the evening for Guitars and Strings
We wish to thank the generous sponsors of "The Evening for Guitar & Strings." In addition to making this glorious evening possible, their support will uplift spirits throughout the year.
On Tuesday May 2, Bread & Roses and String Letter Publishing were co-presenters of "The Evening for Guitar & Strings" at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco. The concert was a benefit for Bread & Roses, Guitars in the Classroom and The String Projects. Featured artists were GRAMMY winning classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, fingerstyle guitar innovator Alex de Grassi, the Quartet San Francisco with Jeremy Cohen and the San Domenico Orchestra da Camera, winners of the 2005 National Orchestra Competition.
The event featured the innovative world premiere of "3 Themes for steel-string guitar, string quartet and string orchestra" by Alex de Grassi and Jeremy Cohen, performed by Alex de Grassi, Quartet San Francisco and the San Domenico Orchestra da Camera. "3 Themes" was commissioned by David A. Lusterman, founder and owner of String Letter Publishing in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Derk Richardson from String Letter emceed the show.
Jeremy Cohen and Quartet San Francisco kicked off the evening with their superb and inventive playing. Their instrumental finesse was one of many high points during the evening and all were mesmerized by their great verve. Alex de Grassi followed on acoustic guitar in a way that was timeless, fluid, evocative and archetypal. He played three guitars, 6-string, 12-string and 16-string in his unique and stunning set.
Sharon Isbin, who said that she always wanted to be involved with Bread & Roses, graced us with her talent, technique and musicianship. It was a special occasion for all to watch, as the master guitarist collaborated with the San Domenico Orchestra da Camera.
All in the audience enjoyed the superb artistry of the young performers from San Domenico who were mature beyond their years. Violinists Karolinka Tekiela of Greenbrae and Camille Buchanan of San Anselmo have both volunteered for Bread & Roses at our institutional shows.
The concert was also attended by many Bread & Roses volunteer performers who appreciated the high caliber playing of the artists.
At the post-event reception afterwards, event sponsors, including lead sponsor Mark Nelson of Nelson Jobs and Event Chair Susan Gilardi, enjoyed sumptuous hors d'oeuvres and had the opportunity to meet Sharon Isbin and Alex de Grassi. Everyone congratulated David A. Lusterman, who is chair of the Bread & Roses board, on the world premiere and on String Letter Publishing's 20th anniversary.
A raffle was held at the post-event reception and some unique prizes were won by Marin residents. Michael Harmon of Tomales won a beautiful travel LXM Little Martin Guitar donated by C. F. Martin & Company. Catherine Less of San Rafael won a Mimi Fariña Rose plant courtesy of Bread & Roses and Joni Beemsterboer of San Francisco won a custom garnet necklace with an antique silver pendant designed and donated by Sudha Pennathur of Tiburon.
(photos)
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