Classical guitarist Roland Dyens returns for recital Sunday

World renowned classical guitarist Roland Dyens will return to the School of Music at SUNY Fredonia to present a recital Sunday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m., at Rosch Recital Hall.

Tickets for the Sunday recital are $15 for general admission, $10 for students, and are available at the SUNYFredonia Ticket Office, 716-673-3501, or online at www.fredonia.edu/tickets.

In addition to the Sunday recital, Dyens will conduct a free master class on Monday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m., also in Rosch. Dyens, who was quoted as saying that his 2009 visit to SUNY Fredonia was one of his “top three experiences as both a performer and teacher in the USA so far,” teaches at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris.

Known for his unfailing open-minded playing and improvisational openings, Dyens is considered to be the “crème de la crème” of composers/arrangers/guitarists. He has been hailed for his ability to seamlessly blend all forms of music into every program, while his stage presence, improvised openings and unique relationship with listeners undeniably positions him at the forefront of guitar performance.

SUNY Fredonia guitar professor James Piorkowski is excited to have Dyens perform on campus again. “Maestro Dyens is arguably the one guitarist who is unrivaled in the combined skills of improvisation, composition, arranging and performing. To those in the know, Roland is unparalleled in his field, and I mean this globally.”

Dyens’ concerts unfold as personal experiences of emotional awakening for members of the audience who, inspired by the musical unity demonstrated, often later use the impact of his virtuosity and creativity to guide their own perception of music and, more broadly, their lives. For those not familiar with classical guitar performance, its contours and nuances lead to an inspirational discovery of the instrument and its musical potential.  

“I like to call Roland ‘the poet of the guitar,’” Piorkowski said, “because of his delightful creativity, his sublime nuanced expression and his artistic transparency. It’s exquisite poetry on six strings.”

His SUNY Fredonia visit was made possible with support from the SUNY Fredonia School of Music, Fredonia Guitar Society, Faculty Student Association, and Savarez.