October 25, 2012 Saw an Incredible Performance from D’Addario Endorsees Philippe Bertaud and Cem Duruöz Complemented by 2010 Koblenz Classical Guitar Competition Winner, Rafael Aguirre Miñarro
FARMINGDALE, NY, November 8, 2012 – The reinstatement of the D’Addario Music Foundation’s Classical Guitar Concert Series after 20 years proved to be a huge success. On Thursday, October 28, 2012, D’Addario & Alhambra hosted a gala event and stunning classical guitar performance by Philippe Bertaud and Cem Duruöz with delightful opening set from 2010 Koblenz Classical Guitar Competition, Rafael Aguirre Miñarro. Set at none other than Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, the concert series sustains both D’Addario’s and Alhambra’s continual efforts to build artist recognition for up-&-coming classical artists.
Philippe Bertaud’s awe-inspiring program included five contemporary pieces displaying his interpretive genius: Amazing Grace, La Mangueira, which he also composed, and California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and the Papas. The musical surprises continued with brilliantly-arranged renditions of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and Baden Powell’s Canto de Ossanha. His tremendous technique, dynamic expression, and unadulterated virtuosity inspired four audience-requested encores!
Philippe Bertaud has already established himself as one of the musical icons of his generation. A guitarist beyond the boundaries, Bertaud has studied jazz and Brazilian music, as well as classical, always continuing to search for new ways to achieve artistic regeneration. Versatile and expressive, Bertaud is revered as an outstanding performer, talented composer, and a recognized master teacher.
The evening commenced with an impressive set from Cem Duruöz. Duruöz’s program began with Milonga del Angel Verano Porteno by Astor Piazzolla; he also brilliantly performed a tango entitled La Cumparsita by G-H Matos-Rodriguez as well as Sultaniyegah Sirto (Turkish Classical) and Haydar Haydar (Turkish Traditional), which also showcased Duruöz’s wonderful talent for composing original pieces.
Duruöz has performed in every major concert hall in Turkey. Since his United States debut, he has performed in Japan, New York, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia and major cities throughout California. His interest in all musical periods is exemplified by his guitar transcriptions of compositions from the Baroque period, as well as performance of works from every musical genre.
D’Addario & Company has always been committed to promoting excellence in music and promulgating awareness for our top artists,” enthuses Jim D’Addario, D’Addario & Company CEO. “We’ve certainly cemented these ideals by reinstating our concert series, the debut event on Oct 25th being an amazing success. Rafael Miñarro’s performance was truly spectacular, and we were thrilled to also host Cem & Philippe. We can’t wait for the next event in this series on January 27, which will feature 2009 Winner of the GFA Concert Artist Competition, Florian Larousse. It’s sure to be another exciting evening.”
