Guitarist José Gabriel Maldonado Suárez presents a concert that blends baroque and 19th-century classical guitar sonatas for guitar and piano, coupled with 20th-century songs and danzas from Puerto Rico. Maldonado will perform using a replica of Johann Georg Stauffer’s (1778 – 1853) Viennese guitar, to interpret works by JS Bach (1685-1750) and Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841) alongside pianist Weiwei Zhai. The solo repertoire features compositions by Puerto Rican composers, including songs by Rafael Hernandéz (1892-1965) and Juan Sorroche (b. 1947), as well as three Danzas by Lenardo Egúrbida (1945 – 2022). Maldonado will showcase these pieces using a guitar crafted by the renowned Puerto Rican luthier, Fidencio Díaz. This program highlights Maldonado’s training in classical music interpretation and his commitment to promoting Puerto Rican music and culture through his research and performances.
Dr. José Maldonado completed his undergraduate studies in musical performance with a concentration in classical guitar at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico. Additionally, he holds a Master’s degree in Arts Administration from Baruch College and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Stony Brook University. Currently, Maldonado serves as the Director of Guitar Studies at Bloomingdale School of Music and is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Music at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY).
Performers
José Maldonado, guitar
Weiwei Zhai, piano
Program
Trio Sonata No. 5, BWV 529 | JS Bach (1685 – 1750)
I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
Tres Canciones | Hernández (1892 – 1965) & Juan Sorroche (b. 1947)
I. Perfume de Gardenias
II. Silencio
III. Canción
Tres Danzas | Leonardo Egúrbida (1945 – 2022)
I. Homenaje a Morel
II. Entre ceniza y humo
III. La Saltarina
Grand Duo, Op. 86 | Ferdinando Carulli (1770 – 1841)
I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
