March 29, 2007

Lutenist highlights Segovia guitar series

For more than a decade, the School of Music and the Chicago Classical Guitar Society have collaborated in presenting the annual Segovia Classical Guitar Series, known for outstanding artistry and compelling repertoire.

The 2006-07 Segovia Classical Guitar Series season, which continues in April, is no exception. The concerts that will be held on the Evanston campus will celebrate the guitar in its myriad incarnations with performances by international artists.

All concerts will be held at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall or Lutkin Hall.

American lutenist Paul O’Dette will present “A Bach Recital” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 1, in Lutkin Hall. O’Dette is the artistic director of the Boston Early Music Festival and an expert in his field. Also a scholar, he has extensively studied performance, practice and sources for 17th century Italian and English solo song, continuo playing and lute technique. His recitals, recordings of solo lute music and frequent radio and television broadcasts have delighted early music audiences for decades. Tickets are $19 for the general public; $16 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $8 for students.

Perennial Segovia Series favorite — Italy’s Oscar Ghiglia — will return to Pick-Staiger at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, with celebrated Greek guitarist Elena Papandreou. Ghiglia began assisting with Segovia master classes in Berkeley, Calif., in 1964 and has enjoyed an unparalleled career as one of the world’s most distinguished guitarists and preeminent teachers. Papandreou made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1998 and has toured the world and recorded numerous compact discs. Together, these two eloquent guitarists will present a program of works by Bach, Sor, Dyens and Koshkin. Single tickets are $19 for the general public; $16 for Northwestern faculty and staff and senior citizens; and $8 for students.