Full Circle is a personal program that explores the points of intersection found between works by living composers that have stretched the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar with works that were groundbreaking in the past. Bookending the program with works by Ronald Pearl, Zane highlights ties to the lute works of John Dowland, dives into the contemplative and colorful works of Albeniz, reflects on Judah Adashi’s meditative work my heart comes undone for electric guitar and loop pedal, and highlights the relationships between J. S. Bach’s Prelude, Fugue and Allegro BWV 998 with Ingram Marshall’s Soe-pa for amplified classical guitar with loop and delay.
Described as “…one of his generation’s finest guitarists” (Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine), Zane Forshee seamlessly bridges the traditions of the past with works of living composers to engage and challenge audiences. With accolades such as the Top Prize in the Montpelier Artist Recital Competition and the First Prize in then National Guitar Workshop International Solo Guitar Competition, among others, Zane’s dynamic programming and presence has led to appearances worldwide, including the Palacete de Amezúa (Madrid), the Joseph Joachim Konzertsaal (Berlin), the Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.), the New York City Classical Guitar Society, and the Chimei Museum (Taiwan).
Zane’s most recent project, the Laptop Tour, furthers his mission of musical exploration by pushing the conceptual boundaries of the classical concert. Together with a laptop, cameras, microphones, and the Internet, Zane broadcasts programs that reflect the connections found between pieces, composers, and nontraditional spaces. The musical terrain is wide open for Zane as he continues to experiment with what’s possible both for himself, the guitar, and audiences in the 21st century. Highlights of the 2019-20 season include solo performances at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, Ogden Museum of the South in New Orleans, and a tour of the West Coast including collaborations with the Friction Quartet and solo engagements in Portland and the Bay Area at Old First Concerts and San Francisco Conservatory. In January 2020, Zane releases his second full-length album, recorded in Berlin, on the Artist’s Recording Collective (ARC) label. Tracing the evolution of 20th Century Valencian composers, this recording draws upon Zane’s extensive original research gathered while living in Spain as a Fulbright Grant Recipient.
Zane serves on the guitar faculty of the Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University and directs its LAUNCHPad Career Services office. He is also Chair of the Guitar and Harp department of the Peabody Institute’s Preparatory Division. Additionally, Zane directs Peabody’s annual Fret Fest, Summer Guitar Institute, and was most recently awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award for his work within the Preparatory. “As the old adage goes, those who cannot do, teach. Apparently, Zane Forshee didn’t get the memo … do not miss out on the chance to learn a thing or two from the man who makes music his life in the classroom and on stage.” (Baltimore City Paper)
Zane Forshee is a D’Addario Artist and plays on D’Addario strings.