J. K. Mertz Bicentennial Guitar Festival

October 26-28, 2006 at Northeastern Illinois University.

Lectures by Brian Torosian, Richard Bruné and Matanya Ophee. Concerts by Waller and Maxwell Guitar Duo, keyboard artist David Schrader, soprano Alison Ruble, flutist Richard Graef, and guitarist Brian Torosian.

For details or visit Brian’s website.

A three-day celebration commemorating the 200th birthday anniversary of 19th-century virtuoso guitarist and composer J. K. Mertz and the 150th anniversary of the 1856 Brussels Guitar Competition. Concerts by the Waller and Maxwell Guitar Duo and Brian Torosian on period instruments will be preceded by lectures presented by historian Matanya Ophee and luthier Richard Bruné. All events will be held at the Fine Arts Center of Northeastern Illinois University.

October 26, 2006
6:30 p.m. Opening lecture
Brian Torosian
The Life and Works of Mertz

7:00 p.m. Pre-concert lecture
Richard Bruné
19th-Century Guitars

8:00 p.m. Concert
Waller and Maxwell Guitar Duo
Guitar Duos of Mertz

October 27, 2006
7:00 p.m. Pre-concert lecture
Matanya Ophee
The 1856 Brussels Competition

8:00 p.m. Concert
Brian Torosian
Solo Guitar Works of Mertz and The 1856 Brussels Competition

October 28, 2006
11:00 a.m. Master class/Workshop with Brian Torosian
For audition information e-mail b-torosian@neiu.edu

Concerts: General Admission: $10.00
Senior Admission/NEIU Alumni: $5.00
NEIU Faculty/Staff and Students w/ID: Free
Pre-concert lectures Free w/ concert ticket, otherwise $5/$2.50/free
Master class/Workshop Free