldwide has resulted in a 16 CD discography reflecting her interest and artistry in communicating the music of the 19th c. through the present.

Well there they are....five terrific concerts for this 07/08 season.

Please join us this year and do consider purchasing the entire season with a membership. GH is a nonprofit corporation comprised of unpaid volunteers whose passion is to bring to you the best classical guitar acts on the planet. Our only revenue is from ticket and membership sales.

Help us reach our goal of 100 season ticket subscribers this year so we can continue to create and maintain a vibrant classical guitar scene in our city. Spread the joy....buy an extra pair of season tickets and introduce family and friends to what we know to be one of life's great treasures.

On behalf of the Guitar Houston Board of Directors, thank you for your support and we will see you at the concert !

All the best,

David Barfield
Director
Guitar Houston

Pepe Romero

"Orchestral power and vocal lyricism!" - New York Times

Guitar Houston is pleased to sponsor internationally acclaimed concert artist Pepe Romero in our 2007/2008 concert season. Pepe Romero is widely recognized as one of the top classical guitarists world-wide. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see Pepe Romero in an intimate venue. Concert season ticket buyers will have the first opportunity to obtain tickets.

Concert Saturday 10/13/07, 8 PM, at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (click for directions...).

Master Class Sunday 10/14/07, at the Black Labrador from 1:30 to 4:30. The master class is now full for performers. Auditors are welcome to attend and observe. The master class is in a private room at the Black Labrador Pub on Montrose Blvd. (same location as the Christmas party): 4100 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006, between Richmond and Alabama; (713) 529-1199; Free parking garage behind the pub.

Ticket prices:
Guitar Houston members: $30
Non members: $35

For the best seats, purchase your tickets now. Tickets can be obtained using a credit card by calling Joe Hanlon at 713 665 2712. Or, mail a check payable to Guitar Houston, 4149 Bellaire Blvd., #229 Houston, TX 77025. Include $2 for postage/handling if you want tickets mailed to you (they will be sent late August/early September). Include your current address and phone number.

For more information about Pepe Romero, view the Pepe Romero website:

BIO and REVIEWS: WWW.PepeRomero.COM

Pepe Romero Recital Program, 2007 Houston

Federico M. Torroba (1891-1982)
Suite Castellana:
1. Fandanguillo
2. Arada
3. Danza

Joaquín Malats (1872-1912)
Serenata Española (arr Romero)

Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)
Capricho árabe

Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909)
Rumores de la Caleta
Granada (arr Romero)
Sevilla

--------------Intermission------------

Gerardo Hernan Matos Rodrigues (1900-1948)
La Cumparsita (arr. Romero)

Manuel Ponce (1882-1948)
Tres Canciones Populares Mexicanas:
1. La Pajarera
2. Por ti mi Corazón
3. La Valentina

Celedonio Romero (1913-1996)
Fantasía Cubana

Pepe Romero (1944)
Homenage a Sabicas (flamenco ad libitum)

Thomas Viloteau

Guitar Houston is pleased to sponsor from Paris, the young virtuoso and multiple international guitar competition winner Thomas Viloteau in our 2007/2008 concert season. Thomas won first prize in the world's premier competition, at the Guitar Foundation of America. Thomas Viloteau has placed first in several competitions, including the Salou guitar competition (Spain), the Segovia international competition in Linares (Spain), the Ville d'Antony international competition in Paris, the Mottola competition held in Italy, and most recently he received first prize in the 2006 Guitar Foundation of America competition.

Concert Saturday 12/8/07, 8 PM, at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (click for directions...).

For more information about Thomas Viloteau, view the GFA website:

BIO: Thomas Viloteau

Jason Vieaux

American Record Guide - "Vieaux is a strong, expressive player with a gift for lyricism and an easy virtuosity."
Cleveland Plain Dealer - ".. an intimate encounter between music, musician and audience. Every work received meticulous and refined treatment."

Guitar Houston is pleased to again sponsor Jason Vieaux as part of our concert season.

For more information about Jason Vieaux, view the Jason Vieaux website:

BIO and REVIEWS: http://jasonvieaux.com/

Jason Vieaux is expanding the definition of “Classical Guitarist” and changing the face of guitar programming, building a solid audience and fan base along the way. His ever-growing reputation for putting his expressive gifts and virtuosity at the service of the music earns him an active schedule of solo, chamber and concerto appearances around the US and abroad.

Jason Vieaux has eight recordings to his credit and many more to come. His latest release, Images of Metheny, is a disc of music by American Jazz guitarist/composer Pat Metheny. Metheny, after listening to this landmark recording, declared: "I am flattered to be included in Jason's musical world. And I am honored that a musician of his stature has directed his considerable talents to manifest such beautiful and true renditions of these pieces in such a personal way."

Concert Saturday 1/19/08, 8 PM, at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (click for directions...).

Master Class Sunday 1/20/08, 1-4 PM
Location: Cannonsong Guitar Studio

Adam Del Monte

Guitar Houston is pleased to again sponsor the passion and inspiration of Adam Del Monte in our regular concert season.

“If any performer on any instrument has presented this work (Albeniz) with such energy and brilliance, then it has escaped my notice. A magnificent debut from a guitarist with all the hallmarks of a major world talent.” - CD Review in Classical Guitar Magazine, 2000

“Displaying mind boggling control over dynamics and tone, Adam del Monte defies physics with his expressive, romantic playing… profoundly inspiring and truly humbling.” - Guitar Player Magazine, 2000

“Adam del Monte, a man whose blinding virtuosity coupled with an agile and creative improvisatory sensibility electrifies audiences wherever he goes” - GFA Soundboard Magazine, 1998

Concert Saturday 2/16/08, 8 PM, at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (click for directions...).

Concert Program

Francisco Tarrega (1852-1909 Spain)

Maria
Marietta
Capricho Arabe
Recuerdos de la Alhambra

Anibal Agosto Sardinah "Garoto" (1915-1955 Brazil)

Choro "Jorge do Fussa"
Choro "Enigma"
Valse Desvairada

Emilio Pujol (1886-1980 Spain)

Guajira

Enrique Granados (1867-1916 Spain)

La Maja de Goya

-----------------------------------------------------

Adam del Monte

Flamenco:

Solea
Minera
Alegria
Seguiriya
Buleria

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For more information about Adam Del Monte:

BIO: Adam Del Monte

Raphaella Smits

Guitar Houston proudly presents Europe's renown classical guitarist, Raphaella Smits, in our regular concert season.

Raphaella Smits plays worldwide in her unique way eight-string guitars and historical instruments. Her 16 albums are listed as indispensable to refined music lovers.

Raphaella Smits is called quite rightly "une Grande Musicienne."

“an uncommonly musical guitarist” - (New York Times)

“one of the most delicate and most cultivated performers of our time” - (Diapason)

Concert Saturday 4/19/08, 8 PM, at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (click for directions...).

For more information about Raphaella Smits:

BIO: Raphaella Smits

Concert Program

Part I

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Partia secunda à violino solo senza basso d-min (1720 / BWV 1004)
- Allemanda
- Corrente
- Sarabanda
- Giga
- Ciaccona

Napoleon Coste (1805-1883)
Le Zuyderzée, from Souvenirs, Sept Morceaux Episodiques (Opus 20):
- Ballade

Part II

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Partita for flute solo a-min (1718 / BWV 1013)
- Allemanda
- Corrente
- Sarabande
- Bourée Anglaise

Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806-1856)
Le Romantique (Grande Fantaisie)
-Maestoso
-Andantino
-Allegretto

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Songs transcribed by Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806-1856)
- Das Fischermadchen (Fisher Maiden)
- Aufenthalt (Delay)
- Liebesbothschaft (Love's Messenger)
- Standchen (Serenade)

The Master Class will be at the Black Labrador from 1:00 to 3:30 on Sunday, April 20th. Auditors are welcome to attend and observe. The master class is in a private room at the Black Labrador Pub on Montrose Blvd. (same location as the Christmas party): 4100 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006, between Richmond and Alabama; (713) 529-1199; Free parking garage behind the pub.

2007-2008 Concert Season
The Guitar Houston Concert Season brings you established, top-tier artists who are recognized at an international level. All the artists selected for the Concert Season have won at least one major guitar competition, have production CD releases, major press reviews, and an established concert career. Whereas the open meetings and Salon Concert series will feature up-and-coming artists or local talent, the Concert Season is a guaranteed level of premium quality.
Concert tickets will be sold individually at the show and at Guitar Houston events. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the phone # and email addresses below. As always, the concert ticket price is kept as low as possible to break even on the event. GH ticket prices are generally half the amount paid at commercial events. Guitar Houston is a non-profit organization, and we pass this savings on to you.
If you are not yet a member of GH, now is the perfect time to join and save money on the concert season and enjoy the other membership benefits, as well as to support the mission of GH to enhance the classical guitar presence in Houston.

Guitar Houston Season Ticket Benefits:

Cost savings.
Guaranteed premium seating.
- Up-front select seats are reserved for purchasers of the Guitar Houston Season Ticket Package. Season ticket holders will get the first rows, dead center (or the best seats in the house), to the exclusion of walk-up sales. GH season ticket holders will also have access to up-close seating near the stage. Season ticket holders are guaranteed a premium seat also in the event of a sell-out. Note: you must arrive at least 10 minutes before the show time to claim your premium seat.
Private Artist Reception
- Private receptions following the concert with the concert artist will be open only to concert season ticket holders.

Ticket Prices

As a non-profit organization, Guitar Houston offers unbeatable low ticket prices for high quality concerts.

Ticket prices for each show (except Pepe Romero) are as follows: $ 22 (Individual)
$ 18 (GH Member)
$ 15 (Student or Child)

Pepe Romero ticket prices are:

$ 35 (Individual)
$ 30 (GH Member or student/child)

Season Tickets

The price for the entire concert season is only $95 per person. This includes admission to all 5 concerts in our season: Pepe Romero, Thomas Viloteau, Jason Vieaux, Adam Del Monte, and Raphaella Smits.

Information, Ticket Sales, Master Class & Private Lesson slots:

Contact Joe Hanlon at 713-665-2712 for ticket reservations.

A $2 processing fee will be applied for mailing tickets, or you may arrange to get them in person. We can take credit card orders by telephone. Tickets may be purchased by mailing a personal check payable to Guitar Houston; mailing address is:

Guitar Houston c/o Joe Hanlon
4149 Bellaire Blvd #229
Houston, TX 77025

Please enclose in your envelope the address where the tickets are to be forwarded and the number of tickets and events requested. The "will call" tickets are the price indicated on this web site. There will be a $2 postage and handling fee per order to mail the tickets.

For additional information, contact Joe Hanlon at 713-665-2712.

Call Joe Hanlon at 713-665-2712, or 281-367-9060 - David at Texas Select Music.
E-Mail guitarhouston@comcast.net
GH Events - Tickets will be available at all GH events.
At the Venue Concert tickets may be purchased at the door. Lessons and master class slots must be arranged in advance.

Lessons and Master Classes:

Master classes are usually arranged with all the artists in the concert season. The classes will occur the day following the concert. The exact time and location will be announced later for each class.

It is not every day that you have an opportunity to study with world-class performers. Why not learn from the very best? Guitar Houston is very committed to providing opportunities for players at all levels to sign up for master classes or private lessons with our concert artists for a very reasonable price. Contact Guitar Houston if you are interested in studying with these great artists. Season ticket holders will have preference in booking reservations - but once Guitar Houston receives your check, your slot is guaranteed. Sign up early to avoid missing out!

You can also "audit" the master class as a non-participant observer. These classes can be very informative.

Admission Policy and Concert Etiquette

The nature of classical recitals is such that all audience noise must be kept to a minimum so that everyone can enjoy the show. Since classical guitar is not a very loud instrument comparatively, this is even more important to remove distractions. One noisy patron can ruin the experience of many others. Often the patron does not realize how loud they are being; in a quiet room, even small sounds carry. We ask:

No talking or whispering during a piece. Minimum talking between pieces. Even a whisper will carry a surprising distance and divert attention from the performance to yourself. Save your comments for after the piece.
Enter or exit only after each piece, preferrably only during applause.
Pagers and cell phones on silent mode or preferrably OFF. Nothing is more irritating than a cell phone or pager during a piece. Do not answer the call during the show. Note their phone number and call back after the piece from the lobby.
No small children admitted (babies, toddlers). Sorry, but very young kids don't enjoy the show - they will squirm, whisper, crawl under the seats, talk, flail around, etc.. Telling the child to be quiet and still creates further disturbances. This stresses out the parents and everyone around them. Lots of people have kids and use babysitters. Babies will cry or coo, which is another unwanted distraction. It is perfectly fine and encouraged to bring older children - use your best judgement as to whether the child is mature enough to sit quietly through a 2 hour classical music event.
Older children should be separated.
No pets admitted.
Cellophane wrappers discouraged. If you must get that cough drop, open it as quickly as possible. It is much worse to open it slowly in an effort to make less noise - it actually prolongs the noise.
Avoid shifting frequently in squeaky chairs.
Please do not attend if you are ill, e.g. excessive coughing or sneezing.
Avoid shuffling papers, reading newspapers, the concert program, or mail, etc., during the piece. People are not usually aware how much noise papers make.
Applause points are inbetween major pieces, not between pieces within a suite.
No hoots, yee-haw's, clapping, etc., during a piece. It diverts attention from the music to yourself, and sometimes startles the performer into making a mistake or losing their place.

All ticket sales are final. GH reserves the right to remove any patron who creates a disturbance and refuses to heed advisements.

2007-2008 Concert Season Venue

The concerts are at the Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church at 1900 Bering Drive. Their website directions are at this URL: http://emersonhouston.org/how/directions.html.
The easiest way to get there from 610 is to take the San Felipe exit and turn left on Bering, and the building is on the right.
All concert performances are at 8 pm.

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Email: guitarhouston@comcast.net