Acclaimed classical guitarist at WSCC

VICTORY TOWNSHIP – West Shore Community College will host one of the world’s most acclaimed classical guitarists on Sat., Nov. 10. Javier Calderón will perform at the Center Stage Theater at 7:30 p.m., as part of the 2012-13 WSCC Performing Arts Series.

When Javier Calderón played his solo recital debut at Carnegie Hall, the “New York Times” called him, “…a virtuoso with poetic sensibility.” Since then many composers, including the eminent American Alan Hovhaness and Lawrence Weiner, have been writing and dedicating guitar concertos and solo pieces to Calderón.

Dr. Rick Plummer, director of the college arts series, says that “This is one concert anyone with a love of classical music and who adores classical guitar will not want to miss.” He adds that the Center Stage Theater is a perfect venue for this renowned virtuoso, due to its impeccable acoustics and intimate setting.

At age 17, Calderón thrilled the audience of his native city of La Paz, Bolivia, the evening he played with the Bolivian National Symphony Orchestra. Then he was invited to the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont. Soon after, guitar genius Andres Segovia awarded the young guitarist a scholarship to study under his tutelage in Spain. Calderón, who is also an accomplished cellist, studied interpretation with Janos Starker.

One of the most expressive guitarists of our time, Calderón now tours extensively in the United States, Europe, South America and the Far East. He appears regularly as concert soloist with top-tier orchestras, including the St. Louis and Atlanta Symphonies and the Minnesota Orchestra, as well as in solo recitals throughout the world. Calderón has performed chamber music concerts with cellist Yo Yo Ma and been featured at numerous international music festivals.

Eloquent interpretations and the ability to draw a fascinating variety of sounds from the guitar characterize Calderón’s unique style. Audiences in New York’s Carnegie Hall; Madrid, Buenos Aires, Taipei, Bonn, Mexico City, and Seoul, have been spellbound by his flawless technique and moved by his sensitivity and musicianship.

The Tages Anzeiger of Zurich described Javier Calderón as “an exceptional artist of the guitar.” The critic of the Great China Evening News wrote “I was moved to tears by Calderón’s performance.” His concerts have been broadcast by PBS in the United States, Radio Television Española in Europe and by the Voice of America in Latin America.

Javier Calderón holds the position of Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music, where he founded and heads the guitar program.

Tickets are available for the Javier Calderón concert by calling the WSCC Box Office at 843-5507.

For additional information, contact Plummer at 843-5928 or email him atrjplummer@westshore.edu.