TAMIU Guitar Ensemble Presents 9th Annual International Concert

Music from Spain, México, Paraguay, the U.S. and from other parts of the world will take audiences on a musical journey at the Texas A&M International University 9th Annual International Guitar Concert at Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public.

“The International Guitar Concert was born several years ago with the objective to perform music and styles from different countries,” said Dr. Gilberto D. Soto, professor of music education/guitar and director of the TAMIU Guitar Ensemble.

“This year, my students and I selected to perform music from a variety of countries, genres and styles, and we are honored to have the TAMIU Mariachi Internacional as our special guests,” Dr. Soto explained.

The program will include selections from Paraguay, Cuba, Spain, México, and the United States, among others.

Also, for the first time, the unique sounds of the Guitar Ensemble and the Mariachi International will join musical forces to close the program.

Jerry Quintero, visiting instructor of music, is director for the Mariachi Internacional.

Selections for this concert include music from Spain, in which the Guitar Ensemble will perform “Recuerdos de la Alhambra,” and “El Baile de Luis Alonso.”  From the United States, the Ensemble will perform very special and unique instrumental arrangements of “In the Mood,” “The Entertainer,” and “Hotel California.” From Paraguay, the ensemble will perform a special rendition of “Pájaro Campanas,” with special appearances by music majors Amelia Amaya on the piccolo, and Rolando Rodríguez on the harp.

The program also includes a special treat for the audience — the TAMIU Mariachi Internacional, alongside the Guitar Ensemble, will perform the famous traditional song “La Negra,” from México.

“The TAMIU Classical Guitar Ensemble is a performing class composed of mostly music guitar majors and minors, as well as other instrumentalists from other majors, who share experience in reading and performing of guitar literature for instrumental ensembles,” said Soto.

Members of the TAMIU Guitar Ensemble during the 2013 spring semester include Eddie Áviles, Robert Batey, Alejandro Peña, Leonel Salinas, Mark Martínez, Carlos Morales, José Sánchez, Roberto Coronado, Carlos Limón, Patricia González, José Antonio Garza, José Macias, Genaro Sepulveda, José Arriaga, Marianne García, Monika Sanchez, Miguel Ruíz, and Marco L. López.

The Ensemble is a favorite guest performer at many civic and community events throughout the year, and recently was the one of two guest guitar ensembles to perform at the 12th annual International Guitar Competition and Festival, sponsored by the University of Texas at Dallas.

For more information, please contact Soto at 326.3046 or gsoto@tamiu.edu

University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Information is also available on the University’s website, tamiu.edu, Facebook and Twitter.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu