Classical guitar fireworks will be on display at the Arizona Senior Academy on Tuesday (June 2) when Misael Barraza Diaz appears in concert at 11:30 a.m. The program will showcase some of the most technically challenging writing for guitar, including works by Miguel Lloret, Manuel de Falla, Joaquin Rodrigo, Alberto Ginastera, and contemporary Cuban composer Leo Brouwer.
Award winning classical guitarist Barraza Diaz has been gaining international notice since completing the prestigious Master Guitarra Alicante program last year in Spain, where he studied with world renowned musicians such as David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, Ignacio Rodes, Paul O’Dette, Hopkinson Smith, Fabio Zanon, Roberto Aussel and Shin-ichi Fukuda.
Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Barraza Diaz began guitar studies in his home town at the age of 11. He recently completed a master’s degree in guitar performance at the University of Arizona, where he is continuing his studies at the doctoral level. In February 2015 he won the inaugural David Russell Bach Prize, with his interpretation of the Bach Violin Partita No. 2, BWV 1004, and in April took first place at the Chihuaha International Guitar Competition in Mexico.
Barraza Diaz also performs regularly with the best flamenco dancers and singers in Arizona as part of the flamenco ensembles Flamenco por la Vida and Flamenco del Pueblo Viejo.
Academy Village is an active-adult community located off Old Spanish Trail six miles southeast of Saguaro National Park East. Its residents support the Arizona Senior Academy, a non-profit charitable organization whose mission includes offering free concerts and lectures to the public. These events are held in the Great Room of The ASA Building adjacent to the Academy Village Community Center.
Due to the popularity of cultural events, non-residents who wish to ensure priority seating are advised to make reservations by email at info@arizonasenioracademy.org or by phone at (520) 647-0980. To learn more about the Academy, go to www.asa-tucson.org.
Written by Leslie Nitzberg, Academy Village Volunteer
