Shimmering Strings

Ben Lahring, guitar

Sunday, June 7 at 2:30 pm

VENUE: St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus

Please note that this concert starts at 2:30pm

This concert presents a rare journey into the musical world of Mauro Giuliani and his daughter, Emilia Giuliani-Guglielmi, two of the 19th century’s most important figures in the classical guitar tradition. The first half highlights their operatic inspirations: Emilia’s Belliniana No.1, Op.2 draws on the lyrical melodies of Vincenzo Bellini, while Mauro’s Rossiniana No.1, Op.119 celebrates the lively spirit of Gioachino Rossini, both works reflecting the guitar’s dialogue with Italian opera.
After intermission, the focus turns to refinement and rediscovery. Emilia’s Six Preludes, Op.46 reveal her poetic voice and technical sophistication. Mauro’s Ten Etudes, Op.1a were recently unearthed from his long-lost instructional method book, recently published for the first time in history by MusiCurate, in collaboration with Mauro’s living descendant Nicola Giuliani.
Presented by guitarist Ben Lahring, this program brings authenticity and depth to the Giulianis’ music. As both a celebrated performer and the publisher responsible for reviving Mauro Giuliani’s lost method book, Ben offers a uniquely informed interpretation. His performances unite scholarship and artistry, honouring the historical significance and expressive beauty of these rediscovered works.
Rediscovering Mauro Giuliani bridges generations, revealing the artistry, pedagogy, and lasting legacy of the Giuliani family.
 
 

Programme

Background information

“Your interpretation of my Lullaby For My Love is absolutely beautiful. Your tremolo is so even and your tone lovely. Congratulations on your new album!” – Liona Boyd, Composer & Guitarist

“Ben Lahring has a gift of playing the intention behind the music: somehow the force of a crescendo and the sparkle of articulation reach out and touch us through his playing.” – William Beauvais, Composer & Guitarist

“On this latest recording of music for classical guitar, Canada-based Ben Lahring offers some sweet morsels of his tone and touch … Lahring weaves textures rich in color … he is in command of his fingerboard at all times … a fine collection of delightful listening.” – Kirk Albrecht, Minor 7th

From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Ben Lahring has established himself as a captivating composers and performer with “absolutely beautiful” interpretations (Liona Boyd) and a “gift of playing the intention behind the music” (William Beauvais, composer).

Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations, with engagements ranging from a year-long solo-guitar performance residency in Sydney, Australia, to playing in the orchestra pits of musical theater productions and touring with choirs, rock bands and soul singers. He was a regular fixture in the New York City guitar scene for several years, where he released his first album of solo guitar music, praised for being “fun and enthusiastic” and displaying “a natural feel for the music” (This is Classical Guitar). Lahring’s latest album of solo guitar music, Driftwood, has been reviewed to high acclaim as “a work of originality and shimmering beauty” (Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals” (Fanfare Magazine). His own compositions are consistently popular with audiences and have been receiving increased attention from performers, with recent Canadian premieres of his works for guitar orchestra, guitar quartet, solo guitar, solo ukulele, and solo piano.

Ben Lahring is an Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Centre and an Adjudicator with the Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners. He teaches guitar on the faculties of Ambrose University and Mount Royal University. Additionally, he serves as the Vice-President of the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary and is the founder of MusiCurate, a music publishing company.