Photo courtesy of www.taeglich-gute-bilder.de

The young talented Finnish guitarist OTTO TOLONEN, in his debut at the Purcell Room, presents an interesting repertoire which includes a variety of styles of important composers for the classical guitar. His concert starts with music by Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959), 'Cadenza' from Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra, and 'Five Preludes'. These two pieces are dedicated to remember the music of one of the greatest Brazilian and Latin American composers of the century.The concert continues with 'Pour one homage a Claude Debussy', by Georges Migot (1891-1976), French poet and composer who wrote about his own intellectual experiences to be poet and musician.

The English music is represented by a baroque pieces entitled 'Farewell' by John Dowland (1563-1626), and Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), 'Nocturnal after John Dowland', which was dedicated to the English guitarist Julian Bream. The concert will end with a tribute to the German composer Hans Werner Henze (1926-2012), and he will perform an interesting work for the guitar, entitled 'El Cimarron'. This piece is based on a story of a Cuban slave Esteban Montejo, this is a rarely and interesting work inspired in the social and cultural problem of the Caribbean slavery.

OTTO TOLONEN was born in 1980, hen has studied music since he was five. He studied with Andrzej Wilkus at the Spoo Music Institute, later he continue his music studies at the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki), with Timo Korhonen and ukka Savijoki. He received his diploma and master degree in 2008. At the same time Otto had studied in Weimar, Germany, at Hochschule fur Musik "Franz Liszt", with Thomss Muller-Pering and in Italy with Oscar Ghiglia at the Accademia Musicales Chigiana" in Siena.

Otto Tolonen is one of the most successful Finnish guitarists, has won 20 International competions, in Japan, US, Australia, Finland, Spain, Germany, etc. He gave concerts in Argentina and Brazil with great artistic success. He has performed extensively in Scandinavia, Moscow, Baltic countries, France, Germany, Holland, Austria, Italy, etc.

Otto Tolonen, repetoire include renaissance vihuela and lute works to contemporary music. `He has performed as soloist with Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jyvaskya Sinfonia, Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra, German Chursachsischen Philharmonie and Polish AUKSO Chamber Orchestra.

Some critics said:

"His technique is just excellent, his sense for sound, for subtle colours and his instinct for expressive dynamics, tension, dimension and drama in the music could be described as rare and quite unique"
(Tomas Muller-Pering).

"This talent radiates great maturity and absolute mastery on the stage"
(Thomas Nytsch -Frankischer Tag)

"An uncompromising young man"
(Colin Cooper - Classical Guitar)

SUMMARY PROGRAMME OF THE CONCERT AT
THE PURCELL ROOM, QEH, SBC.
THURSDAY 23rd MAY 2013 at 7.45pm.

Music by Otto Tolonen

MUSIC CLIP - "Francaise"

MUSIC CLIP - "Serenade"

MUSIC CLIP - "Hommage a Alonso Mudarra"

MUSIC CLIP - "Asencio III"

MUSIC CLIP - "Asencio IV"

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Dagmar & Jozef Zsapka are one of the most important duo of flute and guitar in Europe, founded in 1979, and due to its intensive artistic activities they have become well known.

From their earlier performances in the 1980's and 1990's Dagmar and Jozef Zsapka became an artistic revelation for their style, technique and rich repertoire, in the Slovak and Czech Republics.

They received international recognition for their long outstanding artistic career in Europe and around the world. They have given concerts in Japan, USA, Australia, England, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Greece, Turkey, the Balkan countries, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Cuba and many other countries.

Important composers wrote music dedicated to Dagmar and Jozef, among them: Jorge Cardoso, David Babcock, Igor Rechin, Dusan Martincek, Peter Martincek, Stepan Rak, Filimon Ginalis, Vitazosdlav Kubicka and others.

Their repertoire is extremely wide and includes music of all stylistic periods. Critics rank them among the world top performers.

Dagmar Zsapkova-Sebestova is a prominent Slovak flutist. In addition to playing in the duo she performs with renowned symphonic and chamber ensembles.

Public and experts have appreciated her brilliant technique, beautiful sound and the way she differentiated musical feelings according to the particular style of the piece.

She has been invited to give international master classes in Spain, France, Italy, Austria, etc. Dagmar's CDs are well broadcasted in Radio and TV studios. At present she is professor at the Conservatoire in Bratislava.

Jozef Zsapka ranks at the top of the Slovak performing arts.

He performs in the duo and as soloist with chamber and symphonic orchestras. He is a recognized academic and Dean at the Academy of Music in Bratislava.

He is founder and organiser of the International Guitar Festival "Johann Kaspar Metz" - in Bratislava for more than three decades.

Jozef received invitations to Give master classes in Spain, France Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Hungary etc.

The repertoire of Duo Dagmar and Jozef Zsapka included music from composers from Baroque period until today and their outstanding career received an international recognition in Europe, USA and other continents.

PROGRAMME OF THE CONCERT AT THE PURCELL ROOM, QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, SOUTH BANKCENTRE, LONDON SE1 8XX

SOUTH AMERICAN MUSIC by PIAZZOLLA, ALMEIDA, VILLA-LOBOS AND MAXIMO DIEGO PUJOL

• Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921 - 1992) - Histoire du Tango
  • 1900 Bordel
  • 1930 Café
  • 1960 Night-club
  • 2000 Concert d´aujourd´hui
• Laurindo ALMEIDA (1917-1995) - Choro e Batuque

INTERVAL

• H.VILLA LOBOS (1887 – 1959) – Distribucion de Fleurs / Bachiana brasileira No.5 / Modinha
• Máximo Diego PUJOL (1957) - Dos Aires Candomberos
  • I. Nubes de Buenos Aires
  • II. Candombe de los Buenos Tiempos

The concert includes a selection of some of the best music by four important South American composers. Astor Piazzolla with "The Tango History", by creating the evolution of tango from its humble beginning to the international concert hall, maybe he describes its own personal musical experience in South America and in Europe. A master piece of the New Tango and a musical legacy for the new generations.

Choro e Batuque, by Laurindo Almeida, is undoubtedly, an important contribution to the Brazilian classical music of the 20th century. Laurindo's writings are inspired in popular musical traditions and his love for the Brazilian folklore. Choro e Batuque resembled the originality and the colourful Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro and other afro Brazilian towns.

Heitor Villa-Lobos, one of the most important composers of all times is present with three master pieces in this concert, however, Bachiana Brasileira No 5 and Modinha, are two pieces rooted in the rhythms and sounds of Brazil. Three classical pieces by Heitor Villa-Lobos, brilliantly performed by duo Dagmar & Jozef Zsapka will bring an exiting and colourful repertoire to the audience.

Finally, "Dos Aires Candomberos" by Maximo Diego Pujol, are included in this concert. "Candombe", is an Afro-South American dance, incorporated to the popular traditions in Argentina and Uruguay. Maximo Diego Pujol, wrote two pieces with this fascinating afro rhythms, and duo Dagmar & Josef will performe them with great style and master technique. In summary a concert to be enjoyed and remembered for its originality and brilliant performance.

Music by Dagmar & Jozef Zsapka

MUSIC CLIP - "Bordel 1900" - Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)

MUSIC CLIP - "Concert d'Aujourd'hui" - Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)

MUSIC CLIP - "Choro e Batuque" - Laurindo Almeida (1917-1997)

MUSIC CLIP - "Pompeya" - Maximo Diego Pujol

MUSIC CLIP - "San Telmo" - Maximo Diego Pujol

MUSIC CLIP - "Microcentro" - Maximo Diego Pujol

MUSIC CLIP - "Fantasia mulata" - Ernesto Cordero

THE BALTIC GUITAR QUARTET, is one of the leading young guitar ensembles in Europe at present time. The Guitar Quartet was founded by talented and youngest musucians from Lithuania in 2004. In 2008, Chris Ruebens from Belgium joined the group with virtuosos guitarists, such as Sergej Krinicin, Saulius S. Lipcius and Zigma Cepulenas.

However, individually, each member of the quartet are successful performers in Lithuania and in Europe. A short biography is an interesting information about the musical talents of the Baltic Guitar Quartet:

SERGEJ KRINICIN, started playing guitar at the age of 14 years and his teacher was Jurgis Rimkevicius, a legendary personality and founder of the Lithuanian Guitar School. His studies continued with Julius Kuraiskas at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Later in Moscow, he studied with Aleksander Frauchi, one of the important Russian classical masters of the guitar. In 2011 he was invited by the Academy of Vytautas Didysis University to be part of the teaching programme. He received favourable comments by 'Diario Jaen in Spain (2005) for his brilliant participation in A. Segovia Guitar Festival in 2005.

SAULIUS S. LIPCIUS, is the fourth generation of musicians in his family. He started learning the guitar at 12 years old and in 2006 received a Master degree at the Lithuania Academy of Music and Theatre where he studied with Julius Kurauskas. An interesting experience for his career was to play for several years with his father - a cellist from the famous M.K. Ciurlionis string quartet. Gaining professional experience Saulius, recorded an expressive and original CD with the Lithuanian actress Virginija Kochanskyte, which received favourable comments in the press. This year he recorded a CD entitled 'Guitar Temptations', another artistic success for his guitar career. Since 2008 Saulius is teaching in the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre.

ZIGMA CEPULENAS, is another example of a young guitar scholar. His learning for the classical Guitar started at 14th years of age and studied with Vytautas Panavas in Ignalina Music School. In 1999, he continued his studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre to study with Julius Kurauskas. In 2005 he received his Bachelor's Degree and continued studies of chamber music with Violinist Professor Petras Kunca, member of the National Vilnius string quartet. He is a versatile performer for his interest to assimilate the flamenco style and have taken master classes with Paco Serrano. He is a winner of several prizes in International guitar competitions and in the last years he had performed with the Vilnius University Chamber Orchestra. He recorded for the Lithuanian National Radio and with several performances in Germany, Latvia and Estonia.

CHRIS RUEBENS, was born in Eeklo (Belgium) in 1975. He started learning classical guitar at 9 years old under the guidance of Peter Gykiere and Wim Van Holderbeke. Graduated in 1994 from the Eeklo music school, he continued his guitar studies at the Lemmensinstitute in Leuven with Peter Pieters where he obtained his master degree. Later at the Godelieve Monden he studied contemporary and post-modern music and at the same time he completed a master degree for chamber music.

He founded the Koa Guitar Quartet at the Lemmensinstitute, and their first CD was released in 2005. An interesting aspect of his career is his understanding and interest to explore jazz, pop and rock music. In 1999 he join to two Belgian jazz musicians, Peter Verhelst, guitar and Yves Peeters, percussion, with great success. In 2008 Chris moved to Vilnius and joined the Baltic Quartet.

PROGRAMME OF THE CONCERT AT THE PURCELL ROOM, QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, SOUTH BANKCENTRE, LONDON SE1 8XX

'DANCING WITH GUITAR'

• Manuel de Falla - Danza del Terror
• Luigi Boccherini - Introduction et Fandango
• Antonin Dvorak - Slavonic Dance No 7, Op 46
• Maurice Ravel - Pavane pour une infante defunte
• George Bizet - Gypsy Dance
• Johannes Brahms - Hungarian Dance

INTERVAL

• Leo Brouwer - Cuban landscape with Rumba
• Jonas Tamulionis - Three Dances (UK Premier)
• Chris Ruebens - Gitana Linda (UK Premier)
• Giocchino Rossini - La Danza
• Chris Ruebens - Summer Dance (UK premier)

The concert 'Dance with guitar', attempt to entertain and to awake the interest of the public for music connected to the folklore and classical traditions of several European countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Caribbean, and Lithuania.

The Baltic Guitar Quartet will bring to the Purcell Room, an excellent repertoire of some of the best dances of all times. The audience will be enchanted with the skillfully talent of four guitarist with their creativity to entertain and to maintain the attention and interest of the audience. In summary a concert to enjoy and to be remembered for some years to come.

LACCS PUBLICATION: THE CONCERT PROGRAMME

Music by The Baltic Guitar Quartet

MUSIC CLIP - "Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte" - Maurice Ravel

MUSIC CLIP - "Two Slavonic Dances" - Antonin Dvorak

MUSIC CLIP - "Aragonaise" - Georges Bizet

MUSIC CLIP - "Three Dances I" - Jonas Tamulionis

MUSIC CLIP - "Salsa Mutations" - Alfonso Montes

MUSIC CLIP - "Summer Dance" - Chris Ruebens

The talented Finnish guitarist PETRI KUMELA, in his debut at the Purcell Room, present a repertoire with two traditional pieces for the classical guitar, Ciaccona BWV 1004, originally written for lute and arranged for the guitar by Andres Segovia in 1920's and Nocturne Reverie Op. 19, by Giulio Regondi (1822-1872, popular piece of high level of technique.

Petri Kumela attempt to expand the concept of Finnish music, with two U.K. Premieres by young Finnish composers: Lotta Wennakoski (1970), 'Balai', (2009), and Aki Yli-Salomaki (1972), 'Odota', both pieces reflect part of the Finnish modern music traditions in original styles.

The concert include a suggestive piece entitle, 'Small Pieces', to mix the Latin American harmonies, with modern European musical traditions of the classical guitar.

In summary: a concert to enjoy and to learn about the international repertoire of high standard performance.

PETRI KUMELA, one of Finland's most versatile and sought-after classical guitarists, is equally at home with period of instruments as in working with contemporary composers. He studied at the Helsinki Conservatoire with Juan Antonio Muro and in Germany with Franz Halasz, graduating from Hochschule fur Musik Nurnberg-Augsburg in summer 2000. He attended master classes with such teachers as Leo Brouwer, Alirio Diaz, Oscar Chiglia, Eduardo Eguez and David Russell.

Winner of the International Scandinavian Guitar Festival and Stafford Classical Guitar Recital competitios, Petri Kumela has appeared outside Finland in many European countries, South America, the United States and Japan.

A musician with a special commitment to contemporary repertoire, Petri Kumela has premiered many works both in Finland and abroad. Among the composers who have dedicated works to him are Paavo Korpijaakko, Uljas Pulkkis, Jan Vainio, Riikka Talvitie, Lotta Wennnakoski and Pehr Henrik Nordgreen.

PETRI KUMELA, teaches at the Helsinki Conservatoire and the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Science.

• Lotta Wennakoski (1970): BALAI (2009, UK Premier)
• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): CIACCONA, BWV 1004
• Aki Yli-Salomaki (1972): 'ODOTA' (2010, UK Premier)
• Various composers: Contreras, Korpijaakko, Muro, Parson, Pujol, Talvitie, Tarrega, Sagreras, 'SMALL PIECES'
• Giulio Regondi (1822-1872): NOCTURNE REVERIE, Op. 19

Music by Petri Kumela

MUSIC CLIP - "Farewell" - John Downland (1563-1626)

MUSIC CLIP - "Balai" - Lotta Wennakoski (b.1970)

MUSIC CLIP - "Gigue from Partita E-dur. BWV 1006" - JS Bach (1685-1750)

MUSIC CLIP - "Sonata, Op 47 - Finale" - A. Ginastera (1916-1883)

Born in Oruro, Bolivia in 1977, Marcos Puña graduated from Montevideo Municipal Conservatoire in Uruguay, where he studied with Maestro Mario Paysse. At the same time he studied with two legendary performers, Eduardo Fernandez and Maestro Abel Carlevaro who said: " Marcos Puña has excellent sound and musical expression". Later he studied in Argentina, with Eduardo Isaac and in Spain with Eduardo Baranzano. He continued his post-graduated studies with Manuel Granados in the Barcelona Conservatoire.

Marcos Puña started his artistic career at the age of sixteen years, given concerts in Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Panama, Spain, Germany, Austria and the USA. He is a winner of several international prizes, such as the First Prize in the Zarautz International Guitar Competition (Spain, 2007), Cesar Cortina (2003), Musical Youth Competition, JJMM (1996), in Montevi- deo and the National Bolivian Guitar Competition in Tarija (1994). The Uruguayan newspaper "El Pais" wrote: ...It is rarely possible to enjoy a guitar recital which present a programme of such diverse aesthetic ideals in such a vast musical universe, in addition to the virtuosity of the performer...".

He recorded three successful CDs, "Marcos Puña, Guitar", in 1995, "Spanish Concert",1998 and South American Journey (2004). In 2005 and 2007, he recorded two live concerts in Montevideo, and a DVD entitled: "Ten Strings Guitar".

He teached in various musical institutions in Uruguay and Bolivia, with Master Classes and lectures in Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Spain and the USA. At present he live in La Paz in where he is an Academic at the National Conservatoire of Music, and Artistic Director of the Bolivian National Guitar Orchestra.

His recently book entitled "The Classical Guitar Technical Evolution", 2010, edited in La Paz, is a contribution to the knowledge of the evolution of the guitar techniques and performers and of the methodology of the Modern Guitar in the 20th century.

• Abel Carlevaro (1918-2001): Milonga Oriental.
• Dilermando Reis (1916-1977): Si Ella Pregunta.
• Eduardo Caba (1890-1953): Kollavina.
• Matilde Casazola (1942): Los Acuarios (tremolo)
  Un Angel ha pasado (Vals)
  Las Frondas (Cancion)
  Como un Fueguino (Bailecito)
  La Espina (Huaynito)

INTERVAL

• Oldrich Halas (1967): El Entierro de Pepino.
• World Premiere Roland Dyens (1955), Saudade No 3
• Manuel Ponce, (1882-1948): Sonatina Meridional
• Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840): Caprice No 24

Marcos Puña is undoubtedly one of the best young Bolivian classical guitarists at present Time. In his debut concert at the South Bank Centre, he is performing a programme of Latin American and Bolivian music. His concert includes master pieces by Abel Carlevaro, legendary Uruguayan composer, guitarist and pedagogue, Dilermando Reis (Brazil), and Manuel Ponce (Mexico), he also included two composers with international recognition.

The Bolivian music in this recital is represented by composers Eduardo Caba (1890-1953), "Kollavina", music inspired in ancestral indigenous rhythms; also there are five pieces by Matilde Casazola (1942), which are rooted in the colourful and rich Andean folklore and Oldrich Halas (1967), a young composer born in La Paz, his piece, "El Entierro de Pepino Op. 32" is dedicated to Marcos Puña and written especially for his concert at the South Bank Centre, (World Premiere).

LACCS PUBLICATION: THE CONCERT PROGRAMME

Music by Marcos Puña

MUSIC CLIP - "Campanitas de cualquier parte" - Alfredo Dominguez

MUSIC CLIP - "La Procesión" - Alfredo Dominguez

MUSIC CLIP - "Las llamitas" - Ernesto Cavour

MUSIC CLIP - "Virgenes del Sol" - Jorge Bravo Rueda

MUSIC CLIP - "Milonga Oriental" - Abel Carlevaro

MUSIC CLIP - "Si ella pregunta" - Dilermando Reis

ANTHONY OCAÑA, young composer and guitarist, born in Dominican Republic, is a virtuoso and innovator guitarist. He plays his own repertoire in six and ten string guitars processed though delay and loops.

Antony Ocaña studied music in the Dominican Republic, and at the Manhattan College in New York, where he graduated with honours. At the age of 19 he was invited to open a concert for the Grammy Award winner, Gonzalo Rubalcaba. He decided, then, to perform his own music, and he received positive recognition by Egberto Gismondi, to continue exploring his own musical talent, and performing in a unique style the acoustic guitars.

With his residence in Madrid since 2002, Anthony Ocaña, gave concerts at the most important Spanish venues, such as 'Circulo de Bellas Artes', 'Casa de America', 'Teatro Biblioteca Francesca Bonne Maison', etc., and also he performed several times at Spanish Television, and Spanish National Radio. He recorded four CDs with great success, his latest album 2010, entitled 'Wet Fields', received positive reviews by the Spanish critics.

In 2010 he received the award '100 Latinos' in Madrid and CONDEX award given by the President of the Dominican Republic for his successful international career.

'Wet Fields' by ANTONY OCAÑA

• Hommage to Heitor Villa-Lobos
• Framboyan
• Five Studios:
  • Studio 2: (to Francisco Tarrega)
  • Studio 3: (to Mary Ann Joyce-Walter)
  • Studio 4: (to Giovanni Allevi)
  • Studio 5: (to Philip Glass)
  • Studio 1 (to Luis Dias)
• Improvisto 3 dedicate to Egberto Gismondi
• Wet Fields
• Joy
• Poema a Icaro
• Aladdin
• Improvisto 2 a Anouar Brahem
• Cuando me acaricias
• Ascending Soul
• Divertimento

The Southbank premier of Antony Ocaña's music is another contribution of LACCS, to bring young musical talents from Latin America to the main concert halls in London. His presence tonight at the Purcell Room, undoubtedly, bring to the audience a new style to approach and to perform new music with the classical guitar. His concert is a voyage to the unknown and to the soul of the listener. In summary his performance will be acclaimed for his personal talent to create a crossover between classical and popular music.