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Concert review: Adam Holzman an eloquent advocate for classical guitar at Heliconian Hall

By Margaret Lam on October 20, 2013

Adam Holzman performs at Heliconian Hall on Saturday night (Margaret Lam photo).
Adam Holzman performs at Heliconian Hall on Saturday (Margaret Lam photo).

On Saturday evening, I had the opportunity to experience the Guitar Society of Toronto for the first time. Under the artistic direction of Jeffrey McFadden, this second concert of their season featured American guitarist Adam Holzman in the cozy shelter of Heliconian Hall.

I am a little embarrassed to say that this was the first time I had attended a classical guitar concert. Heather Morand Clark, vice-president of the society, confirmed that getting classical music fans excited about classical guitar is not as easy as you might expect.

Reading through Holzman’s biography, I quickly learned that he was twice chosen to perform in masterclasses given by the legendary Spanish guitar master Andrés Segovia, who died in 1987. Holzman is a critically acclaimed recording artist under the Naxos label and a champion of new music written for guitar.

With an unassuming yet warm stage presence, Holzman offered just enough commentary on each piece, and performed with a brilliant touch and a subtle yet confident virtuosity.

Many elements of the concert were comfortably familiar, and some that were fun to observe. For example, the popular tune of J. S. Bach’s Lute Suite No. 4 in E major was performed with infectious joy and satisfaction by Holzman — and I was reminded that the guitar needs much more frequent tuning than a piano.

The inclusion of contemporary works after the intermission was wonderful for not only the music, but also showcased the variety of performance techniques that are unique to the guitar. I became happily lost in Holzman’s rendition of Guajira va atravesado (Guajira has been crossed), by Mexican composer Gerardo Tamez.

Concluding with two sway-inducing waltzes by the prolific early-20th century Paraguayan classical guitarist Augustín Barrios, Holzman reminded us of the close connection between the guitar and the troubadour tradition. After two encores, the crowd sent Holzman off with standing ovation for a rewarding night of music-making.

With 56 years of history in the city, the Guitar Society of Toronto is the oldest organization of its kind in North America yet remains a hidden gem in the city. I witnessed a high calibre of artistic excellence in as intimate a musical setting as you could imagine.

Their concert season is certainly worth exploring more. For more information on the Toronto Guitar Society and its concerts, click here.

Margaret Lam
is founder of the BeMused Network

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