WCGS Member Newsletter – November 2022

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you’re all doing well.

Our 2022-23 concert season is in full swing, and I hope you’re planning on coming out and celebrating everything you’ve helped create with Wilmington Classical Guitar. Audience numbers are picking up, and the concerts have been amazing. If you haven’t made it out yet, what’s your excuse? Seriously, let me know if there’s some way I can help.

WCG Presents Hao Yang, with special guest Andrew Oswinkle
What a night! This is what it’s all about.

Apologies to those who had to miss it, buy Saturday night’s concert with Hao Yang and Andrew Oswinkle was absolutely amazing. I was very happy to present Andrew as the first performer in the long-awaited return of our Opening Artist series. Andrew is a graduate of Peabody Conservatory, and did an outstanding job. We might just have to have him back for a regular concert sometime.

Hao Yang, on the other hand, was otherworldly. Her command of the instrument knows no bounds, nor does the depth of her musical expression. So nuanced. So intentional. And all very understated due to her calm, humble, and amiable demeanor. A truly incredible performer in the making. This is the future of classical guitar. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening of music.

We had a great masterclass with Hao in the afternoon as well. Simon Varley, Ernesto Solana, and John Nguyen all played for her, and took advantage of her very astute insights. I know I benefitted from it as well. Don’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities, either as a performer or an auditor.

Our next performer is Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd on February 25th. Stop missing out, and get your tickets today!

Wilmington Classical Guitar Season 2022-23
It’s been a particularly long and windy road this year, with lots of pitfalls and a flat tire or two, but I’ve finally managed to book an outstanding season of concerts and masterclasses. And now, after a bit of effort, all the information you need to learn about the artists and purchase tickets is available on our website.

This season we’re going for broke, and have enlisted a ton of exciting artists to perform for us, including the return of Thomas Viloteau w/Alexandra Iranfar-Viloteau[PAST] (October 15), Hao Yang (November 19)[PAST], the return of Rupert Boyd (February 25), The Davisson Duo (March 25), and the GFA Winner’s Tour Featuring Bokyung Byun (April 29), who you might remember brought the house down right before the pandemic hit. In addition we’ll have the 11th Annual WCGS Members Concert (May 27). Can’t wait!

To sweeten the deal, we’ll be holding a masterclass with each of our artists while they’re here, so all of you performers, practice up. Soon it will be your chance to perform for one of our artists in a masterclass, and a great chance for the rest of us to learn from your hard work. Thomas Viloteau’s masterclass was great, and Hao Yang’s masterclass is just around the corner, so please don’t hesitate to sign up. All are welcome, regardless of ability.

Tickets for all events are on sale in our Online Store.

WCG Season Rack Cards
Our Season Rack Card is now available. Pick one up at any event, or new this year, download your own on our website.

Your Member Discount
New this season, the discount codes for the purchase of your discounted member tickets is integrated directly into the website, so no more sifting through newsletters or the Facebook Group looking for codes. When you arrive at the website, please LOGIN in the menu at the top right. Once you’re logged in, an “Account” tab will be appear in the main menu on the right. In addition to linking you to the Member Discounts, this tab will allow you to view/change/renew your membership status, view your donation and purchasing history, and change any of your personal information when necessary. I hope everyone finds this a useful addition to the website.

If you have any suggestions for additional improvements, no matter how trivial, please let me know! This is your community too, and we want to know how to best serve you.

Upcoming Salon Sunday November 27 at 6:00 pm at PCOC
Our next salon is coming up this Sunday, November 27, at 6 pm (doors open at 5:45). Monthly salons take place in the West Room or the Sanctuary at the Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809. The church is easily accessible from 95 and has ample parking on the street and in a private parking lot. Our entrance is in the corner of the building right off the West side of the parking lot (see link).

Google directions to the Church: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant

**If you are coming to the salon, please arrive between 5:45 and 6:00. I will LOCK the door at 6:00 so it is not left open and unattended. If you arrive later than 6:00, please text Matthew at (302) 650-8797 or Billur Dowse at (215) 738-3741 and we’ll will be happy to let you in. Knocking loudly may also work.

*NOTE: We will no longer be streaming our in-person salons on Zoom. Thanks for tuning in. Hope to see you in-person soon!

*NOTE: The following salon will take place on December 18. Mark your calendars!

PLEASE NOTE: OUR COVID POLICIES HAVE CHANGED. Our current policy: Masking and social distancing are encouraged. We will continue to space the seats out as room allows. As always, if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, runny-nose, short of breath, etc.), please do not come.

2022-23 Salon Schedule
November 27
December 18
January 29
February 19
March 19
April (no Salon currently scheduled – PCGS guitar festival weekend)
May 21
June 25

October Meeting Recap
Thanks to everyone who came out for our October salon, and thanks for the wonderful playing! I really enjoyed listening to you all.

October performers included:

John Nguyen – 3 Short Pieces – Op. 31/18, Op. 41, Op. 45/2, by Fernando Sor
Debbie Mulrooney – Landslag I and VI by Gulli Bjornsson
Scott Kurkendall – Menuet in A Minor by Dionisio Aguado arranged by Simon Powis, and Ashokan Farewell by Bill Tyers
Simon Varley – Prelude No. 1 by Manuel Ponce, and Longing by Celil Refik Kaya
Jason Myerson – Etude Book 2 No. 19 by Julio Sagreras, and Folias by Gaspar Sans

Check out our Facebook group for some great insight into what’s happening online with classical guitar. There are all kinds of new things popping up, from festivals, masterclasses, competitions, concerts, and lectures.

We’re at 2,450+ followers on Facebook! Make sure you’re one of them, and help us break the 2,500 mark! https://www.facebook.com/wilmingtonguitar

Best wishes, and stay safe,
Matthew Lavanish
President & Artistic Director – The Wilmington Classical Guitar Society