Colombian guitar sensation Ricardo Cobo to perform March 20

Recognized as “one of the world’s leading virtuosi of the new classic guitar generation,” Colombian guitar sensation Ricardo Cobo will make a rare appearance in Syracuse when he performs on Tuesday, March 20, at 8 p.m. in the Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College. The concert is presented by the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and the Great Lakes Guitar Society (GLGS).

A performer of “graceful musicality” and “superhuman technique,” Cobo will present a program of works for the solo guitar. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $10 for seniors, students and GLGS members; and free for patrons with a valid SU I.D. Free parking is available in the Irving Garage; parking for patrons with disabilities is available in the Q1 lot. Patrons should mention that they are attending the concert.

Cobo will also hold a master class on March 20 in the Setnor School of Music from noon-2 p.m. in Room 403 Crouse College.

Cobo made his debut to American audiences as the first Hispanic ever to win consecutive medals at the Guitar Foundation of America’s Solo International Competition. Equally in demand as chamber musician, pedagogue and recording artist, his busy touring schedule has taken him to Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and the 92nd Street Y in New York City; Ho Ham Hall in Korea; the Ambassador Auditorium in Los Angeles; Madrid’s Teatro Real and Zaragoza’s Palacio Real in Spain; Teresa Carreño in Venezuela; and his native Colombia’s National Library, among hundreds of other venues.

Cobo’s versatility can be heard in his award-winning solo recordings of classical and children’s music (Brouwer Vol. 1 on Naxos and “Guitar Lullaby” on Ellipsis Arts), his orchestral and crossover recordings (Brouwer Concerti, “Walking on the Water” and “Café 1930” on Angel/EMI) and in hundreds of credits for commercial releases worldwide.

Cobo has been decorated by the Colombian government on numerous occasions, receiving its Order of Cañasgordas and the Order of Belacazar for outstanding merit in cultural affairs. He is on the D’Addario Strings artist roster and is working with Alhambra Guitars to develop unique instruments for young professionals. His newest entry is the “Ricardo Cobo” classical model.

Cobo is director of classical guitar studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is cofounder of the “Guitar Series at UNLV,” now on its eighth consecutive season. He keeps a loyal studio of students from ages 12-70 who study via the Internet and in hundreds of workshops around the country.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.greatlakesguitarsociety.org/.