Guitarist Christopher Parkening leads off Quick Center's Tenth Anniversary Season | Press Releases

Christopher Parkening, one of the world's pre-eminent classical guitarists, leads off Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts tenth anniversary season in a concert titled, "A Celebration of Andrés Segovia," on Friday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. The recognized heir to the Segovia tradition, Parkening's rare combination of dramatic virtuosity and eloquent musicianship has captivated audiences worldwide.

Andrés Segovia -89 himself proclaimed "Christopher Parkening is a great artist - he is one of the most brilliant guitarists in the world." The Quick Center's recital will begin with a ten-minute film of Segovia's life, including personal photographs and clips showcasing his warm friendship with Parkening.

Parkening will play selections of the legendary Spanish guitarist's favorite works, which include pieces from Johann Sebastian Bach, John Dowland, Gaspar Sanz, Sylvius Leopold Weiss and Fernando Sor. Also on the program are: Alexandre Tansman's "Suite in Modo Polonico," Heitor Villa-Lobos' "Prelude" (Homage to Bach), Tórroba's "Fandanguillo," Tárrega's "Capricho Arabe," and Isaac Albéniz's "Leyenda."

Parkening has performed at the White House, appeared twice on the Grammy Awards and with Placido Domingo on "Live From Lincoln Center," and participated in "Carnegie Hall's 100th Anniversary" celebration. He has been a guest on the "Tonight" show, "Good Morning America," CBS' "Sunday Morning," the "Today" show and "20/20." In addition, he was the featured soloist with composer/conductor John Williams on the Sony Classical soundtrack of the film "Stepmom."

Parkening has been consistently voted "best classical guitarist" in a nationwide readers' poll of "Guitar Player" magazine which placed him in their "Gallery of Greats" along with Andrés Segovia, John Williams and Julian Bream. He has guest soloed with many of the nation's finest orchestras including: the Philadelphia, Cleveland and Minnesota orchestras; the Chicago, Pittsburgh and National symphony orchestras, the Detroit, Houston and St. Louis symphonies, the St. Paul and Los Angeles chamber orchestras and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Parkening will host a post concert "Art to Heart" question and answer session on "The Legacy of Andrés Segovia." Tickets to the concert are $30, $27 and $24. Discounts are available for seniors, students and groups of 20 or more. To reserve or for more information call the box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.