Music written by Bach (pron Bahk), Rimskiy-Korsokov, and modern composers can be heard at the seventh international Guitar Virtuoso competition in St. Petersburg. Participants from all over the <br />world are competing in 11 categories. <br /><br />[...]<br /><br />Today, small guitar ensembles are up for nomination. Participants are presenting a special program. A trio from Magnitogorsk showed-off their skills on stage. The musicians shared the benefits of playing the guitar as a group. <br /><br />[Andrai Astashov, Participant from Magnigorsk]:<br />“It is difficult to convey what you are feeling in a solo, but easier as a part of a group.” <br /><br />[Andrei Antonenko, Participant from Magnigorsk]:<br />“For instance, if you make a mistake, they may not notice it.” <br /><br />The competition has strict rules, especially in the classic guitar category. Some of the participants in this category experimented with different techniques. <br /><br />[Kirill Doroshkevich, Omsk Recipient of the Third Class Solo Guitar]:<br />“It is a two-sided technique, when a guitar player is using the right hand to play the fingerboard. I took a risk and I'm basically happy with the result.” <br /><br />[...]<br /><br />[Miroslav Simich, Judge]:<br />“Nails are the best instrument for a classical guitarist, like a bow for a violinist. No mediator is necessary. A classical guitarist has five mediators. And the guitar has to be good.”<br /><br />One of the nominations included young composers who combined various instruments and styles. <br /><br />[Ivan Karyakin, Composer Nominee]:<br />“We played two pieces; one was called ‘Confession’, the other – ‘Blues’. Confession of love, of course. In this piece, elements of flamenco are used, because this is the type of genre which expresses love, passion, and feelings.” <br /><br />Participants also competed in a unique category called “hand-made guitar.” A guitar made by a German master was recognized as the most prominent instrument. <br /><br />NTD, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
