In Sunday’s (5/30) Buffalo News, Mary Kunz Goldman writes, “Classical guitar is an ancient art, steeped in gentility, grace and romance. As Buffalo virtuoso Michael Andriaccio points out: ‘In order to play the guitar, you have to embrace it.’ … Andriaccio and his wife, fellow classical guitar ace Joanne Castellani, see it all. They see it when they perform as the Castellani/Andriaccio Guitar Duo. And they see it when they judge the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, which begins on Tuesday at Kleinhans Music Hall. … Falletta—who, besides being the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is an accomplished guitarist herself—does not judge the competition. But she, too, is overwhelmed by the instrument’s subtleties. … Since its inception in 2004, the competition has created a buzz. One contestant this year is from Thailand. ‘There was an article in a Bangkok newspaper about him,’ Falletta says. ‘And he’s quoted as saying that it’s the most prestigious competition to guitar in the world, that just to be invited is such an honor. Thailand!’ she exclaims. ‘I had no idea how small the world has become in classical guitar. The word is getting out.’ … This year saw 40 qualified applicants, up from around 20 two years ago.”
Posted June 2, 2010
