Paul Vondiziano, classical guitar
October 14, 2007 at 7 PM
Molly Grove Chapel, First Presbyterian Church, Lansing

PROGRAM 

Sonata (Op. 15.b) Fernando Sor (1778 - 1839)

Second Partita (BWV 1004) J. S. Bach (1685 - 1750)
Allemanda,Corrente,Sarabanda,Giga,Ciaccona

"Mozart" Variations (Op.9) Fernando Sor (1778 - 1839)

Triptych (Τρίπτυχον) Paul Vondiziano (*1952)
Eleni (Ελένη), Invisible Troupe (Αόρατος Θίασος),The Dance of Maria-Nefeli (Ο Χορός της Μαρίας-Νεφέλης)

Prelude, Fugue, and Allegro (BWV 998) J. S. Bach (1685 - 1750)

Koyunbaba (Op.19) Carlo Domeniconi (*1947)
Moderato,Mosso,Cantabile,Presto

Paul Vondiziano was born in Larnaca, Cyprus, where he began his study of the guitar at the age of eight. He continued his education in the United States in both philosophy and music, and holds a Master of Music degree from Duquesne University in Pennsylvania.  Following his studies he returned to Cyprus, where his performance activities led to further engagements and tours on the European Continent. Since his return to America he has been active as a performer, and continues to make appearances abroad.

He has premiered works for guitar such as his own Memories of Inner Time and Triptych, as well as Will Bottje’s Lighter Strings for guitar and harpsichord and Greetings suite for solo guitar. His recordings include (1) Two Rooms and a Guitar (with Baroque and South American music: D. Kellner, R. De Visee, A. Logy and A. Lauro), (2) J. S. Bach: The Four Lute Suites (BWV 996, 997, 995, 1006a), (3) The Mediterranean Guitar (with works by G. Sanz, M. Theodorakis, and C. Domeniconi), (4) J. S. Bach: Prelude, Second Partita, Third Sonata (BWV 999, BWV 1004, BWV 1005 transcribed from the works for violin solo) and (5) Spirit of Brazil: Guitar Music of Joao Guimaraes-Pernambuco. Future plans include a recording of his own compositions for solo guitar.

Some of his repeated appearances include Cyprus, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, Greece, Spain, and in the U.S. : New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, Iowa, Idaho, as well as Alberta Canada.

He has collaborated with various musicians and ensembles (two guitars, flute-guitar, cello-guitar, voice-guitar, piano-guitar, string quartet-guitar, choir-guitar, etc) and has performed as concerto soloist with ensembles such as the Cyprus National Chamber Orchestra, the Boise Philharmonic, Kalamazoo Symphony, Plymouth Symphony, and various university-related orchestras. He has also participated in ensembles such as Opera Grand Rapids (in productions of “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Philip Glass) and Greek Music Groups. Recent collaborations include a guitar-harpsichord duo with Susan Lawrence from the Gilmore Keyboard Festival. He has been featured both in performance and interview formats on Cyprus National Television and Radio, Swedish Radio, Public Radio Stations in the U.S., and CBC Radio in Canada. 

Highlights for the 06-07 season include successful and well received solo performances in Athens Greece, Nicosia Cyprus, Sotogrande and Jimena in Spain.

Paul has an ongoing philosophical interest in life, and apart from music, applies his creative efforts to poetry and ideas. In addition to performing, he occasionally gives lectures, seminars, master-classes, and maintains a very small private studio.

PROGRAM

Toccata in F, BuxWV 156    Buxtehude
Andante für eine Walse in eine kleine orgel, K 616    Mozart
Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue, BWV 564    Bach
Variations on “Heil Dir, im Siegeskranz”    Rinck   
Partita on “In Dulci Jubilo” *    Hildebrand 
Boléro de Concert, Op. 166    Lefébure-Wely
Toccata (Symphony V)    Widor

*Commissioned by Marilyn Mason. World Premiere

Professor Mason is University Organist and Chair of the Organ Department at the University of Michigan. Her extensive career as concert organist, lecturer, adjudicator, and teacher has carried her throughout the Western world. She was the first American woman organist to perform in Westminster Abby, the first woman organist to play in Latin America, and the first American organist to perform in Egypt. During one year, invitations took her to five continents. She has served as adjudicator at almost every major organ competition in the world. Ms. Mason’s dedication to contemporary music is evidenced by the 60 organ works she has commissioned and premiered. More than 20 research tours have focused on historic organs throughout Europe.

In 1987 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music by the University of Nebraska. In 1988 she was chosen as Performer of the Year by the New York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Her discography, on Columbia and Musical Heritage Society labels, includes music of Bach, Handel, and contemporary composers. She is now recording the complete organ works of Pachelbel for the Musical Heritage Society.