In May, we had concert and workshop sessions with guitarist Emma Rush, composer Guy Michaud and student guitarists.

Halifax-based guitarist Emma Rush was in Winnipeg as a guest of the Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society on May 14, 2022. Over the past decade, Ms Rush has established herself as one of Canada’s preeminent classical guitarists. Known for her innovative programming and powerful stage presence, along with her warm sound and virtuosic technique.

In 2019, GroundSwell commissioned Manitoba composer and guitarist Guy Michaud to create a new work for guitar ensemble. After a year or so of postponements, this commission will finally receive workshop sessions and a world premiere on Rush’s May concert in Winnipeg. This special initiative was conceived as a collaboration between GroundSwell, the Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society and the Manitoba Classroom Guitar Association.

Leading up to her concert performance, Emma Rush performed in various public schools in Winnipeg and worked with Michaud and select students on the new piece.  Described as a “neo-modern, tonal, through-composed work which incorporates many percussive guitar effects imitating the sounds heard during a violent wind storm,” Michaud’s piece was premiered by high school and university-age guitar students along with Ms Rush.

Go to winnipegclassicalguitarsociety.com for all the details!