Štěpán Rak
Saturday
22nd May, 2010
7.30pm
Birmingham City University Conservatoire,
Paradise Place,
Birmingham. B3 3HG
Tickets £10 (£6) under 16's free
Reservations: Tickets
01886 832715
* In association with the conservatoire's guitar department with support from the VCT Charitable Trust and the Birmingham Classical Guitar Centre Ltd.
| Anon / S. Rak | Romanza |
| S. Rak | Song for David |
| Anon / S. Rak | Early Dances |
| S. Rak | Royal Suite |
| S. Rak | In Praise of Tea |
| S. Rak | Odores |
In a rare visit to the UK commemorating his 65th year, the composer Štěpán Rak will be performing a programme of virtuoso guitar music.
Born in 1945 and raised in Prague, Rak has performed in more than 70 countries and has revolutionised guitar technique earning him the epithet, ‘the Paganini of the guitar’. Much more than just a guitar player however, his five finger technique and vigorous playing have redefined the modern technique and his works have become a part of the permanent repertoire of such respected players as John Williams, Pavel Steidl, Vladimir Mikulka, and David Russell.
A self-confessed Romantic, Rak presents a collection of pieces close to his heart; a real treat for the senses, infused with a smouldering and often incendiary brilliance. The programme includes elements of the familiar but is also the platform for two great cycles of works: Early Dances and the Royal Suite are adaptations of early bohemian works, while the Odores and In Praise of Tea are a “healing smell cycle” in which smells serve as an analogy for the wonderful and often magical world of tones.
"In the world of the classical guitar there are bad guitarists, good guitarists, superb guitarists and Štěpán Rak."
Download the poster » Štěpán Rak