[Guitar Concert] Odair Assad in Ottawa, ON – February 12, 2011

Star Player at Guitar Fest

Classical guitar buffs will want to mark their calendars for Feb. 12, when renowned Brazilian guitarist Odair Assad will present a recital as part of the 2011 Guitar Alla Grande Festival.

Assad is known for his duo work with his guitarist brother Sergio, but he performs solo as well.

“Mr. Assad is, without exaggeration, one of the greatest exponents of the classical guitar,” says Ottawa guitarist Louis Trepanier, who teaches at the University of Ottawa and is co-director of the festival, which takes place from Feb. 10-13.

“It will be quite a thing for guitar enthusiasts to see one of their greatest heroes playing solo.”

Assad’s recital will be at 8 p.m. at Saint-Jean Baptiste Church of Dominican University College, 96 Empress St. Tickets, at $25 general, $20 for seniors and Ottawa Guitar Society members, will be at the door.

Assad will also give a master class that day.

Other concerts will include a performance by guitar students Feb. 10, a performance Feb. 11 featuring University of Ottawa alumnus John Alac in Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the University of Ottawa Orchestra and a closing concert Feb. 13 featuring several ensembles.

The festival is presented by the University of Ottawa, the Conservatoire de musique de Gatineau, Espace Musique, the Dominican University College and the Ottawa Guitar Society.

If you’re in Ottawa you better go to this. Seeing Odair as a soloist is rare, and he’s really good.