Submitted by Selkirk Pro-Musica
Classical guitarists Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan will play Intimate Impressions, a classical matinée concert presented by Selkirk Pro-Musica on Sunday, April 21.
The concert begins at 3 p.m. at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, 701 Ward St. in Nelson. Tickets are $20, cash only.
From the lyricism of Ravel, to the introspective melodies of Mompou, to the clarity and wit of Tailleferre, Intimate Impressions offers a unique portrait of 20th century music written in Paris.
The duo pushes the boundaries of the classical guitar repertoire by presenting these original arrangements of music originally written for piano or harp, and contrasting them with works they’ve commissioned or premiered by celebrated Canadian composers.
Cicchillitti and Cowan have set a benchmark in the world of classical guitar with their award-winning recordings, commissions of major orchestral works, and competition performances. On their debut release, Focus, Tracy Anne Smith (American Record Guide) writes, “With sensitive, authoritative, au courant playing, Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan retain their individuality while communicating like old friends.”
Focus was awarded Classical Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards in 2021. Also in 2021, the duo released its third album with Analekta Records, Intimate Impressions, featuring original arrangements of piano, harp, and guitar music written in 20th century Paris. The album has been streamed over four million times worldwide and was also nominated for the East Coast Music Award prize.
Cowan and Cicchillitti toured Canada under the auspices of Prairie Debut in 2020-2022 and with Debut Atlantic in 2018. They were awarded second (2023) and third prize (2021) at the international ensemble competition of the Guitar Foundation of America, arguably the most prestigious guitar ensemble competition in the world.
Cicchillitti is lecturer in guitar at Mount Allison University. He holds a doctorate in guitar performance from McGill University and is the founder of the guitar school at Ottawa Suzuki Strings. He is sponsored by Augustine Strings and plays a guitar by the luthier Sergei de Jonge.
Originally from St. John’s, N.L., Cowan holds degrees from Memorial University, the Manhattan School of Music and McGill University. Since 2019, he has been a guitar instructor at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University.