The university family is preparing to welcome the Georgia Guitar Quartet to campus for the semester’s first Artist Series.
The performance will be held Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium, and tickets are currently available at Programs & Productions in the lobby of Rodeheaver.
The quartet, which was founded in 1996 and is based in Athens, Ga., performs nationwide in concert halls, musical institutions and more. The ensemble’s repertoire includes various genres from Irish folk dances to exciting renditions of classical favorites.
Dr. Darren Lawson, dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication, said the University is looking forward to showcasing the group. “We chose the Georgia Guitar Quartet because it’s a unique instrumental group that features an excellent classical program,” he said.
The group is known for its unique and exciting approach to its performances and for the flawless technique of its members. The four men each bring different talent, ability and experience to the group.
Jason Solomon, one of the guitarists, holds a doctorate in music theory, a master’s degree in classical guitar performance and bachelor’s degrees in both music composition and performance. He also works as a solo artist in addition to participating in the quartet and has taught in the Christopher Parkening Master Class held annually in Bozeman, Mont., for three summers in a row.
The artists, who are also accomplished composers, often incorporate their own works into their performances, drawing from many types of music for inspiration.
In addition to gaining acclaim for the members’ original compositions, the group has also received recognition for its unique interpretations of classic guitar favorites and has earned the Athens Flagpole Music Awards’ “Best Classical Artist” award five years in a row.
Each member of the group is experienced in guitar instruction, and the quartet frequently holds instructive master classes and workshops.
Dr. Lawson said he hopes the group’s performance will highlight the University’s new guitar principal for church music and music education majors. “We’re hoping prospective students interested in guitar and other students interested in music in general will tune in to the webcast and enjoy this fine group,” he said.
The concert will be broadcast live on www.bju.edu not only for prospective students to watch, but also for parents of current students and friends of the University to enjoy.