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A film about the life and music of John W. Duarte – Guitar, including readings from the unpublished autobiography of John W. Duarte, along with photos and videos representing his musical life.

Although John W. Duarte was well-known as a composer of guitar music, he also wrote several song cycles and single songs, starting in 1950. This film documents Duarte’s early life, his teenage beginnings on the guitar and his subsequent career, featuring music from 1945-2002. The songs are interspersed with guitar solos and a duet featuring a wide variety of international players. Duarte’s primary modus operandi was the use of melody and many of the pieces here are characterised by his joy in the use of the vocal line – whether it is sung or played.

Many people, listed below, have contributed to the making of this film, which I hope you will enjoy. At c.100 minutes long, it’s not short, so settle down and enjoy some great performances.

Artists include:

SOPRANO

Robyn Allegra Parton

GUITAR

Yamin David

Antigoni Goni

David Leisner

Eleonora Perretta

Davide Picci

Daniela Rossi – Classical Guitar

Wolfgang Weigel

The Belfort Guitar Duo (Antonio De Innocentis – Official Page & Nicola Montella-Classical Guitarist)

FILM MAKERS

Michael Addlesee (UK)

Evan Chapman (Four/Ten Media, LLC, Philadelphia, USA)

Cedric Honings (Brussels, Belgium)

Duilio Meucci (Caméra Musique, Naples, Italy)

Karl Simko (MuDi Productions, Kassel, Germany)

Ioannis Theodoridis (London, UK)

Stefano Vivaldini

FILM EDITOR

Cedric Honings

OVERALL CONCEPT

Christopher Duarte

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This exceptional Guitar Concerto Marathon will include the premiere of Anna Segal „Dreams“ for guitar, piano and string orchestra, featuring Liliya Kholomenuk (piano). Also John Duarte´s „Tudor Fancy“ at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his death. Finally Joaquín Rodrigo´s „Concierto de Aranjuez“ at the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his death.

Philharmonie Chernivtsi

5. November 2024, Philharmonic Hall Chernivtzi, 07:00 pm, Dir. Yosyp Sozansky, piano Liliya Kholomenuk

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02.10.2024

FOR THE JOY OF IT – a tribute to John W. Duarte

For two decades Weigel and Duarte were close friends, sharing music, mutual jury membership in numerous international competitions and also their passion: Pipe Smoking. 

Robyn Allegra Parton, internationally acclaimed soprano, and guitarist Wolfgang Weigel will participate with a collection of  songs in this ambitious project of Christopher Duarte (the composer´s son), creating a film portrait of John W. Duarte at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the composer´s death 2004.

Robyn Allegra Parton (soprano)
Wolfgang Weigel (guitar)

Robyn and Wolfgang will contribute five songs from different life perods and song cycles of John W. Duarte plus the premiere of a new composition “Una Canción Tranquila” – specially written for this project on words by Octávio Paz by David Leisner (2024) dedicated to John W. Duarte.

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100meisterwerke

During the actual years of 20s, we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of Manuel de Falla’s „Homenaje,“ composed in 1920. During the same period, 1928/29, Heitor Villa-Lobos composed his „12 Etudes,“ marking the genesis of the „modern“ guitar repertoire. Subsequently, countless composers, including eminent figures such as Frank Martin, Benjamin Britten, Hans Werner Henze, and numerous others contributed significantly, enriching the classical guitar repertoire with their valuable compositions.

The repertoire for the guitar in the 20th century to the present day encompasses a rich collection of masterpieces crafted by eminent creators. This includes not only Spanish and South American music but also works originating from Italy, Britain, France, as well as central, northern, and eastern Europe. Solo pieces, chamber music, songs for voice and guitar, and guitar concertos collectively embody a remarkable artistic and cultural significance. The aim of Wolfgang Weigel’s dedication to the music of this era is to establish the artistic and technical prowess required for performing this music at the highest standard possible.

Wolfgang Weigel, an internationally acclaimed ambassador of 20th-century music, will be available for recitals and masterclasses dedicated to this cherished repertoire. Weigel has personal acquaintance with many composers, both past and present, enabling him to bear witness to their artistic visions and intentions.