Sunday, April 6 marked the finale to the Richland Concert Association’s 2013-2014 season. Despite weather in the 60’s, perfect for a day outdoors, an attentive crowd gathered to hear Larry Snitzler, classical guitarist. A very personable gentleman, he regaled the audience with his stories as well as music.
Snitzler, in his youth a student of renowned guitarist Andres Segovia, began by relating the tale of his old friend – his guitar. Purchased nearly 50 years ago, the guitar suffered serious damage to the soundboard, the soul of a guitar, when a picture frame fell on it last December. That prompted a trip to Madrid, Spain, where the Ramirez family, makers of the guitar, revealed the news that the repair would require four months. Some quick math leads us to the fact that Mr. Snitzler got his beloved guitar back last Monday, a week before this concert.
We could immediately hear the beautiful tone of the instrument – both mellow and ringing at the same time. The man and his guitar were getting reacquainted as they played together through a variety of musical vignettes: some depicting castles in Spain, one a clever little tango written by a dear friend from Mr. Snitzler’s time spent in Paris, two pieces by Segovia, and finally two preludes by Villa Lobos…and a Villa Lobos encore.
The program could be described as peaceful – not characterized by blinding technical displays, but rather by subtle nuances and character achieved through many years of playing on an instrument that Snitzler clearly loves.
The Richland Concert Association’s 2014-2015 season begins Sept. 14 with the popular piano duo of Varshavski and Shapiro. It continues with some exciting new performers as well as some of our old favorites: Ashu, saxophonist; May Phang, pianist; Pro Arte String Quartet, Wisconsin Brass Quintet, and Cavatina Duo - flute and guitar. For more details visit our web site at richlandconertassociation.org.
Season tickets remain at last year’s price of $50 for all six concerts for a single adult, $80 for a family subscription (one or two adults plus resident children under the age of 18), and $15 for students. Individual tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. University of Wisconsin - Richland students are admitted free with campus ID. Season and individual tickets will be available at the first three concerts, or in advance by sending a check to RCA c/o Carol Kramer, 27190 Crestview Drive, Richland Center, WI 53581. A reminder letter will be mailed in July to previous subscribers.