Welcome
Dear Friends,
It is with great pride that the Boston GuitarFest family and I welcome you to a “British Invasion” aka BOSTON GUITARFEST 2013, June 19th to 23rd, part VIII of our ongoing exploration of the past, present, and future of our noble instrument, its repertoire, and the greater cultural legacy that nourishes it.
This year we celebrate the birthday years of three great Albion musicians: John Dowland, “whose touch upon the lute doth ravish human sense” (Shakespeare); Benjamin Britten, composer of the iconic work “Nocturnal after John Dowland, Op. 70”; and the exalted guitarist and lutenist Julian Bream, who will turn 80 a few days after our festival ends and to whom we dedicate Boston GuitarFest VIII.
I am thrilled to welcome back Oscar Ghiglia, Elena Papandreou, Richard Savino, Joaquín Clerch, harpsichordist John Gibbons, and pianist Moisès Fernández Via. This year, for the first time, tenor Nicholas Phan, soprano Nuria Orbea, and the eminent lutenist Nigel North will join us for Boston GuitarFest as well. This stellar cast will be joined by a whole orchestra of wonderful young artists, who will give us an unforgettable Emerging Artists Concert (punctuated by theatrical Shakespeare scenes) curated by Zaira Meneses on June 22.
Once again Devin Ulibarri directs our annual competition for performance, whose jury will be presided over by the eminent Bruce Holzman. William Riley and Adam Levin join Zaira Meneses in our Young Guitarists Workshop, and Robert Bekkers directs our Luthiers Exposition, also back by popular demand.
We are profoundly grateful to the administrations of two great Boston institutions, my own New England Conservatory (led by British-born president, Tony Woodcock) and Northeastern University, where music department chair Anthony De Ritis has been an indefatigable and loyal supporter of GuitarFest almost since its inception.
Clearly a festival so conceived can only continue thanks to the tireless devotion of a magnificent staff of selfless volunteers, this year brilliantly directed by Robert Hanson and backed up by a group of generous and loyal sponsors and donors.
I look forward to seeing you as we celebrate our own “British Invasion” this week, here in America’s birthplace. As Shakespeare writes at the opening of Twelfth Night, “If music be the food of love, play on!”
Eliot Fisk
Artistic Director
Boston GuitarFest
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Welcome from the State Offices:
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Music brings people together and I am so proud we hold this festival here in the Bay State.
—Deval L. Patrick |
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GuitarFest has become a wonderful summer tradition in Boston. Audiences come to learn more about different cultural traditions and to enjoy the extraordinary musical performances.
—Edward M. Kennedy |
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Boston GuitarFest is a perfect example of music’s ability to traverse geographic, cultural and ethnic boundaries and as a confirmed amateur guitarist I know it will also be a lot of fun. I encourage musicians and everyone who appreciates their work to become involved in this important cultural celebration and I thank NEC and Eliot for making Boston GuitarFest a reality.
—John Kerry |
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GuitarFest is a great celebration of music and culture, and there’s no better place for this festival than along Boston’s Avenue of the Arts. This weekend is a terrific opportunity for people to come together, enjoy wonderful performances, and share their love of music.
—Elizabeth Warren |
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I welcome Boston GuitarFest as it continues to showcase the cultural advantages of the city of Boston, and to provide us all with the opportunity to hear wonderful music, played at its best.
—Barney Frank |
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This festival is an opportunity to experience a diverse showcase of musical talent, including the work of many gifted guitarists. I welcome performers and festival attendees to Boston and hope you enjoy your visit.
—Michael E. Capuano |
