It’s my tenth year as Executive Director of Austin Classical Guitar.
At Isaac’s concert Saturday a woman grabbed my arm at intermission and told me she’d just experienced the most beautiful music on the guitar she had ever heard. At the close of our first-ever national teacher training earlier Saturday afternoon, a teacher told me “I’ve been in public school education for 18 years, and this is by far the best training session I’ve ever attended.” In an interview last Tuesday the founder of Austin’s iconic Alamo Drafthouse, Tim League, said “We have the hands-down best classical guitar society in the world here in Austin.”
You make all of this possible. Without you we could not have built more than 30 area guitar programs that have served thousands of amazing, diverse kids. Without you we could not have created Austin Goes Classical, Austin Pictures, “The Unknown,” John Williams in concert, and so many more events of deep cultural significance. Without you I could not have had the privilege of service these last ten years.
Thank you.
Our new season includes icons like Pepe Romero, Niño de Pura, Tomatito and so much more.
I am particularly excited about Joseph V. Williams II joining us as our Composer in Residence. He is already writing two major works, one to be premiered by our new Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra, and the other for Les Freres Meduses.
And this season we proudly introduce Insights, guided tours to the art and artists featured in our major concerts. We could think of no better tour guide than Dr. Tom Echols whose infectious intellectual curiosity and stunningly broad knowledge of music, art and literature will provide a rich framework to deepen your familiarity and appreciation for classical guitar.
Classes are Wednesday evenings from 7-9PM, last for four weeks, and directly precede the event they pertain to. The first course we’re offering is Pepe Romero & Guitar Music of Spain (9/11-10/2)!
I look forward to sharing this new season with you.
In gratitude,
Matt