Giuliani's Friends: A debut concert series by Robert Bekkers and Ellyses Kuan

Step back into early 19th century musical virtuosity with Giuliani’s Friends, a concert devoted to famed composer Mauro Giuliani and his legendary peers, performed by Ellyses Kuan, piano and Robert Bekkers, guitar.

PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, October 19, 7 pm
Trinitarian Congregational Church
54 Walden Street, Concord
Admission is $20 and $15 for students

Saturday, October 26th, 4 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts
24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is $20 and $15 for students

Sunday, October 27, 7 pm
South Shore Conservatory, One Conservatory Drive, Hingham
$20 suggested donation

Highly respected as accomplished instrumentalists and music educators, Bekkers and Kuan have collaborated to develop a program showcasing the significant works of Giuliani for piano and guitar while exhibiting the influence of his peers and colleagues, by interspersing compositions by Paganini and Beethoven in the repertoire. “Giuliani often utilized varied melodic materials by composers like Rossini, or collaborated with friends like Hummel, using familiar themes in the most virtuosic style,” says Kuan. The pinnacle of the program, Grand Potpourri National, is a collaborative effort between Hummel and Giuliani. Nearing its 200th anniversary, the triumphant composition fuses the national anthems of that time period mounting to a fanfare finale.

Bekkers and Kuan join their talents to reclaim the esteem these popular and accessible instruments once retained as a duo ensemble. “The intimate qualities make for a very dynamic and exciting combination, unique to guitar and piano, still present today.” stated Bekkers. “The balance of the two instruments is an intricate challenge, fulfilled through the excitement embraced and immersed in the compositions, bringing us a new joy and appreciation for the composers.” says Kuan. 

Guitarist Robert Bekkers has performed and taught classical guitar throughout his extensive career, departing the Netherlands as a doctoral candidate to study with Eliot Fisk in Boston in 2011. He performs regularly as a soloist or in collaboration with piano, violin, flute or voice in programs from classical opera arias to contemporary compositions. Bekkers aims to connect to audiences, spreading an awareness and appreciation of excellent music, while supporting the communities he serves. Bekkers is on the guitar faculty at the South Shore Conservatory, teaching in the South Shore and Metrowest regions.

Pianist Ellyses Kuan, a native of Hong Kong, began piano lessons at the age of three. She received a full scholarship for her Master’s degree in piano performance with Barry Snyder at the Eastman School of Music. She was selected to represent Hong Kong at the International Kirishima Music Festival in Japan. Kuan collaborates with artists from all over the world and also performs as a soloist. She is passionate about Baroque and Classical performance practices, striving to bring authentic music interpretation to her audiences. Kuan currently is founder and music director of a South Shore music studio, EK Studio.

For tickets to the Trinitarian Church performance, please visit http://bpt.me/466144. For more information about Trinitarian Congregational Church, visitwww.triconchurch.org. For tickets to the James Library performance, please visitwww.brownpapertickets.com/event/466209. For more information about The James Library, visit www.jameslibrary.org. For more information about South Shore Conservatory, visit www.sscmusic.org.