Classical Spanish guitarist Francesc de Paula Soler wowed his audience at Mount Saint Mary College on Thursday, October 13 with an interactive talk and performance.
After a brief discussion about his career and his musical motivations, Soler softly played his guitar as volunteers from the audience recited Spanish language poetry. After an intermission, Soler performed a short concert for the crowd as well.
The event was hosted by the Mount’s Hispanic Studies Program to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and it was component of the Hispanic Presence in USA class, taught by Victor Azuaje, professor of Hispanic Studies. Karen Eberle-McCarthy, professor emerita of Hispanic Studies and longtime friend of Soler’s, was also on-hand to discuss the musician’s international achievements and the history of Hispanic Heritage Month.
On Saturday, October 15, Soler again performed at the Mount, this time at the college’s Dominican Center. The concert was free and open to the public.
“Maestro Soler,” who traveled from Barcelona, Spain for the presentations, will perform classical and popular music from Latin America, jazz, swing, blues, and more.
Soler began his musical and piano studies at the age of 6. At the age of 11, he began to study guitar and received highest honors in the prestigious “Conservatorio Superior de Música” of Barcelona, Spain. After that, he continued his postgraduate work with Andrés Segovia and also received guitar orientations from Narciso Yepes in addition to other notable Latin American guitarists. Soler’s prolific international performances have brought critics to hail him as one of the most notable artists of the guitar world.