The Archway

Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: Campus News

Millard's performance on Tuesday included pieces by Piazzola, Krouse, and Berlin.

On February 12th at 7pm, Bello Grand Hall was not filled with the miked voice of a speaker nor of a panel answering questions. Instead, the Hall was filled with the quietly robust notes of Joshua Millard, classical guitarist.

Joshua Millard has appeared in concerts at Oberlin Conservatory, MIT, The Eastman School of Music, and Boston's historic King's Chapel to name a few. He holds a doctorate in Guitar Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, and serves on the faculties for two New England universities.

The program for Tuesday evening included an array of music pieces. Pieces of this century included La Muerte del Angel and Primavera Porteno written by Astor Piazzola, Variations on a Moldavian Hora written by Ian Krouse, and Cheek to Cheek written by Irving Berlin. Older pieces included the Ciaccona by J.S. Bach, and the Granada, Cataluna, and Sevilla written by Issac Albeniz.

The Bryant Art series hosted a talented virtuoso who brought to campus both eccentric, energetic pieces such as Astor Piazzola's works, as well as old favorites such as Cheek to Cheek. Mr. Millard displayed an understanding for a variety of music styles within the realm of classical guitar. Whether the tempo was slow or fast, his fret work was agile to the piece accordingly. The variety of the program was educational for those who predominantly listen to older classical music, such as myself.

Mr. Millard was unfortunately recovering from a recent illness and wasn't able to speak in depth about each of the pieces, but he remarked on his appreciation for Piazzola, encouraging the audience to listen to more of his work. He stated that the Issac Albeniz compilation was the sound of Granada, Cataluna, and Sevilla located in Spain.

In an entertaining and fun finale, Alex Perullo, Professor of Anthropology, joined Mr. Millard on stage to perform Irving Berlin's Cheek to Cheek. Joshua Millard's lovely performance alongside the backdrop of falling snow made for a charming evening at Bryant. Hopefully, Mr. Millard will grace Bryant with another visit.

For more information on Joshua Millard, visit him online at www.joshuamillard.com

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