When award-winning classical guitarist Michael Partington performs at St. Hilda's Church on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2:30 p.m., he will be using a crafted guitar made with care on the Sunshine Coast by luthier Martin Blackwell.
"Michael is playing one of my guitars, which is quite a compliment to me," Blackwell said, "as he is one of the top classical guitarists in the Pacific Northwest."
Blackwell was raised on the Coast and has built guitars for over 20 years now, specializing in concert level classical and flamenco guitars. For the last few years, he has been working on a method referred to as "double top" guitars, which incorporates two very thin sound boards with a kevlar honeycomb structure sandwiched between. This allows the top to vibrate more freely and faster, which makes for more sound.
"Most concert performers like to play acoustically, so having a more powerful instrument is important," Blackwell said. "Because a guitar is not a loud instrument, it encourages the listener to listen a bit closer, which ultimately deepens the experience."
The guitar maker and the musician came together when Blackwell began selling his guitars to a top classical guitar store in Seattle, and Partington, who teaches guitar at Washington University, discovered Blackwell's craftsmanship.
Partington, who was born in Britain and now lives in Seattle, has been playing guitar since the age of six. He is one of the most engaging of the new generation of concert players. Praised by Classical Guitar Magazine for his "lyricism, intensity and clear technical command," he has performed internationally as a soloist and with ensemble to critical praise.Because he is performing in Vancouver the day before, Partington will make the trip to the Coast for a one-time concert.He is a fan of new compositions, and the program includes a world premiere of 12 Preludes by the American rising star composer Bryan Johanson plus music by Brouwer, Giuliani, Rodrigo and Scarlatti.
Partington's performance is presented by the Sunshine Coast Guitar Society, a group formed by musicians John Farmer and Paul Pinsonnault in 2008.
"It started as a classical guitar group, but we've opened it up to all guitar styles," said Farmer, the society's president. "Some play folk, some play blues or duets, and we play at open mic sessions." This is the first concert presentation that the society has sponsored, and they hope to do more in the future. For more information about the society, contact Farmer at 604-886-0031.
The venue, St. Hilda's Anglican Church, is at 5838 Barnacle St. in Sechelt, and because of the church's good acoustics, the concert will be unamplified. Tickets are $15, and are available at the door or in advance from Strait Music in Sechelt, Gaia's Fair Trade in Gibsons, and MELOmania in Roberts Creek.
