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International Artists to Perform at Classical Guitar Festival

University News

For release: May 10, 2010

For press information, contact Carol Morse, 901-678-2279

Performances by virtuoso classical guitarists Lily Afshar, Massimo Delle Cese and Marcin Dylla will highlight the Memphis International Guitar Festival at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. The event, which will be held May 27 – 29, 2010, will include concerts, student showcase, masterclasses and a competition.

Festival Director Lily Afshar, professor of guitar at the U of M, is “one of the world’s foremost classical guitarists” according to Public Radio International. Honored with the 2000 Orville H. Gibson Award as Best Female Classical Guitarist, she has also won the Aspen Music Festival Guitar Competition and was Artistic Ambassador to Africa for the United States Information Agency. Her four CDs and DVD have attracted critical acclaim.

Massimo Delle Cese was only 15 when he ranked first at the Ancona National Guitar Contest in his native Italy. In 1982 he won second prize at the Mauro Giuliani International Competition and in 1983 won the Rome International Young Performers' Competition. His concert career includes performances in more than 20 countries, appearances at international guitar festivals and as a member of the St. Cecilia Guitar Trio.

Marcin Dylla was hailed by The Washington Post as among “the most gifted guitarists on the planet.” The native of Poland has earned this position with an unparalleled number of awards including 19 first prizes at prestigious international music competitions. Most recently he won the Gold Medal at the 2007 Guitar Foundation of America International Competition.

As part of the program, the festival will include a classical guitar competition. Competitors will perform on two days and will be judged by the event’s guest artists. The winners of the competition will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, $250 and $100.

The festival is sponsored by the Augustine Foundation and the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. The Augustine Foundation sponsors the study and performance of classical guitar. The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees in 29 areas of concentration.

All events will be in Harris Concert Hall at 3775 Central Avenue on the U of M campus. Times are Central Daylight Time.

Concerts

May 27, 7:30 p.m.—Lily Afshar

May 28, 7:30 p.m.—Massimo Delle Cese

May 29, 7:30 p.m.—Marcin Dylla

Student Showcase

May 28, 10 a.m.

Masterclasses

May 27. 1 - 6 p.m.— Massimo Delle Cese

May 28, 1 - 6 p.m.— Marcin Dylla

May 29, 1 - 6 p.m.— Lily Afshar

Competition

May 27, 9 a.m. — First Round

May 29, 9 a.m. — Finals

Prices

3-day pass to all events $75

1-day pass to all events $30

Evening concerts only:

General Public $20

Seniors and non-U of M students $10

U of M faculty, staff and students Free

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Office of Communications Services
303 Administration Building
Memphis, TN 38152
Phone: 901/678-2843
Fax: 901/678-3607
e-mail: prnews@memphis.edu

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Last Updated: 10/25/12