Guitar Days

A new and exciting program was introduced to the Falletta Competition in 2008 and is set to return June 3 and 4, 2010.

Guitar Days send semifinalists who did not advance to the finals out into the community to perform for people of all ages; they engage the community in the Competition and offer our guitarists another opportunity to demonstrate their talents while here in Buffalo. These events take place over the course of two days and touch the lives of many.

The launch of Guitar Days had a preview event that took place on April 22 at the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. Artist Hugo Rodriguez, the official artist of the Falletta Competition, conducted an art class for eight 9th grade students and another for fifteen 6th grade students. The goal of the classes was to have the students learn about Hugo’s personal connection with music while teaching how music inspires art. The student’s completed artworks, along with personal words about their inspiration, will be on display at Kleinhans Music Hall at the Competition finals in a gallery that is sure to be as breathtaking as 2008’s. Artist Hugo Rodriguez said, “This was one of the highlights of my career. To see these students so engaged in the marriage of art and music was extremely fulfilling.”

The Guitar Days preview is just a hint of the excitement to come during Competition week. Semifinalists representing France, Germany, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Cuba, Canada and the United States* will perform in schools and in community concerts that are free and open to the public. See below for a complete list of locations and times. These are subject to change so please check back.

Thursday, June 3

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Atrium
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Buffalo & Erie County Central Library, Fables Cafe'
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Merge Restaurant, 439 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Chautauqua Institution, Fletcher Hall
11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(Free parking and entry to grounds)

Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts
12:30 – 2 p.m.
(Master class for selected guitar students)

Friday, June 4

Roycroft Inn, 40 S. Grove Street, East Aurora
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(Tentative time)

Park Creek Senior Living Community, 410 Mill Street, Williamsville
1:30 performance, private reception immediately following

Holy Cross Church, Seventh and Maryland, Buffalo
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
(Guitarra Dia program presented in Spanish and English)

Elmwood Village Charter School, 124 Elmwood at Allen, Buffalo
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(Tentative time)

Clarence High School
8:50 - 11 AM

(pending the three finalists)