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Byline: BY JEFF MANOOKIAN SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE
Classical guitarist Michael Lucarelli put together a most ingenious program
Sunday, mixing his talents with several of Utah's top musicians in cameo roles.
Titled ``Michael Lucarelli and Friends,'' the showcase concert attracted a very
good crowd in the First Presbyterian Church.
Lucarelli and flutist Laurel Ann Maurer captured a delightful ambience in Mauro
Giulianni's ``Grosse Sonata.'' Maurer's flute mastery was a treat. Likewise,
Lucarelli supported his guest flutist in fine form.
Astor Piazzola's ``History of the Tango'' got a sassy reading from violinist
Kelly Parkinson and her host guitarist. The interesting three-movement set
brought a bit of Buenos Aires to Salt Lake. Soprano Elizabeth Paniagua vocalized
Heitor Villa-Lobos' ``Bachianas Brasileras No. 5.'' The original eight-cello
instrumentation accompaniment was reduced to a solo guitar. Lucarelli showed a
fine technique and musicianship playing the part of a mini-orchestra.
Paniagua's voice soared gloriously. She presented a convincing and passionate
identification with the South American score. Paniagua was virtuosically blazing
at a set of three songs by the Spanish composer Enrique Granados.
Primarily known as the former principal clarinetist of the Utah Symphony, Martin
Zwick made his appearance playing the mandolin. In Friedrich Burgmuller's
Nocturne No. 1 and ``The Easy Winners'' by Scott Joplin. Zwick and Lucarelli
offered their set with good humor and technical aplomb.
Luigi Boccherini's Quintet in D Major showcased the skills of violinists
Parkinson and Meredith Campbell, violist Leslie Harlow, cellist Ellen Bridger
and of course, Lucarelli. All musicians lived up to their pre-established
first-class reputations, bringing this varied and entertaining concert to a
superb conclusion.
Jeff Manookian, Intermountain Classical Orchestra conductor, is The Tribune's
music critic.
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