Classical guitar performances scheduled June 13, 14 at Oregon Caves Chateau with dining available
From our weekly issue dated May 21, 2008
Grant Ruiz
And now for something totally different: Enjoy classical guitar concerts and fine dinners at The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14.
The free concerts will be given in the Chateau lobby both evenings at 8, according to Sue Williams of Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCDO). Concert-goers can enjoy a pleasant nonhosted dinner in The Chateau dining room before each concert.
The site is 19 miles east of Cave Junction at the end of Oregon Hwy. 46.
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Guitar music fans may want to book a room and have the pleasure of both programs and a relaxing getaway at the scenic Chateau. Williams commented that these classical guitar concerts offer a rare opportunity for Illinois Valley residents and visitors to have a delicious dinner in The Chateau, followed by an extraordinary guitar concert in an intimate setting.
Steve Berman
She says that the menu usually includes delectable steak, fish and chicken entrees, along with excellent Oregon wines and irresistible desserts.
Williams adds that she is excited about this special event, bringing four brilliant classical guitarists. Each concert will have two different performers. The program is presented by the Jefferson Classical Guitar Society.
Friday’s concert will feature Flamenco guitarist Grant Ruiz, and the unique skills of Steve Berman, performing a thrilling evening of Spanish music in the Flamenco style, modern Spanish music, Renaissance lute and Baroque guitar music.
Ruiz is the son of a bebop saxophonist who chose the guitar for his musical expression. He took up the guitar at age 10 and studied in Anaheim, Calif. He also studied guitar with several of the top Flamenco artists in Spain. During 2002 he played Spanish Renaissance music at the Green Show at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).
He has continued to compose, arrange and perform Latin and Flamenco music at OSF and Mount Shasta, Calif. In 2007, he formed the Flamenco troupe Alba Flamenco, in Ashland, where he serves on the board of the Jefferson Classical Guitar Society.
Berman is a folk and classical guitarist who has been performing, teaching and recording guitar music since the early 1970s. He currently plays in the Dark Rose Guitar Quartet with Grant Ruiz, and is a member of Jefferson Baroque Orchestra. He lives in Ashland and performs throughout the region.
Nathan Hoyt
Saturday’s concert will feature guitar prodigy, Nathan Hoyt, and guitar virtuoso, Joseph Thompson. The program for Saturday will be in the classical style, plus more “modern” musical treats.
Eleven-year-old Nathan began playing guitar at age 5 and has been studying with his current teacher, Joseph Thompson, for five years. Nathan’s skill belies his youthful age, according to Williams, a guitarist herself.
He has performed in master classes for the world’s finest classical guitarists, including Martha Masters, Jose Luis Merlin, Jason Vieaux and Ana Vidovic.
Hoyt attended the Guitar Institute at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. He has been a soloist at the Loyola Marymount University Guitar Festival in Los Angeles as part of the Youth Showcase. Nathan is a regular attendee of the Jefferson Classical Guitar Society and he plays at “Art and Soul” on first Fridays during Art Walk in Grants Pass.
Inspired by a recording of Andres Segovia, Thompson turned to the study of classical guitar in 1967. His first lessons in classical guitar and music composition were from Bernard Wendt, OSF music director.
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He later studied guitar in San Francisco, and music composition and counterpoint at University of California at Berkeley. He also has studied in master classes with Christopher Parkening.
Thompson established the classical guitar program in 1976 at Southern Oregon State College (now SOU) at Ashland, where he taught guitar for 10 years. He now teaches privately.
Two volumes of his guitar transcriptions have been published with Mel Bay Publications; and he has released a CD with duet partner, James Edwards, Baroque Masterworks and one with the Dark Rose Guitar Trio.
These dazzling guitar concerts are offered for free, but seating is limited. IVCDO wants to encourage people to visit The Chateau, with its breath-taking views and rustic Pacific Northwest Lodge ambience.
Special rates are available during the “shoulder season” including a package deal. Visitors might want to include a hike or a tour of Oregon Caves as part of their getaway weekend.
Contact The Chateau or visit its Website for more information. To make reservations for dinner and a concert, contact Illinois Valley Visitor Center in Cave Junction at 592-4076 or IVCDO at 592-4440. To reserve a room and dinner, contact The Chateau at (877) 245-9022. Or visit ivcdo.projecta.com/ and click on The Chateau.
