Tuesday evening Raitt Recital Hall echoed with the talents of Pepperdine’s classical guitar students in the first of the “Gi-táhr” concert series of the school year.
The “Gi-táhr” series is a chance to introduce the Pepperdine community to a variety of classical guitar performances in the 45 minutes given to the skillful hands of the students who are majoring or minoring in classical guitar.
“It’s a great performance opportunity for the guitar majors and minors said Jonathan Roth, adjunct professor of guitar and alumnus of the Pepperdine classical guitar program. But also a chance for the classical guitar department to share beautiful music with the entire Pepperdine community.”
This performance marks the beginning of the second year for Gi-táhr.
“We had three seniors graduate explained Aaron Clark, senior and performer, which were replaced by two freshmen. It’s just the five of us.”
The performers are all students of Christopher Parkening a classical guitar prodigy who has received two Grammy nominations.
“The guitar majors and minors have a great teacher in Christopher Parkening Roth said.
As one of his former students I can attest to not only his artistry but also his humility and desire to meet every student where they’re at. Parkening is one of the world’s preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar.”
After a brief introduction from Jonathan Roth the concert began with each of the five students preforming two songs each with their own style.
The students take us into an international excursion though time with the variation of each piece. The concert opened with the poetic and tender romantic melody of “Julia Florida” performed by Kevin Enstrom.
Following Enstrom Jacob Fanthorpe performed an eloquent rendition of the Spanish serenade “Capricho Arabe.”
Aaron Clark then took the audience to Poland to hear the styles of “Kolysanka No. 1.” Stephen Lambert strummed the light dance styles of Bach’s “Allegro” (BWV 998). The concert finished with Dean McDaniel Keith’s rendition of traditional United Kingdom and Irish music style of “The Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” (Scottish) and “The Bucks of Oranmore” (Irish).
The guitarists already have the support of their friends at the concerts; they hope to spread their music outside to new ears.
Roth explained “This year it’s my hope to reach outside of the Pepperdine campus and to bring the classical guitar to as much of Malibu as possible.”
Other students can hear the sounds of the strums echo through the hall which intrigued some to stop by the concert.
“I didn’t even know this was here said Danae Newton, senior and first time listener. This is incredible.”
Those interested can check out the other concerts in the Gi-táhr series by attending the performances the second Tuesday of every month.
For the best ways to learn more information and to stay up-to-date on all future performances visit www.gi-tahr.com and add your name to the mailing list by emailing info@gi-tahr.com or text “GUITAR” to 313131 to have reminders sent straight to your cell phone.
Mark your calendars for Oct. 12 to attend the next performance of Gi-táhr in Raitt Recital Hall.