There are so many points of connection between the duo and Oberlin that it is easy to begin forgetting them. One of the Duo’s members, Chris Mallett, is an Oberlin alum (2007). The duo had played here before (ten years ago) and Chris had been back in the meantime to perform solo and judge the Stroud Competition. Chris taught one of the current Oberlin guitar majors, Damian Goggins, through the GFA mentorship program, all the previous year over Zoom, and the other duo member, Thomas Flippin, had composed a set of short works, two of which Damian would premiere later this season, in an event organized by the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society. One of the other guitar majors, Suvan Agarwal, learned guitar in Chris’ school, the California Conservatory; Suvan has known Chris since he was a child. Then it came out that Thomas is the guitar teacher for the son of another alumnus, Rami Vamos. Small world, indeed.

During their visit, we were treated to three events: a lecture recital on the topic of Justin Holland given by Chris, a master class, and the Duo concert. This post will reference all three, with photos. Programs are reproduced at the end of the post.

On our electronic poster at the Conservatory

I was immensely excited when I discovered last year that Chris had prepared a lecture on the works and legacy of 19th century African-American guitar composer and Oberlin alumnus, Justin Holland. He was recording a CD of the works of Holland. I just had to have him give the lecture here. Not only did Holland study here in the mid-1800’s, but he settled in Cleveland and became the leading guitar personality there for decades. Chris’s lecture was equal parts discussion of Holland’s life and impact, and performances of the pieces. The lecture took place in Stull Recital Hall, with curtains drawn to dim the daylight for Chris’s slides. There was a sizable audience for the event, and several questions from the audience.

While we normally use a standard classroom for our master classes, this time we returned to our gorgeous Stull Recital Hall. First up was Nik Divall, who played the Prelude from Bach’s Lute Suite BWV 995.

Nik Divall, center, with Thomas Flippin and Chris Mallett

Next up was Damian Goggins. Damian played Thomas Flippin’s new works, Wake Up Jacob and Don’t Be Weary Traveler. Based on traditional Negro Spirituals, Flippin wrote short but haunting and evocative works. Damian sang a stanza of each song before playing them, creating a moving and rich musical experience. Flippin heard this music of his for the first time.

Caeli Massey took the hot seat next with a performance of Alexandre Lagoya’s Rêverie. The teachers had never heard the piece before and both loved it.

Thomas Flippin, Caeli Massey and Chris Mallett

Next up was Rio Manzanares. He played the Preludio Tristón from Cinco Preludios of Máximo Diego Pujol.

Finally, Suvan Agarwal played the Mazurka Appassionata of Agustín Barrios Mangoré.

Thomas Flippin, Suvan Agarwal and Chris Mallett

Stephen Aron, Suvan Agarwal, Josie Stone, Caeli Massey, Chris Mallett, Thomas Flippin, Nik Divall and Damian Goggins. (Rio Manzanares not pictured)

Further points of connection were revealed at the duo’s recital that night. Not only did they play Oberlin alumnus Justin Holland’s music on stage; they played music by two additional Oberlin alums as well: Nathaniel Dett, the first Black American to complete a Bachelor of Music at Oberlin (1908), and Courtney Bryan (2004). The concert program indicated several new works commissioned by the Duo, including Courtney Bryan’s (an extraordinarily effective piece, and one sure to enter the repertoire), and a riveting new piece by Clarice Assad. A third commission, Byblos by Mary Kouyoumdjian, had to be cut thanks to unfortunate technical difficulties. It required amplified instruments, earphones, and an amplified backing track and the various components refused to cooperate. Still, the remaining works were fantastic and delightfully varied. We hope to see Byblos next time!

Chris and Thomas struggle with setting up the tech requirements for *Byblos*

Kulas Recital Hall, perfect for guitar, was nearly full.

After the concert, we were surprised to find our usual post-event spot, The Feve, closed, so in a first, we picked up pizzas and drinks at the local Domino’s and took them to the Conservatory’s “Sky Bar”—a third story lounge—and enjoyed a little (masks-off) moment together, until way late at night.