Guitarist Mark Edwards Performs 'New Classics' at Ware Center Tonight

The classical guitar artistry of Mark Edwards will be on display at the Ware Center of Millersville University tonight, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m., in a performance being co-sponsored by the Lancaster Classical Guitar Society. The concert, "New Classics," will feature iconic works of the late 20th century.

Mark Edwards, who recently earned his Master of Music in Guitar Performance and Guitar Pedagogy at the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore, is the winner of 28 top prizes for classical guitar in the U.S. and Canada. Performing and competing since a young teen, he has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, Italy and Germany, carving out a reputation for his powerful technique and seemingly effortless style. His playing has been featured on six recordings since 2000.

Tickets for "New Classics" are $18 general admission with discounts for seniors and students and can be purchased online at www.artsmu.com or by calling 717-871-7600. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ticket Office, located in the Student Memorial Center on campus, or at the Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Discount parking vouchers for the Prince Street Garage (North Prince and West Orange streets) are available at the front desk of the Ware Center for the evening of the performance.

Starting at 6:30 pm, prior to Mark Edwards' performance, David J. Pace, an independent artisan luthier who designs and builds classical guitars in Baltimore, Maryland will present a 45 minute presentation titled, "Classical Guitar Design: The Influence of an Evolving Repertoire and a Changing Concert Environment on Modern Modes of Construction" at The Ware Center. Pace will discuss the changes in classical guitar design, from the 19th century work of Antonio de Torres to the emergence of the instrument on the modern concert stage. Pace will present a general overview of variations in internal bracing, the use of traditional and synthetic materials, and the forces that may shape the development of the instrument in the future. This presentation is free and open to the public.

The Millersville University Visual and Performing Arts season is made possible by a partnership with Season Partner Rodgers & Associates and Season Sponsors: Aussie and the Fox, Clipper Magazine, Hagelgans & Veronis, The Hotel Lancaster, 12:34 Micro Technologies, Ann B. Barshinger, Peggy Neff, Mary S. Burton & Laurent Horne, Linda Holman Marcks, and Mary Kearns & Jon Walker. Media Sponsors are Fig Lancaster Magazine and Fine Living Lancaster. The film series is sponsored by Carmen & David's Creamery.