Sept. 24, 2018 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A flute-guitar duo and the winner of an international competition are among the performers in this year's International Guitar Series.
"The GRCC International Guitar Series has existed for 30 years," said Jonathan Marshall, the series coordinator. "It provides an opportunity for students and the entire community to attend world-class guitar performances."
All performances will take place in GRCC's Albert P. Smith Music Center, 142 Ransom Ave. NE. Tickets, which can be purchased at the door or online are $5 for all students, $10 for seniors, and $15 for adults.
This year's performers are:
- The Folias Duo -- 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. This duo is comprised of Carmen Maret, a GRCC flute instructor, and Andrew Bergeron, who teaches guitar and music theory at the college. They have created more than 50 compositions -- many reflecting their passion for the Argentine tango, South American folk, jazz and world music -- and have performed in venues throughout the United States, Europe and South America.
- The Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet -- 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Award-winning guitarists Bergeron, David Martin, Michael Stockdale and GRCC music professor Brian Morris have been performing together for five years at sold-out venues at colleges, universities, art centers, chamber music series and community concert series. The quartet's program includes masterworks, Latin music and original compositions, along with entertaining explanations about the music.
- TY Zhang -- 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31. Zhang, received first prize last year in the Guitar Foundation of America's International Concert Artists Competition, the most prestigious guitar contest in the world. He also has received first prizes in competitions in Austria’s Forum Gitarre Wien International Youth Competition, the Changsha International Guitar Competition, the 2017 Schadt String Competition, and the 2017 Alexander Frauchi International Competition in Moscow.
- Evan Taucher -- 7:30 p.m. March 21. Taucher, who performs on both classical and electric guitar, has won accolades in Division 1 solo competitions nationwide, including first prizes in the Schubert Club Competition and the Appalachian State Guitar Competition. He's also known for his weekly livestream technique workshops.
Parking is available in the Bostwick Avenue ramp for $3.50. Be sure to ask for a parking voucher at the door.
Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.