Guitar contest to air on TV

SHANNON URTNOWSKI
A&E Editor

It has been one year in the making, but the wait is over. A documentary about distinguished professor of music Christopher Parkening’s first-ever guitar competition will air on KCET-PBS.

Parkening, a two-time grammy nominated and world-renowned classical guitarist, organized the competition, which took place between May 30 and June 2, 2006.

“The Parkening International Guitar Competition honors classical guitarist Christopher Parkening’s lifetime commitment to fostering musical excellence in young artists,” according to Pepperdine Public Relations.

Parkening said his youth mentor, Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia, inspired him to get involved with continuing to help the youth of music today.

“When I came to Pepperdine, it had long been my vision for there to be a world-class guitar competition,” Parkening said, “which came from my great mentor and longtime friend.”

Junior Kyle Rotolo attended the competition, which Parkenings said attracted a full house at Smother’s Theater.

“I thought the competition was one of the best displays of what the guitar can do,” Rotolo said. “It’s great that people will have the chance to sit down in the comfort of their own homes to watch it now.”

The documentary will be taken from a sold-out Smother’s to television, meaning thousands can view. The competition will be shared, and Rotolo said it is definitely worth watching.

The hour-long documentary was shot in high definition and surround sound. It will have personal interviews and behind the scenes footage that even those who attended the competition have not seen.

Parkening said the competition is not only interesting, but suspenseful. An unexpected event occurs, but he added that viewers should watch the film to find out what happened.

To view that moment and more, check out the documentary  on Monday at 10 p.m.

The second Parkening International Guitar Competition has been scheduled for May 27 to 29, 2009.

09-06-2007