Classical Guitar in Calgary & Guitarfestwest by Murray Visscher

By Guest on July 14, 2011 in Canadian Spotlight & Interviews, Guest Posts

I’ve known Murray Visscher for years and he was one of my first “real” classical guitar teachers after moving to the coast when I was eighteen. He’s inspired and produced many great students and is a fine player himself. You can purchase his latest recording here:

Murray Visscher - The Early Romantic Guitar (de fossa, Giuliani, Carulli, Sor): CD or MP3

See more info and a video at the bottom of this excellent guest post!

-Bradford

CLASSICAL GUITAR IN COWTOWN (How Guitarfestwest began)

by Murray Visscher (website: www.murrayvisscher.com)

Also see: Classical Guitarfestwest

Seven years ago, shortly after my wife and I decided to move to Calgary from Vancouver Island, I walked into Long & McQuade and bought myself a spanking new red Telecaster. I was sure I would find myself playing country swing for a house band in some smoky neighbourhood pub, but alas, my telly now collects dust, parked in the closet next to my black cowboy boots and hat. That rippin’ country scene may exist somewhere in the city, but because I became quickly caught up in a very active and enthusiastic local classical guitar community, I’ve never had the time to go out and find it.

I believe that there are several factors contributing to Calgary’s enthusiasm for classical guitar. One factor is the presence of a very active guitar society (The Classical Guitar Society of Calgary, or ‘CGSC’) made up of professional guitarists, amateur guitarists and afficianados. This group is well organized and commited to bringing high level International and Canadian performers to the city on a regular basis. Access to concerts by the most sought after guitarists from Europe, Asia and the Americas keeps Calgary audiences aware of the developments in the fast moving classical guitar world. CGSC makes every effort to ensure that local students have masterclass opportunities with every scheduled performer, connecting our local players to the international guitar community.

Another factor is a strong network of guitar programs for players of all ages. Calgary has several strong Suzuki guitar programs, so children can begin studies here by age 3. (at 6, my son is almost a veteran..). Motivated students from ages 8 to 18 can participate in the Mount Royal Conservatory Academy where they receive ensemble coaching, regular masterclasses and monthly performing opportunities. From there, post secondary students have the option of a degree from Ambrose University, Mount Royal University, or UofC, where they can also pursue graduate studies. For players who want a less formal approach, there are several very successful studios in the city offering excellent instruction for the amateur and hobbyist.

I, like many of my colleagues in the city, play several roles within the community. I have a thriving studio within Mount Royal Conservatory, where I also teach and coordinate the Guitar Academy. The Academy is a very rewarding endeavour for me, as I have the opportunity to watch students develop through what I believe is the most defining period of their lives. Although not all of the Academy students go on to study classical guitar, all of them come away with a stronger understanding and appreciation for the instrument. In another role, I perform and record as a soloist and as part of the Oberon Guitar Trio with my colleagues Brad Mahon and Ralph Maier. Also very rewarding, as I’m working with two close friends who offer me endless support and inspiration. In the past I served on the board of CGSC for several years as artistic director, and I’m also a “Suzuki dad”. My variety of experience within the community allows for a unique palette of perspectives on the classical guitar scene in Calgary. …and the telly continues to collect dust…

This year, 2011, brings new challenges and excitement for me within the Calgary guitar world. The week of August 8 to 12 marks the first (hopefully of many) instalment of Classical Guitarfestwest, being held at Mount Royal University in Calgary. The week is full of classes, activities and rehearsals,guaranteed to shake the summer doldrums and kick start every guitar students fall!

The festival includes: 3 evening concerts, all at 8pm in Leacock Theater, MRU;

Monday Aug. 8th:
The Oberon Guitar Trio; Brad Mahon, Ralph Maier and Murray Visscher perform new and classic works written for three guitars. The program includes two pieces written for and dedicated to the trio, “Incantatio” (world premiere) by Canadian composer Pascal Sasseville Quoquochi, and “Seeking, Searching and Hunting” by Seattle composer Michael Nicollella. Also on the program are works by Henrik Rung and Anton Diabelli, performed on replicas of instruments from the early nineteenth century.

Wednesday Aug. 10th:
Jerome Ducharme; GFA winner Jerome Ducharme once again dazzles and delights with sensitive interpretations of pieces from the renaissance to the 21st century. Included in the program are works by Milan, and by Canadian composers Jaques Hetu and Maxime Mckinley.

Thursday Aug. 11th:
Daniel Bolshoy; This year, Daniel Bolshoy moves from Montreal to Vancouver, where he will head the guitar program at the new VSO music school. We christen him as a westerner by having him wrap up the concert series at the very first Guitarfestwest, and hope for many more performances in years to come!

Well, I hope that offers some description of what life is like for a classical guitarist here in Canada’s ‘wild west’. …I’m sure somebody’s thinking it, but don’t bother asking if the telly’s for sale. I’m still going to get around to playing it,…if they ever let me retire here…

-Murray Visscher