Gohar Vardanyan Comes To Oberlin
I met the Armenian-American guitarist, Gohar Vardanyan a few years ago at a guitar festival, and was very impressed by her playing, by her confidence and all-round command of the instrument and the stage. I knew then that she’d be making an appearance at Oberlin. Happily, we made that happen last week. She gave a solo recital and taught a master class for the guitar studio.
Gohar Vardanyan, on the Kulas Hall stage.
Her recital opened with a beloved chestnut of the guitar repertoire—the Grand Solo of Fernando Sor. She chose to play the less-often used Aguado version, and it landed with clarity and style. She followed with a commanding reading of Bach’s Chaconne.
Her Bach was followed by three works of Piazzolla (complete program at the end of the post). Her easy control of this material yielded loud audience approval.
Rodrigo’s Invocación y Danza was next. She delivered the expressive, complex music with ease.
Gohar’s program concluded with three works of Albeniz. The audience erupted loudly at the end; she shared with us a short encore. This was a highly successful and polished performance by a hugely talented artist.
Gohar takes a bow
Our master class began with a performance by Josie Stone. Josie played Morel’s Danza in Em.
Josie Stone plays Morel for Gohar Vardanyan
Next up was Aleksandr Lapshin. Aleksandr performed the Reverie Nocturne of Giulio Regondi.
Aleksandr Lapshin and Gohar Vardanyan discuss Regondi
Sam Schollenberger followed, with a section of Giuliani’s Rossiniana Op 121.
Sam Schollenberger plays for Gohar Vardanyan
Sara Baunoch followed, presenting for discussion Sor’s Variations on Malbroug, Op 28.
Gohar Vardanyan works with Sara Baunoch on music of Sor
Following Sara, Solis Dornan performed the opening movement of Rodrigo’s Concierto d’Aranjuez (sans piano).
Solis Dornan plays Rodrigo for Gohar Vardanyan
Our class concluded with a performance by Caden Basile of Lauro’s Angostura.
Gohar Vardanyan helps Caden Basile with music of Lauro
Throughout the class, the students were treated to helpful tips on technique and practicing, and to ideas about interpretation. Gohar demonstrated in a way that had the students quietly looking at each other, very impressed indeed! It was terrific class. Thanks Gohar, for sharing your music and your wisdom with us!
Caden Basile, Sara Baunoch, Josie Stone, Gohar Vardanyan, Aleksandr Lapshin, Solis Dornan and Sam Schollenberger
Aleksandr Lapshin, Josie Stone, Gohar Vardanyan, the author, and Solis Dornan
Gohar Vardanyan with the author.
