The Omni Foundation’s Dynamite Guitars series is poised for a welcome return to live concerts this season, with an international roster of mostly classical and fingerstyle guitarists performing music ranging from the familiar solo canon first established by Andres Segovia to Brazilian seven-string guitar/bandoneon duets to edgy works for guitar ensemble by contemporary composers.
Here’s an overview of the sonic riches in store. For more details or to purchase a subscription or individual tickets, visit the Omni Foundation’s ticket page or download the order form.
Meng Su
Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 7:30 p.m.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
The award-winning Chinese guitarist kicks off the season with works by Astor Piazzolla, Tan Dun, Marc Neikrug, and William Walton. The New York Concert Review described her performance as “seemingly effortless and stunningly polished.”
Maestros of 50 Oak Street
Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. 7:30 p.m.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Faculty members Sergio Assad, Richard Savino, David Tanenbaum, and Marc Teicholz are familiar faces to guitar students at the SF Conservatory of Music, and this evening of four miniconcerts will highlight their individual voices and repertories.
Eliot Fisk
Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 7:30pm
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Described as a “charismatic and adventurous performer,” Fisk is highly regarded for expanding the scope of the classical-guitar repertory. He was the last direct student of Andres Segovia, and is still going strong.
Dublin Guitar Quartet
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 7:30 p.m.
Herbst Theatre
Expect the unexpected with this bold ensemble dedicated to performing new works by contemporary composers. Here’s an example of their reading of a Philip Glass piece.
International Guitar Night
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Herbst Theatre
With a truly international roster comprising Stephanie Jones (Australia), Alexandr Misko (Russia), Jocelyn Gould (Canada), Lulo Reinhardt (Germany), the International Guitar Night is a touring guitar festival exploring the full range of acoustic-guitar possibilities.
Laura Snowden
Saturday, March 26, 2022 7:30 p.m.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Laura Snowden was the first guitarist to graduate from the Yehudi Menuhin School, where she currently teaches. Classical Guitar Magazine describes her as “linking guitar’s past, present, and future.”
David Russell
Saturday, April 2, 2022 7:30 p.m.
Herbst Theatre
No stranger to the Dynamite Guitar series, Grammy-winner David Russell has inspired hordes of guitarists around the globe. The New York Times wrote about him, “Mr. Russell possesses a talent of extraordinary dimension.”
Romeros Quartet
Friday, April 8, 2022 7:30 p.m.
Herbst Theatre
The second and third generations of the renowned “Royal Family of the Guitar” return to Herbst once again for an evening of crisp ensemble playing revealing the guitar traditions of Spain.
Yamandu Costa with Richard Scofano
Saturday, April 16, 2022 7:30 p.m.
Herbst Theatre
The seven-string virtuoso Yamandu Costa teams up with bandoneónist Richard Scofano for an evening of expressive originals and Brazilian music.
Ana Vidovic
Saturday, April 23, 2022 7:30 p.m.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
One of the most highly regarded guitarists of her generation, Croatian guitarist Ana Vidovic closes the season. The Washington Post wrote in a review, “[Her playing] was virtually immaculate — detailed, precise and polished. But this was no mere virtuostic display. Vidovic's playing is nuanced and intensely personal, both deeply felt and deeply thought.”
