Skill and finesse in classical guitar isn't decided by geographical boundaries. It can and does flourish anywhere on the globe.
That has been proven by the Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts for nearly a quarter-century. Founded by Miramar classical guitarist Richard Patterson, Omni concerts blend cosmopolitan sophistication and just plain top-flight playing, whether classical, jazz or fingerpicking, on the Coastside and in San Francisco.
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San Francisco.
The four are:
Thibault Calvin, born in 1984, has won more first prizes in guitar competitions than any other Frenchman. Those include last year's prestigious Stotsenberg Competition. "He affirmed himself with a surprising maturity as a technically adroit and highly musical player," according to the Los Angeles Times.
Marcin Dylla from Poland, who is described by Omni as a "profound young artist," and has taken first prize in 14 major international competitions.
Anabel Montesinos is, according to Omni, considered "the Spanish guitarist with the most promising future in the international guitar scene." She has received first prizes in several major competitions and has performed throughout Europe on radio and television.
Flavio Sala of Italy, now 21, took first prize by a unanimous vote at the prestigious Italian competition, Premio Citta di Alessandria. "Even in the most torturous passages, every note has maintained absolute refinement and purity," raved the Italian publication It Giornale di Brescia.
The first round of the Omni international competition finals will take place at the Presentation Theater on the campus of the University of San Francisco, at 2350 Turk St. The second round will take place at the historic Florence Gould Theater of the California Palace of the Legion of Honor at 100 34th Ave. in San Francisco. Both rounds begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets at $25 are available through the Omni box office at (415) 242-4500. Patrons can also charge by phone at 726-1203.
For more information about Omni, call (888) 400-OMNI (6664) or visit the Web site at www.omniconcerts.com.
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