Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Odeum Guitar Duo is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2002 by two talented guitarists, Robert Wetzel and Fred Benedetti. The duo has gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and their ability to captivate audiences with their performances. Robert Wetzel and Fred Benedetti both have impressive backgrounds in music. Wetzel received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern California and his Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Opera, and the La Jolla Symphony. Benedetti received his Bachelor of Music degree from San Diego State University and his Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California. He has performed with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Opera, and the San Diego Chamber Orchestra. The two guitarists met while teaching at the San Diego State University School of Music and Dance. They quickly discovered a shared passion for classical guitar music and decided to form a duo. They named their ensemble Odeum, which means "a place for musical performances" in ancient Greece. Since their founding, Odeum Guitar Duo has performed at numerous venues throughout the United States and abroad. They have been featured at the La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest, the San Diego Symphony's Summer Pops, and the San Diego Guitar Festival. They have also performed at the Guitar Foundation of America International Convention and Competition, the Newport Beach Music Festival, and the Idyllwild Arts Summer Festival. One of the highlights of Odeum Guitar Duo's career was their performance at the 2008 National Flute Association Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. They were invited to perform with flutist Carol Wincenc, one of the most renowned flutists in the world. The performance was a huge success and received rave reviews from the audience and critics alike. In addition to their performances, Odeum Guitar Duo has also released several albums. Their debut album, "Odeum Guitar Duo," was released in 2004 and features works by composers such as Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, and Joaquín Rodrigo. Their second album, "Music of Spain and Latin America," was released in 2007 and features works by composers such as Agustín Barrios Mangoré, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Antonio Lauro. Their most recent album, "Café Latino," was released in 2012 and features works by composers such as Astor Piazzolla, Carlos Gardel, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Odeum Guitar Duo has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. They were the winners of the 2004 San Diego Artists Guild Award for Best Classical Music Performance. They were also the winners of the 2005 San Diego Music Awards for Best Classical Album and Best Classical Artist. In 2006, they were awarded the San Diego State University School of Music and Dance's Outstanding Alumni Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, Odeum Guitar Duo is also committed to music education. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools throughout the United States. They have also released a series of instructional DVDs, including "The Art of Classical Guitar Playing" and "The Art of Spanish Guitar." In conclusion, Odeum Guitar Duo is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of classical guitar music.

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