Library Concert Series:
Javier de los Santos, guitar
Friday, April 19 | 5:30pm
Classical guitarist Javier de los Santos has performed extensively in Mexico, the U.S., Spain, and Brazil, and holds a Master of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music where he studied with Maestro Ricardo Iznaola. De los Santos is also the president and artistic director of the Western Colorado Guitar Society based in Grand Junction, where he teaches performance and music theory at Colorado Mesa University.
Sean Gaskell, kora
Friday, May 10th | 5:30pm
Sean Gaskell will present an educational performance on the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp. Gaskell’s journey with the kora began in 2006, inspired by a performance by Kane Mathis. This experience led him to West Africa, where he studied under Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Brikama, Gambia. The kora, traditionally played by Griots (oral historians), features songs that encapsulate Mande society’s history, encompassing themes of war, love, and societal fabric.
Amanda Gessler, piano
Saturday, May 18 | 5:30pm
Amanda Gessler is a renowned local pianist known for her deeply insightful and emotionally charged performances. As a First Prize winner of the International Bradshaw & Buono Piano Competition, Dr. Gessler made her Carnegie Hall debut in May 2014. She has studied with pianists John O'Conor, Menahem Pressler, and Richard Goode, and received her Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Colorado Boulder. Her concert will include works by Claude Debussy and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Jan Garrett and JD Martin
Saturday, June 22 | 5:30pm
We are thrilled to bring Jan Garrett and JD Martin back to our concert series again in 2024!
"These are two incredible musicians -- getting in a groove, Jan Garrett can scat like Ella and JD Martin sounds like Dr. John on the keys... but it is in their songwriting and collaboration where they are true originals and really shine. Jan & JDs songs are full of deep beauty and timeless harmonies; you'll be smiling long after, and wishing to hear more."
-- Nathan Child, Music Library Manager,
Pitkin County Library
Aspen Music Festival and School student recitals
July & August
Every week throughout July and August, we are excited to host the talented students of the Aspen Music Festival and School, as they perform classical works that will include solo repertoire, as well as chamber music and vocal works.