Classical guitarist Michael Nicolella in concert

With a repertoire spanning from J.S. Bach to Jimi Hendrix, Nicolella is recognized as one of America’s most innovative and unique classical guitarists.

According to the Washington Post, “Since the passing of Andres Segovia the guitar world has needed an advocate. . . perhaps Michael Nicolella is that person.” The Milwaukee Journal has said of Nicolla’s work, “This is classical guitar at its best.”

The concert will feature works by Leo Brouwer, J.S. Bach, Astor Piazzolla, Toru Takemitsu, Bryan Johanson, and a new work by Nicolella himself. The program will also include Steve Reich’s “Electric Counterpoint” for electric guitar and a solo electric guitar work written for Nicolella by John Fitz Rogers.

First-prize winner of both the Portland and Northwest solo classic guitar competitions, Nicolella has performed throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, and Italy as a solo recitalist, chamber musician and orchestra soloist.

As a composer and performer, he has been awarded grants and fellowships from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Washington State Arts Commission. Most recently, he was awarded a commission from the King County Office of Cultural Resources in Washington to write a concerto for classic guitar and chamber orchestra. The American Composers Forum awarded a grant to help fund a large-scale work for electric guitar and computer-generated sound which composer Rogers is writing for Nicolella.

Nicolella currently resides in Seattle, where he balances his performing career with composing, recording and teaching.

Admission is free. For information, call 336-758-5026.