JohnWilliams, world's best classical guitarist, to perform

Born in 1941, Williams began learning the guitar at four from his father. Then, in 1952, his family moved to London, where Williams met and studied with Andrés Sergovia. Recognizing the talent before him, Sergovia recommended that Williams enter the prestigious Accademia Musicale di Siene in Italy. Williams followed Sergovia's counsel and spent five years studying there on scholarship.

While there, he set a standard of musicianship few have approached. At the request of his fellow students, Williams became the first student - of any instrument - to give a complete solo recital. Soon thereafter, he returned to England to attend the Royal College of Music.

Courtesy of University Musical Society John Williams is one of the world's best guitarists.

Williams' debut at Wigmore Hall in 1958 was to set the stage for a flurry of performances around the world; Paris and Madrid were first, followed by tours of the Soviet Union and Japan.

So profound is his talent that many of the world's most acclaimed composers have written specifically for him, including Thereby, Stephen Dodgson and André Previn. He also has performed premieres of music by Sculthorpe, Nigel Westlake, Richard Harvey, Leo Brouwer and the late Toru Takemitsu.

In addition to having played with some of the world's most honored classical performers, such as Julian Bream, Paco Peña, Barry Kessel, Itzhak Perlman and André Previn, but Williams was one of the first classical musicians to play at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club.

One-time member of the groups SKY and ATTACCA, Williams has also been Artistic Director of the South Bank Summer Musical Festival, as well as Artistic Director of the Melbourne Arts festival.

Tonight's diverse program includes Vivaldi's "Concerto in D Major, Op. 3, No. 9," Albéniz's "Asturias," Brouwer's "El Decamerón Negro," Houghton's "Stélé," Theodorakis' "Three Epitafios," Domenicioni's "Koyunbaba" and a special performance of "Medieval Suite" (Anon.) arranged by Williams himself.

According to the Washington Post, "One could not have wished for a more gifted and versatile exponent of the instrument." At a likely sell-out tonight, the University community will have an opportunity to hear Williams' skills and perhaps reach similar conclusions.

Tickets for John Williams

are $22-$36. Call 764-2538

for more information.

10-14-98