Thursday, May 12th @ 7:00 p.m.
Patrons of Crowell Public Library will greatly appreciate the generosity of the Friends of Crowell Library and the San Marino Music Center when classical guitarist Christian Cruz presents a free program on Thursday, May 12 in the Library’s Barth Community Room. Christian received his Bachelor's Degree in Music at California State University, Northridge where he received numerous awards. He is now pursuing his Master’s Degree under William Kanengiser at USC’s Thornton School of Music.
A native of Los Angeles, Christian appreciated the cultural diversity of L.A. and grew fond of the rock and hip hop scene while simultaneously being influenced by the Latin American music of his own heritage. This would translate into his career as a guitarist, where he began playing renowned venues in Hollywood such as the Whiskey A Go Go and the Roxy, as well as performing the music of Ástor Piazzolla in concert halls. He has performed a number of chamber pieces at regional symposia held by the Guitar Foundation of America and has been featured on KUSCs Sundays Live broadcast at the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts.
The Crowell Library concert program will include Sonata Romantica by Manuel Ponce who is regarded as one of the most influential classical composers of Mexico. This sonata is an homage to Robert Shubert and borrows thematic material from the keyboard works of Shubert. Cinco Piezas is written by composer and performer Astor Piazzolla and these are the only pieces he wrote for solo guitar. Balkan Miniatures is by Serbian born Dusan Bogdanovic, one of the most prolific guitar composers in modern day. He has written music for guitar in virtually every variation, from solo to concerto. In 1991, he wrote this set of short pieces for William Kanengiser. The set is dedicated to world peace, as it was created during the separation of the former Yugoslavia.
Don’t miss this special night of free classical guitar music at Crowell Public Library. Seating is limited.
