"Classical guitar at its finest. When you sit quietly and listenyou feel and see the poetry of the Argentina landscape. Throughout his prolific career, Jose Luis Merlin has composed and interpreted songs related to his home and his people, reflecting the subtle mixture between the classical and the popular. Merlin gives us a classical music with strong folkloric roots, in which malambos, zambas, chacareras, carnavalitos, tangos, and joropos are found."
--Victory Music review of Merlin CD, "Dreams of Argentina" --

Argentine guitarist/composer Jose Luis Merlin will perform a concert on Saturday, November 3rd, at 8pm, in the SOU Music Building Recital Hall, in Ashland. The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society sponsors the event, which is the first concert of the "2007-2008 JCGS Concert Series". Mr. Merlin will present a master class on Sunday, November 4th at 2:00 pm in the SOU Music Building Choir Room.

Tickets are $20.00 general, $15.00 seniors, and $5.00 students. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at "CD or Not CD", 343 E. Main St. in Ashland or at Central Arts Supply, 101 N. Central, in Medford. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. For more information, go to the JCGS website at www.JeffersonGuitar.org, or call 552-9515.

Jose Luis Merlin was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1952. He began playing the guitar at the age of five under the tutelage of Maestro Vincente Degese, continued with Maestro Abel Carlevaro, and was performing in Argentina by the time he was nine years old. He has been a concert artist, composer and guitar teacher since 1967, as well as a researcher and teacher of instrumental technique. Merlin has made more than twenty international tours, which include: Spain, Austria, USA (over 100 concerts), Canada, Cuba, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil and Uruguay.

Merlin has played as a soloist with the Symphonies of Rosario and San Juan (Argentina), and has performed chamber music with the following quartets: Buenos Aires, Sudamérica, Sudamericano, Musicámera, del Plata, and the Grupo Merlin. He is co-founder and first president of the Association Integración Guitarrística Argentina. He has published over ten recordings in the USA, Japan, Austria and Argentina.

As a composer he has given workshops on instrumental techniques, rhythmic folklore of Argentina, insights and analyses of South American composers, as well as lectures at universities in Texas, Southern California, Oregon and Michigan. He composed the music for Travesia (The Guitar, Witness to Five Centuries), an oratorio for recitative, singing voice, mezzosoprano and chamber orchestra (texts by José Tcherkasky). Merlin has composed works for solo guitar, guitar and violin, guitar and string quartet, piano and voice, etc.

"Adam del Monte defies physics with his expressive, romantic playing..."
--Guitar Player Magazine --

ADAM del MONTE:
First Prize Winner at the 1997 Stotsenberg International Classical Guitar Competition, Adam del Monte studied flamenco and classical guitar in Spain, Israel and England. Beginning with his father, flamenco artist Dino del Monte, he continued his training with such famed Gypsy performers as Pepe "Habichuela", Paco Cortez,Nino Miguel and Gerardo Nunez.

His classical guitar teachers were Menashe Baquiche in Israel and Gordon Crosskey at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. He has also appeared as both a solo artist and group performer (with his wife, acclaimed flamenco dancer, Laila del Monte) in major venues such as LA's Mark Taper Forum, the Wilshire theater, the Teatro Real and the Conde Duque in Madrid, Manuel de Falla Auditorium in Granada, Saint Francis Auditorium in Santa Fe, New Mexico, The International Guitar Festival in Israel, 1996 Guitar Foundation of America Competition in St Louis in 1996, La Jolla in 1997 and Charleston in 1999, the 500th anniversary of Columbus celebrations in Paris and in Madrid. Del Monte has also performed with flamenco singer Enrique Morente and the Madrid Symphony Orchestra as well as with Lole' y Manuel.

Mr. del Monte was both influenced by and inspired the younger generation of flamenco performers who were beginning to depart from the previous virtual space of Spanish flamenco. He also set out in new directions, integrating years of traditional and leading­edge flamenco training as well as expanding his musicianship on the classical guitar. An eclectic awareness of jazz, world music and other contemporary forms led to new, creative renditions of flamenco repertoire.

He has been commissioned by the LA Guitar Quartet to compose a 'progressive flamenco piece' entitled 'Cambio de Aire'. He has collaborated with Yusef Lateef and the Atlanta Symphony at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA. His flamenco debut CD on the Spanish label Sonifolk (1998), entitled: "Viaje a Un Nuevo Mundo" (Journey to a New World) was most favorably reviewed by Spain's most acclaimed flamenco critic Angel Alvarez Caballero as well as Miguel Mora of El Pais and Alfredo Grimaldos of El Mundo. Other discographies include: A Mel Bay Artist Video Series ­ A classical and flamenco recital and a GSP classical CD entitled "EZORDIO".
In 1998, Adam performed in Spain on the TV program "Algo mas que Flamenco" with Lole Montoya and dancer Laila del Monte. He has recently composed a flamenco guitar concerto, "Ensueno Flamenco" for guitar, flamenco dance, voice and orchestra which he premiered in Boston with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project in Jordan Hall, conducted by Gil Rose. He has also performed it with the Westshore Symphony Orchestra.
In 1999 he returned to Granada to perform in the oldest "Penia Flamenca" "La Plateria", as well as a tour in Switzerland with singer, Curro Fernandez.

In February of 2000 he performed the Concierto de Aranjuez with the Los Angles Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed at the Hollywood Bowl both as a soloist and as a Special Guest with the L.A. Philharmonic and he has performed at the prestigious Disney Hall in Los Angeles.
Adam is on the faculty of the University of Southern California's Studio Jazz Guitar Department where he also teaches flamenco and coaches the World Guitar Ensemble.

In the Fall of 2002 del Monte founded the Flamenco Guitar Program at the University of Southern California's prestigious Thorton School of Music. He has been passionately involved in bridging the gap between the classical and flamenco guitar repertoires.
As a composer, he's also added film scoring to his vast resume. His most recent credit includes the dramatic short One Clean Move, directed by D.W. Brown and starring Gary Busey and Harry Hamlin and the film Soledad which won the First Prize at the Hollywood Film Festival Awards in 2000. Soledad has been aired on the Lifetime Cable Channel over 50 times.

Adam del Monte plays on flamenco and classical guitars by Francisco Manuel Diaz of Granada, Spain, and a guitar by Boaz Elkayam of Israel.
http://www.adamdelmonte.net/

DAVID RUSSELL
CLASSICAL GUITARIST

GRAMMY award winner in 2005 for his CD AIRE LATINO, in the category of best instrumental soloist in classical music.

Classical guitarist David Russell is world renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry, having earned the highest praise from audiences and critics alike. In recognition of his great talent and his international career, he was named a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Music in London in 1997.

In May 2003 he was bestowed the great honor of being made "adopted son" of Es Migjorn, the town in Minorca where he grew up. Recently the town named a street after him, "Avinguda David Russell", in recognition for his musical career.

In November 2003 he was given the Medal of Honor of the Conservatory of the Balearics.

After winning the grammy award, the town of Nigrán in Spain where he resides, gave him the silver medal of the town in an emotional ceremony.

During his studies at the Royal Academy, Mr. Russell won twice the Julian Bream Guitar Prize. Later he won numerous international competitions, including the Andrés Segovia Competition , the José Ramírez Competition and Spain's prestigious Francisco Tárrega Competition .

David Russell spends his time touring the world, appearing regularly at prestigious halls in main cities, such as New York, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Madrid, Toronto or Rome. Concert-goers everywhere are in awe of Mr. Russell's musical genius and inspired by his captivating stage presence. His love of his craft resonates through his flawless and seemingly effortless performance. The attention to detail and provocative lyrical phrasing suggest an innate understanding of what each individual composer was working to achieve, bringing to each piece a sense of adventure.

This year he received a homage from the music conservatory of Vigo, culminating with the opening of the new Auditorium, to which they gave the name "Auditorio David Russell".

Since 1995 David Russell has an exclusive recording contract with Telarc International, with whom he has recorded eleven CDs up to now, among them Aire Latino, which received a grammy this year.

The New York Times wrote about his performance: "... Mr. Russell made his mastery evident without ever deviating from an approach that places musical values above mere display. It was apparent to the audience throughout the recital that Mr. Russell possesses a talent of extraordinary dimension".

Upon hearing play in London, Andrés Segovia wrote: "My congratulations on your musicality and guitaristic technique".

Chanson du Soir, soprano Chelsea Camille and classical guitarist David Isaacs, was established in 2005. The Southern California natives, have quickly garnered national recognition as a premier guitar and voice duo, featured in concert series throughout the United States. In April of 2007, Melancholie et Espoir, their debut studio recording, was released on Abet Music. Chanson du Soir is currently on their third US tour.

Chanson du Soir's current program spans the centuries from the Renaissance to the 20th Century while traversing four languages. This fascinating program includes: Renaissance fare from the light to haunting by John Dowland, a couple of sweet songs from the plays of Shakespeare, several poignant verses of The Divan of Moses Ibn Ezra by Mario Castlenuovo-Tedesco, a delightful trio of songs from Simone Mayer's obscure opera Adelasia ed Aleramo set by 19th century guitar virtuoso Mauro Giuliani, the entrancing "Bachianas Brasilieiras No. 5" arranged by Heitor Villa-Lobos, a couple of delicious art songs by Joaquin Rodrigo and Ernesto Cordero, and music dedicated to Chanson du Soir by masterful new composer, Brian Madigan.

Chelsea Camille recently completed her Bachelor's in Acting at California State University, Fullerton and has been soprano soloist at Belmont Heights United Methodist Church in Long Beach since 2001. Chelsea is currently studying voice with Dr. Nicole Baker . In addition to her extraordinary voice, Chelsea is a masterful seamstress, the creator of her own line of jewelry, and can be found performing as an actress on Southern California stages.

David Isaacs, has performed throughout the US and Greece. In October of 2006, David was signed to Eroica Classical Recordings and in November of 2006 released his debut studio recorded solo classical guitar CD, Structures. Ken Keaton wrote in The American Record Guide: "Isaacs plays with sensitivity and technical finish and is more emotionally committed to the music and its images than many far more famous players." David earned his Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Classical Guitar Performance at California State University, Fullerton under the tutelage of David Grimes. Now residing in Long Beach, David runs the Long Beach Classical Guitar Society, Long Beach Classical Guitar Academy, and Southern California Classical Guitar Workshop with his co-founding partner Michael Nigro. He teaches at Cerritos College, Morey's Music, International Music School, Oakwood Academy, and in his home studio.

Dark Rose Trio Celebrates
the Release of their First CD

The Dark Rose Trio will play a concert on Sunday, July 22, at 3 pm at the First Congregational Church, 717 Siskiyou Blvd, in Ashland. The concert is sponsored by the Jefferson Classical Guitar Society.

The concert is a celebration of the release of their first CD. The program will present works from the CD including original arrangements of Ravel's Pavan for a Dead Princess, Spanish Dances by Granados, Sinfonias by J. S. Bach, and Milonga by the Argentine tango composer, Astor Piazzola. They will also play works by George Gershwin, Paul Hindemith, and Joseph Thompson.

The Dark Rose Trio grew out of a collaboration in October of 2002 by three
classical guitarists from Ashland. The individual members of the ensemble, Joseph Thompson, Grant Ruiz, and Steve Berman bring extensive experience to the group both as soloists and in their past work with other ensembles. Their common bond is in their love for the passion filled music of Spain, France, and Russia.

They have performed in concerts for the Pistol River Concert Association, Southern Oregon University Music Department, and multiple concerts for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, including OSF's 2003 Daedalus Project. In May of this year, they played the inaugural concert of the Mildred Hill Concert Series in Port Orford, Oregon and on July 14, they will play a concert in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Pistol River Concert Association, in Pistol River Oregon.

Tickets for the Ashland concert are $15.00 general, $12.00 seniors, and $5.00 students. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Tickets will be available at the door before the concert.

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society and the Siskiyou Institute present "Sol Flamenco" on at 7:00 PM at RoxyAnn Winery in Medford. California based music and dance troupe "Sol Flamenco" will light up the stage at the RoxyAnn Winery with the passionate and powerful music and dance of Spain, known as flamenco.

Joining Sol Flamenco dancers and singers Liza Bortolotto, Joelle Gonçalves and Sara Zanolini will be international recording artist and flamenco guitarist Mark Taylor along with 2nd guitarist Mark Berry. In addition, the troupe will be joined by renown singer Jaime del Rio. This is a line-up not to be missed!

This event is a fundraiser for the Guitar Society and the Institute, two local non-profit organizations dedicated to bringing quality musical performances and education to the region. The concert is also sponsored in part by Roxy Ann Winery (http://roxyann.com) and Rogue Regency Inn and Suites (http://rogueregency.com).

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Space is limited, so for reservations, please call the Siskiyou Institute at 488-3869 or e-mail info@siskiyouinstitute.com.

EVENT:	PAUL GALBRAITH GUITAR CONCERT
WHEN:	SOU MUSIC BLDG. RECITAL HALL Mountain Avenue Ashland, Oregon
WHERE:	Saturday, March 10th, 2007, 8:00 PM
CONTACT:	541-552-9515
ADMISSION:	$15.00 General, $5.00 Students, Children under 12 free

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society will present guitarist, Paul Galbraith in concert, on Saturday, March 10th, at 8:00 pm. The concert will take place in the SOU Music Building Recital Hall on Mountain Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $15.00 general, $12.00 seniors, and $5.00 students. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at "CD or Not CD", 343 E. Main St. in Ashland or at Central Arts Supply, 101 N. Central, in Medford. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. For more information, go to the JCGS website at www.JeffersonGuitar.org, or call 552-9515.

PAUL GALBRAITH's recording of the Complete Bach Violin Sonatas and Partitas (Delos) was nominated for a 1998 GRAMMY AWARD in the category of Best Solo Instrumental Album. This 2-CD set was also chosen as one of the two best CDs of 1998 by Gramophone Magazine, which called it "a landmark in the history of guitar recordings." It received a "Four Star" rating in Stereo Review, and reached the TOP 10 on Billboard's classical charts.
Galbraith has been featured twice on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and numerous times on "Performance Today." He made his New York début at the Frick Collection, receiving a rave review in the New York Times; a subsequent NYC engagement on Lincoln Center's "Great Performances" series was sold out. Recent and forthcoming North American recitals include NYC, Boston, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, Atlanta, St. Louis, Albuquerque, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Portland, Eugene, Seattle, Miami, Baltimore, Buffalo, Amherst, Milwaukee, San Antonio, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Cuernavaca, Mexico. In addition, tours of Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and the Netherlands are among Mr. Galbraith's international activities. During the Bach Year (2000) he was featured artist at the Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver and Carmel Bach Festivals.
Recent orchestral engagements in the U.S. include concertos with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, among others. Galbraith and the St. Petersburg String Quartet gave the World Premiere in March 2003 at Stanford University of a new work, "Rhapsody for Guitar and String Quartet," that they co-commissioned from the acclaimed Georgian composer Zurab Nadarejshvili.
Galbraith's unique playing position was first revealed at the Edinburgh Festival in 1989. His guitar (designed in collaboration with the late luthier David Rubio) is supported by a metal endpin, similar to that of a cello, that rests on a wooden resonance box. The instrument has two extra strings, one high, one low. Both the guitar's extraordinary design and Galbraith's playing style are considered groundbreaking development in the history of the instrument, increasing its range to an unprecedented extent.
At the age of 17, Galbraith won the Silver Medal at the Segovia International Guitar Competition. Andrés Segovia, who was present, called his playing "magnificent." This award helped launch an international career including engagements with some of the finest orchestras in Britain and Europe (Royal Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, BBC Philharmonic, Scottish Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Orchestra, Scottish Baroque Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra among them). He toured the U.S. as soloist with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, and performed in Prague's Dvorák Hall with the National Chamber Orchestra of Chile. His international touring has also brought him to Canada, Spain, Italy, Greece, Norway, Hungary, Brazil, China, India and Iceland.
Born in Scotland, Galbraith has lived in Malawi, Greece, London, and, for the last five years, Brazil. He was a founding member of the Brazilian Guitar Quartet, playing with them until summer of 2003. His principal teacher, since 1983, has been the Greek conductor, pianist and philosopher George Hadjinikos.
Mr. Galbraith is currently recording a video of the Bach Cello Suite #4, Mozart Sonata K.280, Britten Nocturnal, and Ravel "Mother Goose" Suite.

Discography (on the Delos label):

Bach: The Complete Violin Sonatas and Partitas
Bach Lute Suites
Paul Galbraith Plays Haydn
"In Every Lake the Moon Shines Full" (folk tunes from various countries)
French Impressions: Music by Debussy and Ravel

Further information on Paul Galbraith is available at www.paul-galbraith.com

EVENT:	DENIS AZABAGIC GUITAR CONCERT
WHEN:	SOU MUSIC BLDG. RECITAL HALL Mountain Avenue Ashland, Oregon
WHERE:	Saturday, January 20th, 2007, 8:00 PM
CONTACT:	541-552-9515
ADMISSION:	$15.00 General, $5.00 Students, Children under 12 free

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society will present guitarist, Denis Azabagic in concert, on Saturday, January 20th, at 8:00 pm. The concert will take place in the SOU Music Building Recital Hall on Mountain Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $15.00 general, $12.00 seniors, and $5.00 students. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at "CD or Not CD", 343 E. Main St. in Ashland or at Central Arts Supply, 101 N. Central, in Medford. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. For more information, go to the JCGS website at www.JeffersonGuitar.org, or call 552-9515.

 JCGS

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society will kick off its 2006-2007 Concert Series with a performance by classical guitarist, Marc Teicholz. The concert will take place in the SOU Music Building Recital Hall on Mountain Avenue in Ashland, on Saturday, October 14th, at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $15.00 general, $12.00 seniors, and $5.00 students. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at "CD or Not CD", 343 E. Main St. in Ashland or at Central Arts Supply, 101 N. Central, in Medford. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Mr. Teicholz will also present a master class on Sunday, at 10:00 am in the SOU Music Building Choral Room. For more information call 552-9515.

Marc Teicholz, classical guitarist, is the first prize-winner of the 1989 International Guitar Foundation of America competition, a winner in New York's 1991 "East-West Artists" competition, the 1986 Paganini competition, and a finalist in the 1992 Pro Musicis competition. Marc Teicholz has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, receiving critical acclaim for his recitals and master classes. Some of the major concert halls he has performed in include Los Angeles' Ambassador Auditorium, Atlanta's Spivey Hall, and Columbia's Koger Center.

Mr. Teicholz has toured Russia, Poland, and Switzerland as well as Southeast Asia, Fiji, and New Zealand under the auspices of the U.S.I.A. Artistic Ambassador program. He has appeared as a soloist with the Pacific Symphony, Far Eastern Orchestra in Russia, the Metropolitan Orchestra in Lisbon, Portugal, the Cordoba Orchestra in Spain, the California Symphony, New Millennium Strings, the Santa Rosa Symphony, the Oakland Symphony, the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, and the Maui Symphony. Mr. Teicholz also toured extensively with the popular quartet, "A Festival of Four." He has recorded several solo CD's for Naxos, Sugo, and Menus and Music, as well as the pilot soundtrack for George Lucas' "Young Indiana Jones." He enjoys working with composers, including Andrew Imbrie and Dusan Bogdanovic, to produce new guitar literature and has premiered several new works written for him. New Releases include a Delos recording with soprano Laura Claycomb and a solo CD of waltzes recorded on vintage instruments with GSI.

He is on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and at California State University East Bay. He has recently participated in the Moab Music Festival, the National Guitar Summer Workshop, California Summer Arts Festival and the Weathersfield Music Festival in Vermont. He has been invited to give master classes all over the world. Marc Teicholz graduated magna cum laude from Yale University, 1985, received a master's degree from the Yale School of Music, 1986, and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley at the Boalt School of Law, 1990.

Quotes
Marc Teicholz performed one of the best concerts we have ever seen on June 2, 2006 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Reno. His performance of Bach was astounding and in our opinion places him among the elite guitarists performing today. John Goddard, the Rector of the Episcopal Church, called Marc's performance "magical." If you want to raise the stature of classical guitar in your community, we recommend that you book Marc Teicholz in the best and most prominent music venues.

"It's hard to imagine this music having a better advocate than Marc Teicholz. He clearly loves it, and yet is not in the least indulgent. This is delightful music, delightfully played." Classical Guitar Magazine, 2001

" Teicholz brings out the inherent humor...with clever articulation and timbral contrast. Teicholz handles brilliantly..colorful approach." AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE 1999

" Marc Teicholz is ..both technically gifted and musical to the core." LOS ANGELES TIMES 1998

"arguably the best of the new young guitarists to have emerged" GRAMOPHONE 1997

"Teicholz played with fluent skill...exacted boldness and flair...a huge dynamic range...a sense of curiosity and adventure" LOS ANGELES TIMES 1997

"Bewitched by the sound of Marc Teicholz...seem to grown from Segovia's School, not only for his virtuoso touch, but also for his extraordinary sensibility...the brightness of the sound and extraordinary technique confer to the music a lively dynamic, that nearly give the feeling of improvisation, even to compositions out of a classical repertoire." COURIER DEL TICINO (Arzo, Switzerland) 1997

"His inspired shaping of phrases (at times gently rounded, at times expressively incisive) and his noble, very subtle sound- all make the excellent guitarist a lyrical poet. The fantastic technical mastery of the instrument makes him a maestro." LUBLIN COURIER (Poland)1997

"The grace and ease with which he performed were a true joy to behold." THE DETROIT HERITAGE METRO 1997

"Guitarist offers satisfying blend of skill, intelligence. .. Teicholz is everything you could hope for...lovely, thoughtful.. a magisterial performance..Teicholz brought out the poetry. " THE KANSAS CITY STAR (1997)

"Teicholz is a very expressive player whose performances are full of rhythmic and timbral nuances. He plays every piece with a clear commitment...The tone throughout is especially beautiful." SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE 1997

"Freshness and sincerity of feelings, stylistic precision in his reading of various composers works, sharpness of phrasing and technical mastery demonstrated the extraordinary talent of the performer. The public did not let the musician go for a long time." PACIFIC OCEAN STAR (Khabarovsk, Russia) 1996

"He gave the music a rare personal depth. Teicholz's energy gave each movement its own special character, making...a tremendous success.
He is among the best we have ever heard! He came with outstanding recommendations and played even better than our high expectations." SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE 1996

"Teicholz is one of the finest guitarists I have ever heard. His sensitivity in shaping a line and molding a phrase is awesome." MONTEREY TIMES 1996

"He came across genially and he played attractive music with beautiful control, witty, wistful or subtle, making the music sing and move with great agility and evident enjoyment." WELLINGTON POST (New Zealand)1995

"Teicholz is well on his way to becoming a guitar wizard, a virtuoso. A phenomenon, if you will. [He] played with such ineffable expression." THE PHILIPPINE STAR (The Philippines)1995

"Teicholz ...played his own selections with passion and finesse." THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE 1995

"Teicholz had the audience in his hands from the first notes...the artists long fingers pulled emotion as well as technical purity from the instrument. Teicholz created the illusion of the first time, bringing freshness to a familiar piece." THE MAUI NEWS (Hawaii) 1994

"Rhythmic drive and an almost orchestral variety of sounds...his creative readings of diverse works showed him to be a player of great promise." THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 1990

"He played brilliantly" GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE 1990

JCGS

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society is proud to present James Edwards, classical guitarist, lutenist and composer in and intimate concert on Sunday, August 27 at 3 PM. The concert will take place at the beautiful School House Retreat, 8448 Wagner Creek Road, Talent Oregon.

Classical guitarist James Edwards has been a performer, teacher, and recording artist for over 25 years. Mr. Edwards opened our 2005-2006 concert series with a wonderful concert featuring guitar, baroque guitar and lute. James' other performance credits include: the 1999 and 2005 La Guitarra California Festival, soloist with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, the Santa Barbara Arts Festival, Richard Schneiders' Lost Mountain Guitar Festival and many collaborations with theatre and dance companies. Mr. Edwards' many compact disc recordings feature his arrangements of American, Spanish, and European classics. Mel Bay Publications has published many of these in several books currently available. In addition to the traditional classical guitar repertoire, James performs his own vibrant arrangements of Handel, Mozart, Puccini, Debussy, Brahms, and many other works by the great composers. He also has created a unique American repertoire with treatments of well known works by Gershwin, Rodgers, Joplin, etc., along with his original compositions; blending his classical background with his earlier influences of folk and jazz.

"A wide-ranging choice of repertoire performed with taste and flair. All together a fine program."

-Frederick Noad

This concert will feature some of Mr. Edwards most recent compositions. For those of you who love guitar music, you don't want to miss this opportunity to hear one of the great west coast guitarists.

Light refreshments will be served.

Advanced reservations are recommended, since this is a small venue. You can learn more about James by visiting www.jamesedwardsguitar.com and you can find out more about the SchoolHouse Retreat (including a map and directions) by visiting

www.schoolhouseretreat.com

JCGS

Classical Guitarist, Jaxon Williams will present his debut solo guitar recital on Saturday, August 12, at 8:00 pm at the Unitarian Center, 87 Fourth Street, in Ashland. The concert celebrates the release of his new solo guitar CD. The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society sponsors the concert. Tickets are $15.00 general, $12.00 seniors, and $5.00 students. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Tickets will be available at the door one half hour before the concert.

In the spring of 2006, Jaxon Williams successfully defended his title as top high school classical guitarist in the State of Oregon in the annual competition sponsored by the Oregon Music Educators Association. An Ashland High School graduate with honors, Jaxon has studied in master classes with numerous internationally recognized concert artists such as Jason Vieaux, Ana Vidovic, Dusan Bogdanovich, Martha Masters, and Philip Hii. He has been a member of the Jefferson Classical Guitar Society since its inception and has performed in many of the organizations events. He has been a student of Ashland guitarist, Joseph Thompson for the last six years.

This concert is Jaxon's musical farewell to his hometown of Ashland where he was born and raised. In the fall, he will begin his studies at Brigham Young University where he has received both academic and music scholarships. Jaxon will perform works from his newly released CD including pieces by the Spanish composers Albeniz, Granados, and Tarrega, as well as music by J. S. Bach and Andrew York.

Williams' AHS music theory and composition teacher Russ Otte said, "Why wouldn't any community want to celebrate this wonderful young man, who met the challenge to repeat as state champion? He's limited only by what he's willing to achieve."

For more information, call 552-9515 or visit www.JeffersonGuitar.org on the web.

For information, reservations and directions please all 541-488-3869 or e-mail info@siskiyouinstitute.com Events at the Barn frequently sell out quickly. Seating and parking are limited and on a reservation only basis.

 Gene Bertoncini is one of the pre-eminent jazz guitarists active today. His fluid technique has won him international praise and such accolades as the "Segovia of jazz". An eloquent and versatile improviser, Gene has been heard with an extraordinary range of jazz greats, including performances and recordings with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws and Paul Desmond, among others, as well as with such distinguished vocalists as Tony Bennett, Carmen McRae and Lena Horne, Vic Damone and Edye Gorme.

The Washington Post proclaimed his last solo appearance in New York City the best jazz concert of 1999. Mr Bertoncini's acclaim is hardly confined though, to this country. His recent CD "Body and Soul", with his own arrangements of classic standards won international raves, including recognition in Brazilian critic's and listener's polls as one of the best jazz recordings of the year; those same polls also named him the best acoustic jazz guitarist. Gene Bertoncini 's striking new CD on Ambient Records, "Quiet Now", features his own innovative solo arrangement of classic jazz and popular songs.

A prolific and popular studio musician Gene has also worked with composers and arrangers such as Lalo Schifrin and Michel
Legrand, in addition to numerous television appearances. Mr. Bertoncini has also worked with the Metropolitan Opera
Orchestra and the New York Pops Orchestra.

In addition to an active performing and recording schedule, Gene Bertoncini teaches at the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory, New York University and the Banff School of Fine Arts. He has been a highly sought-after guest clinician in colleges and universities throughout the country.

For more information on Gene Bertoncini you can visit his website at www.genebertoncini.com

For information, reservations and directions please all 541-488-3869 or e-mail info@siskiyouinstitute.com Events at the Barn frequently sell out quickly. Seating and parking are limited and on a reservation only basis.
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Workshop and Master Class with Gene Bertoncini ~ Solo Nylon String Guitar
Saturday April 29, 2006
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
$5 for students and teachers, $10 for the general public.
Several Student Scholarships Available

This workshop is open to teachers, students and others interested in learning more about the art of arranging and improvising for the solo guitarist. The workshop will help develop creative linear and harmonic skills in improvisations through a deeper knowledge of the guitar fingerboard and finger techniques.

Gene Bertoncini teaches at the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory, New York University and the Banff School of Fine Arts. He has been a highly sought-after guest clinician in colleges and universities throughout the country.

Live Flamenco!
Mark Taylor and Rami Ziadeh

Friday, April 21, 2006 at 8:00pm
The SchoolHouse Retreat
8448 Wagner Creek Road
Talent, Oregon
Admission: $20

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society is proud to present flamenco guitarist extraordinaire Mark Taylor in an intimate concert on Friday, April 21 at 8pm. The concert will take place at the Pavilion of the SchoolHouse Retreat at 8448 Wagner Creek Road in Talent, Oregon.

Mark will be accompanied by percussionist Rami Ziadeh. Tickets are $20 per person. If you wish to make a reservation, please call Grant Ruiz at 541-482-2826 or send an e-mail to <grantruiz@opendoor.com>

Advanced reservations are recommended, since this is a small venue. You can learn more about Mark by visiting http://www.marktaylorflamenco.com, and you can find out more about the SchoolHouse Retreat (including a map and directions) by visiting http://www.schoolhouseretreat.com

Light refreshments will be served. For those of you who love flamenco or good guitar music, you don't want to miss this.

Mark and Rami will also be performing in Pistol River on the Oregon coast the following Saturday, April 22, as well as giving a workshop on flamenco in Pistol River on Sunday, April 23. Visit http://www.pistolriver.com or call Les Stansell at 541-247-7636 for more information.

James Edwards Concert: November 18, 2005 Masterclass: November 19, 2005	Philip Hii Concert: February 3, 2006 Masterclass: February 4, 2006	Ana Vidovic Concert: March 24, 2006 Masterclass: March 25, 2006

Classical guitarist James Edwards has been a performer, teacher, and recording artist for over 25 years. James' performance credits include: the 1999 and 2005 La Guitarra California Festival, soloist with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, the Santa Barbara Arts Festival, Richard Schneiders' Lost Mountain Guitar Festival and many collaborations with theatre and dance companies. Mr. Edwards' many compact disc recordings feature his arrangements of American, Spanish, and European classics. Mel Bay Publications has published many of these in several books currently available. In addition to the traditional classical guitar repertoire, James performs his own vibrant arrangements of Handel, Mozart, Puccini, Debussy, Brahms, and many other works by the great composers. He also has created a unique American repertoire with treatments of well known works by Gershwin, Rodgers, Joplin, etc., along with his original compositions; blending his classical background with his earlier influences of folk and jazz.

"A wide-ranging choice of repertoire performed with taste and flair. All together a fine program."

-Frederick Noad

"Very entertaining selections, imaginatively arranged, and charmingly played...
sparkling new arrangements of cherished masterpieces."

-Ronald Fernandez

"How well you played and how well you made my guitar sound."

-Richard Schneider, luthier

GSP recording Artist Philip Hii has performed extensively in the United States, Mexico, Germany, and New Zealand. His Bach CD has received rave reviews from critics in Germany, England, Japan and the US. It was chosen as one of Guitar Player Magazine's picks of the month which says, "His passionate rubato and penetrating tone contribute to a thrilling performance." The Washington Post calls the CD "exciting" and "dazzling." and Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls him "the Heifetz of the classical guitar."

A native of Malaysia, Philip Hii started playing the guitar at age ten. After winning a national competition in Malaysia, he left for New Zealand to study law. Hii won the New Zealand National Cup and appeared on national television. He furthered his studies in England and Germany before coming to the United States in 1983. Philip holds a B. Mus degree from Victoria University of Wellington as well as a jazz arranging diploma from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas. Additional studies include a year of composition studies with Guenther Becker at the Robert Schumann Institut in Duesseldorf, Germany in the early eighties.

Philip Hii has published numerous articles in Soundboard, Guitar International, Gitarre und Laute, and American String Teacher and is a former Guitar Forum Editor for the AST. Six of his Bach transcriptions have been published by Guitar Solo Publications. His most recent CD, Stream of Consciousness, is a compilation of originals arranged for solo guitar and synthesizers.

"Nobody plays the guitar like Philip Hii; he's a Heifetz of the classical guitar. Hii's Allegro is the best I've ever heard and the Toccata and Fugue is downright scary. This is must listening for classical guitar buffs who want to blow a few fuses."

-Diane Gordon Acoustic Guitar Review

"With impeccable technique and outstanding interpretative gifts, Hii succeeds in making these pieces - originally for violin or organ - sound joyfully at home on nylon-string guitar. His passionate rubato and penetrating tone contribute to a thrilling performance that adds a new dimension to the Bach repertoire."

-James Rotondi Guitar Player Review

"Philip Hii's approach is not only spirited and gutsy, but is scholarly...one that I recommend to all who want guitar music to rise above the salon and to express a little more than intimate charm...Philip Hii joins the daring band of prospectors who have mined new gold."

-Colin Cooper Classical Guitar Magazine

Ana Vidovic is an extraordinary talent with formidable gifts taking her place amongst the elite guitarists of the world today.

Ana comes from the small town of Karlovac near Zagreb, Croatia and started playing guitar at the age of 5, and by 7 had given her first public performance. At the age of 11 she was performing internationally, and at 13 became the youngest student to attend the prestigious National Musical Academy in Zagreb where she studied with Professor Istvan Romer. Ana's reputation in Europe led to an invitation to study at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, USA, with Manuel Barrueco, from where she graduated in May 2003.

At the age of only 23 Ana has won an impressive number of prizes and international competitions all over the world. These include first prizes in the Albert Augustine International Competition in Bath, England, the Fernando Sor competition in Rome, Italy and the Francisco Tarrega competition in Benicasim, Spain. Other top prizes include the Eurovision Competition for Young Artists, the Mauro Giuliani competition in Italy, the Printemps de la Guitare in Belgium and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York.

Ana has given over one thousand public performances since first taking the stage in 1988. Her international performance career includes recitals in London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas and St. Louis.

In Croatia she has performed with the Zagreb Soloists and the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and with Symphony Orchestra of the Croatian Radio and Television, as well as having been featured in three television documentaries by the eminent Croatian film director Petar Krelja.

Ana continues to broaden her repertoire and maintains an ongoing performance schedule.

"Ana Vidovic produces so many moments of insight that you often feel you are listening to the music for the first time. This is very impressive indeed in one so young-she is only 20."

- Colin Cooper   Classical Guitar  

"Her virtuosity continues to astound...with no apparent technical limitation and a musical maturity that belies her age, Ms Vidovic is in a position to do great things with the classical guitar."

- Stephen Griesgraber   Guitar Review  

JCGS
presents

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society is proud to present the critically acclaimed international concert guitarist, Martha Masters. Ms. Masters will perform on Friday evening, January 14th, 2005, at the First Methodist Church, 165 N. Main Street, in Ashland. Concert time is 8:00pm. Tickets are $15 general admission, $5 for students and free for children 12 years old and under. Advanced tickets can be purchased at CD or Not CD in Ashland or at Central Art Supply in Medford. Tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the performance. The Southern Oregon University music department will host the artist in a master class the next day, Saturday, January 15th from 10:00am-noon in the Recital Hall of the music building. The class will be open to the public. Auditing fees are $10.00 general and $5.00 students.

Martha Masters is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after guitarists of her generation, being described as "artful, virtuosic and sophisticated," (Palos Verdes Peninsula News) with "poise, maturity and clean technique" (San Antonio Express-News). In October of 2000 Martha won first prize in the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Solo Competition, including a recording contract with Naxos, a concert video with Mel Bay, and an extensive North American concert tour. In November of 2000, she also won the Andrés Segovia International Guitar Competition in Linares, Spain and was a finalist in the Alexandre Tansman International Competition of Musical Personalities in Lodz, Poland. Prior to 2000, Martha was a prizewinner or finalist in numerous other international competitions, including the 1999 International Guitar Competition "Paco Santiago Marín" in Granada, Spain, the 1998 Tokyo International Guitar Competition and the 1997 GFA International Solo Competition.

Currently, Martha is on the guitar faculty at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She received both the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Peabody Conservatory, where she studied with Manuel Barrueco, and completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California as a student of Scott Tennant.

Critical Acclaim

"[Masters] is the winner of last year's Guitar Foundation of America Solo Guitar Competition. That honor, combined with movie-star looks and a natural showman's charisma, puts Masters at the forefront of her generation of guitarists."
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Elements in her performance style, a relatively short few years off the launching pad as classical careers go, suggest Masters is on a swift and certain trajectory to star territory."
- Illinois Times

"Poise, maturity and clean technique Masters put her ample dexterity to good use Her control of instrumental color was exemplary."
- San Antonio Express-News

JCGS
presents
Michael Partington
in
Concert and Masterclass

The long awaited "JCGS Concert Series" began with a concert by British classical guitarist, Michael Partington. Mr. Partington performed for us on Friday, October 29th, at 8:00 pm. The concert took place at the First Methodist Church, 165 N. Main Street, in Ashland. The Southern Oregon University music department hosted a master class with Mr. Partington the next day, Saturday, October 30 from 10:00am-noon in the choir room (room 220 upstairs) of the music building.

(Click here for Mr. Partington's Website. http://www.michaelpartington.com/concerts.html)

Michael Partington is one of the most engaging of the new generation of concert players. Praised by Classical Guitar Magazine for his "lyricism, intensity and clear technical command," this award-winning British guitarist has performed internationally as a soloist and with ensemble to unanimous critical praise. Audiences are put at ease by his charming stage manner and captivated by his musical interpretations. His innate rhythmic understanding and sense for tonal colour combine to form some of the most memorable phrasing to be heard on the guitar.

He began playing guitar at age 6 while growing up in Wales, gave his first public performance at age 7 and won his first competition at age 9. He has trained with many of the world's greatest guitarists, including Oscar Ghiglia, Eliot Fisk, Eduardo Fernandez, Manuel Barrueco and David Russell, who commented on his "exquisite good taste and fluid perfection." Partington received a performance degree from the University of Washington, where he was a Brechemin scholar and graduated magna cum laude, studying under Steven Novacek.

Since moving to the USA he has received awards in several guitar, instrumental and concerto competitions. He has appeared throughout the USA, UK and Scandanavia in solo recital, with orchestra and in chamber ensembles. He has performed along the West Coast from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and in Idaho, Arizona, Texas and Virginia, including the first solo guitar recital in Seattle's Benaroya Hall. Other US performances include the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, the Cascadia Festival, the Chelan Bach Fest, the Northwest Guitar Festival and the Portland Guitar Festival, Town Hall and Meany Theater in Seattle, Portland's Lincoln Hall, Murphy Hall in Los Angeles, Katzin Hall in Phoenix. Concerts in England and Wales have included Blackheath Halls, St. Martin-in-the-Fields and St. James', Piccadilly in London; St. Mary in the Castle, Hastings; Bristol Music Club; Norwegian Church, Cardiff; Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth; Brewery Arts Centre, Kendall; Trinity Arts Centre, Tunbridge Wells; Nottingham; Carlisle; Derby; and others. He has performed live on BBC Radio 3's In Tune, BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Wales and Great Western Radio in the UK, as well as on KUOW, KING FM, KZAZ, and KAOS in Washington, KUT in Texas, and cable television in California and Washington. He has also performed with Orchestra Seattle, Seattle Choral Company, Seattle Chamber Players, Seattle Creative Orchestra, Wenatchee Valley Symphony, Seattle New Music Ensemble, Seattle Symphony Chorale, English organist Margaret Phillips, Grammy-winning soprano Carmen Pelton, and the Seattle Guitar Quartet. He has released four solo CDs for Rosewood Recordings.

"Consummate guitar artistry command, tonal variety and."
Melinda Bargreen, Seattle Times

" exquisite good taste and fluid perfection. He truly makes the guitar sound beautiful."
David Russell

"His playing was beautifully poised with all the technique and imagination to convey the textures of the work, and produce a very full, rich tone on the guitar... fine musicianship."
Thérèse Wassily Saba, Classical Guitar Magazine

"Gorgeous playing... He does what I think is most interesting, he owns every note he plays. No muffled half played passages or over the top slurred messes of ambiguity. Every note was there and every note contributed to the shapes and forms and drama of the music unfolding. The breathing was perfect and the long crescendos with such a big sound on top took my breath away ... wonderful clarity and sense of texture." Larry Deack, Orange County Guitar Circle

JCGS Benefit Concert

at the

Unitarian Center
87 Fourth St.
Ashland, Oregon
Sunday, August 29th, 3pm

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society (JCGS) will present a benefit concert on Sunday, August 29th at 3:00pm. The performance will take place at the Unitarian Center, 87 Fourth Street, in Ashland. This Benefit Concert will showcase professional guitarists from the JCGS who are also prominent members of the regional music community. It will feature solo performances by guitarists Joseph Thompson, Grant Ruiz, Steve Berman, Bil Leonhart, David Rogers, Jaxon Williams and Dan Ferris as well as an appearance by the Dark Rose Guitar Trio. The program will include music from the traditional classical guitar repertoire as well as flamenco guitar and early music on baroque guitar and vihuela.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 12 years of age are admitted for free. Tickets will be available at the door. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased at "CD or not CD", 343 E. Main St. in Ashland or at Larry's Music, 1105 N. Riverside Ave. in Medford. The society will also sell raffle tickets at the concert. The winner of the drawing will get a house concert in their own home for their friends and family by the Dark Rose Trio. Raffle tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.

This benefit concert is the kick-off to a fund-raising drive in support of the society's first concert series, and all proceeds will go toward the series. The series features three outstanding, internationally recognized concert guitarists. The first concert in the series features Michael Partington of Seattle on October 29, 2004. Next will be Martha Masters of Los Angeles on January 14, 2005. Jason Vieaux of Cleveland, Ohio will perform the final concert of the series on March 11, 2005. Each guitarist will also teach a master class the day following the concert. The membership of the JCGS is very excited to have the opportunity to present these gifted artists to the Rogue Valley.

The Jefferson Classical Guitar Society formed about three years ago as a small group of individuals interested in sharing their passion for the classical guitar. It has rapidly grown into a non-profit organization that has sponsored a number of concerts, master classes, and special events. The society meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Paschal Winery in Talent, attracting up to 60 people per month. The membership ranges in age from 7 to 77 and from beginners to amateurs to professionals. The society also has a special interest in outreach to young and old alike. Members have performed at local schools, retirement facilities, and charitable events. All are welcome to attend the monthly meetings to enjoy a wide array of live music played on the classical guitar.

For more info call 552-9515. Click here for a printable image of the JCGS Benefit Concert flyer.