Embassy of the Czech Republic in co-operation with Mrs Mariel Penaloza Moreno (Guitar@Work) organized a concert of young guitar players in the interpretation of compositions of Czech guitar composer and virtuoso Štěpán Rak, Béla Bartók and David Wurczel. More than eighty guests enjoyed the guitar concert of David Wurczel and G@W Orchestra.

David Wurczel

Czech guitarist, composer and Berklee School of Music student, David Wurczel has developed a unique guitar technique which he has named Rotando. This technique has already been recognized and admired by music professionals as well as international audiences. It is a special combination of rotating rasgueado, tremolo and an orchestral approach to guitar performance. Often it sounds as if there were more guitarists playing at the same time. This polyphonic approach is the main aspect of David’s style, so he can be regarded not only as a guitar composer but an orchestral music composer as well. This would not have been possible if David had not met the great prof. Štěpán Rak, who inspired him with his very unique and virtuoso style of guitar performance and composing. David and prof. Rak released a Christmas CD in 2011 together. That year marked David’s first concerts as a guest of prof. Štěpán Rak. After several years of playing common concerts, David, a guitarist trained by the performances with prof. Rak & other renowned concert musicians, went on to perform as a solo player.

 

Guitar@Work Orchestra

The Guitar@Work Orchestra has been active since 2011, and it is an example of how music brings people together: young guitarists of different ages, from different nationalities and schools performing different genres that share a love for guitar and its music. It was created by PhD. Mariel Peñaloza Moreno with the idea of making an orchestra of the small orchestras that guitars already are. It works as an ongoing project to promote ensemble work and to enjoy playing together. For the celebration tonight The Guitar@Work Orchestra has prepared a program including folk themes from Hungary and the Slovak Republic compiled by Béla Bartók and arranged by Mariel Peñaloza, a Czech soundscape through some solo pieces by the Czech composer and guitarist Štěpán Rak, and an air of Spanish rhythms will enter the room through the interpretation of a Rumba alla Rak.