Guests enjoyed a truly pleasant evening of classical guitar, in the Grand Salon on Friday, Nov.17.
The “Evening of Guitar,” was part of the Minaret Concert Series sponsored by the University of Tampa and the Department of Music.
This recital showcased UT’s guitar ensemble led by John Demas and the debut recital of David Granruth.
The recital began with David Granruth’s awe inspiring debut recital.
Granruth, a student at UT, began playing guitar at the age of 13. He began his study of music at the college level at the age of 20. He has devoted himself completely to the style of the classical guitar. In 2007, he plans to graduate and move on to graduate school for composition and performance.
Granruth explained his inspiration as a guitar player as a “free movie.” As he plays he sees many images roll through his mind.
“I love to do it because I am good at it,” he said. Granruth, playing in the front all alone engaged the audience in Bach’s “Lute Suite No. 2 in A Minor” and Barrios’ “Madrigal.” After those two pieces John Anderson another veteran guitar player accompanied Granruth for Granados’ “Orientale.”
The recital then continued with four members of the UT guitar ensemble playing solo. Compositions from different time periods and areas of the world filled the Grand Salon.
The most intriguing and exciting part of the recital occurred when all members of the guitar ensemble including Mr. Demas, director played together. Seated in a semi-circle, they played an absolutely stunning rendition of George Philipp Telemann’s “Quartet in D Major.” The pieces of the composition started at one end with two members seated next to each other and then continued around the circle, pair after pair.
The recital ended with a trio performance by David Granruth, John Anderson and Mr. Demas playing Paul Hindemith’s “Rondo.”
John Demas, director of the guitar ensemble, was very happy with the performance. He shared his thoughts as he played with his students.
“Playing with them gives them a chance to learn how to become better players,” said Demas.