The IAA Classical Guitar Studio goes on tour
Authored by MISSING
The guitar ensemble at IAA started the second semester with a bang! The group of six classical guitarists–students Paloma Chaprnka, Oliver Chen, Wesley Patterson, Ally Wadell, and Oz Bilak, with Ensemble Director Dr. Matthew Cochran–toured around the state of Michigan with IPR Host and Producer Kate Botello, showcasing several ensemble pieces and original compositions by Dr. Cochran. Ranging from Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco to Leo Brouwer, the various works of composers were placed on each repertoire list.
The group toured five different venues: Cordia Senior Living Facility, Interlochen’s Dendrinos Chapel, The Alluvian Downtown, the Blue Lantern Tea Room, and the Sound Community Series. Each venue was an enjoyable experience for all the members of the ensemble, enriching each guitarist’s sense of musicality, performance etiquette, and musicianship. The IAA guitar ensemble’s 2024 tour will surely be a lasting memory for all members of the studio.
The first off-campus event took place at Cordia, a Senior Living Facility in the Grand Traverse Commons. The ensemble was greeted with a warm welcome by all members of the facility, and the pleasurable atmosphere led to a great first performance. Beginning with the piece “The Promise of Something New,'' an original composition by Matthew Cochran later transcribed for an ensemble, the guitar studio grabbed the attention of all the audience members and set the mood for an exciting and enjoyable evening. The bright and exciting piece includes a sparkling, high melody line played at the twelfth position, quick-paced tempo, and several color contrasts with dynamic prominence, proving to be the perfect attention-grabber to begin the evening.
The program moved on to another one of Matthew Cochran’s compositions, “Three Non-Algorithmic Human Interactions.” This piece has three movements – “What I Wish I Said,” “What Time is Now,” and “The Promise of Something New” – for a solo guitar. Dr. Cochran composed these during the era of COVID quarantine, and was inspired after he celebrated his birthday party over Zoom.
The ensemble enjoyed seeing the faces of delight as the audience members remembered the same movement, “The Promise of Something New,” being played by the ensemble a few minutes before, a clever program trick Dr. Cochran intended.
Next came “Prelude and Fugue in E Major,” composed by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. As the duet started, the prelude set up a tranquil and mesmerizing mood that put the audience into a trance. Then, the first few notes of the fugue provided a huge contrast: bright, bouncy, and full of life. This was kept throughout the entire movement, and ended on a victorious and triumphant ending. The difference Tedesco implied in both movements was interesting and exciting to listen to. Performed by sophomore Oliver Chen and freshman Paloma Chaprnka, the two captivated the audience with interweaving melodies and parts, high-level technique and musicality, and the overall magic they produced as both guitarists made it evident they worked beautifully as a duo.
“My favorite part of the duet was being able to scrutinize details with other input,” Chen said. “In the quintet that we usually play in, it seems there’s never enough time, or simply just the possibility to work intimately on a piece. I felt that with the numerous practice sessions, we were able to achieve that.”
The program then showcased another of Dr. Cochran’s original compositions: “Toccata for Joe.” “Toccata” is a form of music that includes many fast runs and quick passages, a “finger buster” as Dr. Cochran calls it. His “Toccata for Joe” can be used to show off precise technique, impressive, quickly-played runs, and segments of the song “Have You Met Ms. Jones,” which is incorporated into several parts of the piece.
The second to last piece in the concert threw an element of surprise into the program. It was a piece played by IPR’s Kate Botello, who hosts the station’s “Kid’s Commute” and “Classical Sprouts” programs. Ms. Botello joined the guitar studio on their tour, and provided commentary and amusement throughout the pieces. A proud Venezuelan American, Ms. Botello decided to play a lullaby she was sung as a child: “Tonadas de Ordeño.” Ms. Botello retold the beautiful story each performance. Her uncle was a farmer who would milk his cows each morning. In order to produce better milk, the cows would have to be happy, so he sang this meditative piece to them each morning. The calming and nostalgic piece added a beautiful touch to the program.
Closing the show, the guitar ensemble played “Pajarillo Verde,” a traditional Venezuelan folk song translating to “Little Green Bird” in English. Filled with nonsensical lyrics, the song is one huge complaint, and the little green bird provides condolences as the singer lays their troubles on the animal. With Kate Botello on vocals and the ensemble accompanying, “Pajarillo Verde” was the perfect integration of guitar, voice, and the magic both produce.
Each venue was unique and different from the other, providing a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience for all members of the IAA guitar ensemble. Cordia’s ambience was perfect to begin the tour with its warm and welcoming atmosphere setting the stage for a comfortable first performance. Interlochen’s Chapel, as always, provided an enjoyable experience with its gorgeous acoustics and awe-inspiring setting. The Alluvian was the ensemble’s favorite venue by far, boasting a professional setting and huge crowd. The Blue Lantern Tea Room was a beautiful experience, serving hors d'oeuvres and tea along with the enchanting music.
By the time the ensemble performed at the Sound Community Series, performing was a piece of cake, and an enjoyable moment to share music with those who need it most. Each performance was a huge accomplishment to each guitarist, and with the uniqueness each concert possessed, it was difficult to say the tour was anything less than a complete success. With their series of pride-filled performances, the IAA guitar ensemble is sure to have a wonderful semester.