Ben Beirs, clasical guitar
CD Release Concert

Tickets: $10/$5 students

PROGRAM:

Electric Counterpoint - Steve Reich (b. 1936)
American Suite - Marek Pasieczny (b. 1980)
Awakened Awareness - Benjamin Beirs (b. 1984)
Libra Sonatine - Roland Dyens (b. 1955)

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Described as a “brilliant young classical guitarist” by the D.C. Examiner, Benjamin Beirs brings new life to a timeless classical instrument. Trained at Peabody Conservatory by Julian Gray, he has among other things performed a concerto with the Buffalo Philharmonic and appeared at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A performer, teacher and composer, you can find him almost anywhere from the concert stage to an elementary school, playing to a most diverse and appreciative audience.

Whether he is performing the Castelnuovo-Tedesco Concerto in D major with “intense musicality,” (Julia Crowe, Mel Bay Guitar Sessions) the rags of Scott Joplin, improvised pieces with musicians in India, or his own compositions, Benjamin Beirs is the quintessence of the modern musician, open to any great musical idea.

His Duo Transatlantique with the virtuosic French guitarist Maud Laforest has established his young career on two continents already with performances in England, and France as well as North America.

Mr. Beirs believes in music as a “great kindness” – one that has helped him immensely in his own life, but just as importantly, one which helps others. In addition to teaching and performing, he frequently performs outreach in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. He also enjoys performing at meditation retreats throughout the country with renowned meditation teacher and author Lama Surya Das.

He is the recipient of numerous prizes from international guitar competitions: 1st prize in the 2007 National Guitar Workshop Competition, 1st prize in the 2008 Appalachian GuitarFest Competition, and 1st prize in the 2010 University of Texas at Dallas Guitar Competition. Beirs also has been in a finalist in major concerto competitions, including the 2011 Schadt Concerto Competition (2nd prize and Audience Choice Award), and the 2008 Joann Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition (3rd prize).

Currently, Mr. Beirs lives in Baltimore, MD, where he teaches guitar at the Peabody Preparatory and regularly performs throughout the region. He is represented in North America by Chesapeake International Artists. Visit http://www.benjaminbeirs.com or http://www.chesapeakeartists.com for more information