If you go
› What: Music at St. Paul’s Presents David Leisner› Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St.› When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1› Admission: $10-$40› For more information: 423-266-8195
David Leisner (Facebook.com photo)Next in the Music at St. Paul’s concert series is David Leisner, a classical guitarist described by American Record Guide as “a musician first, a guitarist second … a rare quality.”
In his concert on Friday night, Feb. 1, he will pay works by Johann Kaspar Mertz, Manuel de Falla, Heitor Villa-Lobos as well as one of his own originals.
Primarily self-taught, Leisner is considered to be among the finest guitarists currently performing. He is a versatile musician with a multifaceted career as a performing artist, composer and master teacher.
Leisner’s career began with top prizes in the 1975 Toronto and 1981 Geneva International Guitar Competitions. Performances have taken him around the United States, on a major tour of Australia and New Zealand, and to debuts in China, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Czech Republic, Greece, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
A featured recording artist for Azica Records, Leisner has released nine CDs, including “Arpeggione” with cellist Zuill Bailey and “Facts of Life,” featuring the commissioned works by Del Tredici and Osvaldo Golijov.
Leisner is currently chairman of the guitar department at the Manhattan School of Music. His book, “Playing With Ease: A Healthy Approach to Guitar Technique,” is published by Oxford University Press.
For more information about the concert series: http://www.stpaulschatt.org/concert-season or 423-266-8195.