Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet (MGQ) is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and virtuosic performances for over three decades. Founded in 1986, the quartet has become one of the most respected and sought-after guitar ensembles in the world. The founding members of the MGQ were Joseph Hagedorn, Steve Newbrough, Wade Oden, and David Crittenden. All four members were accomplished guitarists with a passion for classical music and a desire to create something new and exciting. They began rehearsing together and quickly realized that they had a special chemistry and a shared vision for what they wanted to achieve. The quartet's early performances were well-received, and they soon began to attract attention from the classical music community. In 1988, they won the prestigious Concert Artists Guild International Competition, which helped to launch their career and establish them as a major force in the classical music world. Over the years, the MGQ has undergone some personnel changes, but the current lineup consists of founding member Joseph Hagedorn, along with Maja Radovanlija, Ben Gateño, and Wade Oden. Each member brings their own unique style and personality to the group, creating a dynamic and cohesive sound that is instantly recognizable. One of the highlights of the MGQ's career was their performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. They were chosen to represent the United States in the Cultural Olympiad, a celebration of the arts that coincided with the Olympic Games. The quartet performed a program of classical guitar music that showcased their technical prowess and musical sensitivity, earning them a standing ovation from the audience. The MGQ has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles over the years, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Dance Theatre. They have commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, expanding the repertoire for classical guitar and pushing the boundaries of the genre. In addition to their performances, the MGQ is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops for guitar students of all ages and skill levels, and have worked with schools and community organizations to bring classical music to underserved communities. The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a McKnight Artist Fellowship, a Bush Foundation Artist Fellowship, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Dances of the Renaissance" and "Thrum." Despite their many accomplishments, the MGQ remains dedicated to their craft and to each other. They continue to push themselves to new heights of musical excellence, and to share their love of classical guitar music with audiences around the world.

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