Oberlin Guitar Ensemble Fall 2024 1

We had the first of our two Fall Guitar Ensemble recitals last night, playing to a a full and enthusiastic Kulas Recital Hall audience. To my delight, it featured a performance of a terrific new work by Oberlin alumnus, Adam Tully, but, more on that below. We began with the perennial favorite, Libertango of Piazzolla, as presented by flutist Angelo Cresta and guitarist Aleksandr Lapshin. (The full program is reproduced at the end of the post).

Aleksandr Lapshin and Angelo Cresta on stage in Kulas Hall

Next up was Sor’s beautiful guitar duet, Souvenir de Russie. Performed by Caden Basile and Thomas Stafford in their first appearance on stage at Oberlin, it went very well, raising hopes for great things to come. The audience loudly approved.

Thomas Stafford and Caden Basile perform music of Sor

This was followed by selections from de Falla’s beloved Seite Canciones Populaires Espanolas, as performed by violist John Cezekanski and guitarist Josefina Stone. They played the music with gorgeous subtlety and expressive nuance.

Josefina Stone and John Cezekanski perform in Kulas Hall

Our program concluded with two selections from the new set of guitar quartets by Adam Tully, Cuartetos Guitarreros. Adam studied guitar with me at Oberlin in the mid-1990’s, but left before graduating to study and play tango in Argentina and New York City. We’ve remained in touch ever since. I featured his tango band in an after-hours performance at the 2005 GFA in Oberlin and some years later published a “Spotlight on Alumni” article on him (a terrific read—highly recommended). His new set of guitar quartets in the tango style has been commercially released and the scores published.

Adam Tully in performance

When I heard them I knew immediately we would program them. These are sure to become standard repertoire for guitar quartets everywhere. The two selections my students played lit the audience up and were an unqualified hit. Bravo to guitarists Grigor Ylli, Aleksandr Lapshin, Thomas Stafford and Caden Basile (on the baritone guitar), for their spirited performance. They gave the music just the right groove, insouciance, and casual virtuosity it needed. And thanks, Adam Tully, for creating this wonderful body of music.

Caden Basile, Thomas Stafford, Alekasndr Lapshin and Grigor Ylli play music of Adam Tully

Thanks to all the students who performed on this most delightful and well-received concert. Our next Guitar Ensemble recital this semester is Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30, again in Kulas Hall.