Delaware Symphony concert with Brasil Guitar Duo set Feb. 26, 28

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra has launched a major international recording project that will feature Brasil Guitar Duo, exceptional Brazilian guitarists João Luiz and Douglas Lora, performing three concerti for two guitars and orchestra, including the U.S. premiere of "The Book of Signs" by Cuban composer and cultural icon Leo Brouwer, plus concerti by noted contemporary Brazilian composers Paulo Bellinati and Egberto Gismonti.

The recording will be made during two concerts with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra Friday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 28. It will be produced and distributed internationally by Naxos, the world’s leading classical music label, known for recording exciting new repertoire with exceptional talent.

Music Director David Amado will conduct the DSO and Brasil Guitar Duo in the concerts, titled Fantastic Guitars, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26,  and at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Geipel Center at Sanford School in Hockessin. Following the guitar concerti, the second half of the concert will be devoted to the monumental "Symphonie Fantastique" of Hector Berlioz.

Amado said of the recording, “The opportunity to work with such fine musicians documenting such interesting, beautiful, and important repertoire is a rare privilege. I look forward to the process, to the music-making, and of course, to the successful release of this wonderful album.”

Amado described this effort as a confluence of cultures and added, “Leo Brouwer's permission for the U. S. premiere performance and recording of his 'The Book of Signs' for two guitars and string orchestra ignited this powerful collaboration, and we are thrilled to be a part of it, especially at this unprecedented period of thaw between the U.S. and Cuba. As diplomats smooth the political creases, artists can smooth the cultural ones.”

In spite of its political isolation, Cuba has been an artistic powerhouse, and Brouwer has been a primary source of that energy. His work as a guitarist and a composer has been celebrated around the world. Amado said, “This is a rare opportunity to document the work of one of the guitar world’s most important voices in a once-in-a-lifetime political climate.”

DSO Executive Director Alan Jordan said, “For the second time in a decade, the DSO will record works for multiple guitars and orchestra for a commercial CD. The last effort, in 2010, garnered the DSO a Latin Grammy nomination. This time, we are working with Naxos, the world's largest producer of classical CDs, and we look forward to sharing this recording with our patrons, friends and families.

Jordan said, “Funding for an international project of this magnitude is vitally important. We are pleased that in the ‘quiet phase’ of our fundraising, much of the cost of the project has already been underwritten by generous individuals, corporations and foundation sponsors. We hope our friends will help us with this historic project in its final phase, by participating in our Kickstarter campaign.”

The DSO is asking the public’s help in the final push to fund the recording. To see a video of Brasil Guitar Duo playing in 2015 with a string quartet from the DSO, and to learn more details about the project and how to participate in the Kickstarter campaign, go to www.delawaresymphony.org and follow the link on the home page.

Tickets for the live concerts that will be recorded are $60 each (plus a $6 box office handling fee per ticket). All seats are general admission. To order tickets call The Grand Opera House Box Office at 302-652-5577, go in person to 818 North Market St. in downtown Wilmington or go to www.ticketsatthegrand.org.

Tickets for students, 21 and under with ID, are $10 (plus a $2 box office handling fee per ticket) and may be purchased at The Grand Box Office or ordered by phone. Student ID must be shown to pick up the tickets. Remaining tickets will also be available at the Geipel Center on the days of the concerts.

The Geipel Center is on the campus of Sanford School, 6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin. Parking is limited, and since this is a new venue for the DSO, patrons are encouraged to arrive early.