Role

:

Ensemble

 

The Santa Fe Guitar Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1986 by four accomplished guitarists, each with a unique style and background in classical music. The founding members of the Santa Fe Guitar Quartet were Michael Chapdelaine, David Leisner, Benjamin Verdery, and Andrew Zohn. All four musicians had already established themselves as solo performers and had won numerous awards and accolades for their individual talents. However, they came together to form the quartet with the goal of exploring the possibilities of the guitar as a chamber music instrument. The quartet's early performances were met with critical acclaim, and they quickly gained a reputation for their innovative arrangements and virtuosic playing. They performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and their concerts were always well-attended and highly praised. One of the highlights of the Santa Fe Guitar Quartet's early career was their performance at the 1988 Guitar Foundation of America International Convention. They were awarded first prize in the chamber music division, and their performance was described as "a revelation" by the judges. Over the years, the quartet has undergone some changes in membership, but their commitment to excellence and their passion for exploring the possibilities of the guitar as a chamber music instrument has remained constant. Today, the quartet consists of Michael Chapdelaine, Patrick Burns, Miguel Antonio, and Jeremy Mayne. The quartet's repertoire is diverse and includes works by classical composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart, as well as contemporary pieces by composers such as Leo Brouwer and Andrew York. They are also known for their arrangements of popular music, including pieces by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. One of the quartet's most memorable performances was their collaboration with the Santa Fe Opera in 1995. They performed the world premiere of "The Tempest," an opera by composer John Corigliano, which featured the quartet as part of the orchestra. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented the quartet's reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting classical music ensembles of their time. The Santa Fe Guitar Quartet has also released several albums over the years, including "Music of the Americas," which features works by Latin American composers, and "The Nutcracker Suite," which is a unique arrangement of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet score. Their recordings have received widespread critical acclaim and have helped to introduce the quartet's music to a wider audience. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Santa Fe Guitar Quartet is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops for guitar students of all levels, and they have worked with organizations such as the National Guitar Workshop and the Guitar Foundation of America to promote the guitar as a serious instrument for classical music. In recognition of their contributions to the world of classical music, the Santa Fe Guitar Quartet has received numerous awards and honors over the years. They have been featured on NPR's "Performance Today" and have been praised by publications such as The New York Times and Guitar Player magazine.

More....