Mar 15, 2019

Classical Greek guitarist Dimitris Kotronakis will open his 2019 tour of the United States with a recital at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 29.

This is the seventh presentation in the Friends of Good Music 2018-2019 performance season. 

A classical guitarist and musicologist based in Athens, Greece, Kotronakis plays classical works by composers from different European countries, with the centerpiece being “Suite Valenciana” by Spanish composer Vicente Asencio. 

He has recorded seven albums of solo and concerto repertoire for EMI Classics and Clear Note Records, garnering rave reviews. The prestigious Classical Guitar magazine wrote of one of his recordings: “The speed at which Kotronakis can ‘knock out’ some of this music is quite breathtaking. This is a startlingly exciting recording that captures the amazing artistry of a very distinct player.”

Kotronakis, who holds a doctorate from the University of Athens, is a prize-winner of several international guitar competitions, including the 12th International Web Concert Hall Competition, held in the U.S. in 2011. 

He has performed in numerous individual guitar recitals around Europe, the United States, Canada, and China. He has also performed as a soloist with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Kielce, Poland; the Philharmonic Orchestra of Craiova, Romania; the Artave Orchestra of Portugal; the Orchestra of Colors, Greece; and the Camerata Symphonic Orchestra, also of Greece. 

Kotronakis will conclude his U.S. tour with performances and master classes at the University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival.

This performance is partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Grant Program supported by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the Tri-County Arts Council.

Single ticket prices are $20 at full price, $16 for senior citizens and St. Bonaventure employees, and $5 for students. For tickets and information, call The Quick Center at (716) 375-2494.

For each Friends of Good Music performance, The Quick Center will open its galleries one hour before the performance and keep them open throughout the intermission. Regular gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

Museum admission is free and open to the public year round. For more information, visit www.sbu.edu/quickcenter.

______________

About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things. St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.