Grammy-nominated classical guitarist Paul Galbraith will bring his unique guitar and renowned talent to Hope College on Friday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Knickerbocker Theatre.
Galbraith has impressed classical music fans and guitar fans alike with his outstanding recordings and his own creation of an eight-string guitar he plays in a cello-like position.
A frequent guest on National Public Radio's "Performance Today," and twice featured on "All Things Considered," Glabraith was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Solo Instrumental Album for his two-disk recording, "Complete Bach Violin Sonatas and Partitas." The recording also reached the Top Ten on "Billboard's" classical charts and received a "Four Star" rating in "Stereo Review."
"A textbook case of the living, breathing art of classical music," said "Billboard Magazine."
Other recordings include "Haydn Keyboard Concertos," as well as other recordings of Bach and world folk songs.
His live performances have brought him even more praise.
"I've never heard anyone play like this," wrote a reviewer for "Classical Guitar." "Everything sounded like a masterpiece."
Galbraith first won public acclaim in Great Britain at age 17 in the Segovia International Guitar Competition. Andres Segovia himself called Galbraith's playing "magnificent."
Galbraith revealed his new guitar and playing position in 1989. The instrument's design and his playing style are considered ground-breaking developments in the history of guitar playing.
"What many had come to see and hear was the revolutionary change he has brought to playing the guitar," said "The Sunday Times" in London. "The results were truly remarkable, with an amazing clarity and a huge dynamic range...The audience was held spellbound."
His performance at Hope College will include pieces by Bach, Debussy, and Ravel.
Tickets for the performance are $12 for regular admission, $10 for senior citizens, and $5 for children 18 and under. Tickets will be available on Thursday-Friday, March 18-19, and Monday-Friday, March 22-26, at the theatre lobby box office in the DeWitt Center, which can be called at (616) 395-7890.
The performance is supported by the Hope College Patrons for the Arts.
The DeWitt Center is located on Columbia Avenue at 12th Street. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. 8th St.