Bokyung Byun

¡Guitarra! Series
Saturday, March 16, 8 p.m.

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The second of three events in our spectacular 2023-2024 classical guitar series presents yet another leading light of the form in the intimate setting of Old Chapel.

“Here is a simple fact: with artistry such as Ms. Byun’s, the state-of-the-art of guitar performance has reached a new level.” — Al Kunze, Soundboard

“I consider Bokyung Byun to be one of the most phenomenal guitarists of her generation. She has amazing technical abilities, a powerful and luscious sound, and a profound sense of musical interpretation. I’m a fan!” — William Kanengiser, Los Angeles Guitar Quartet 

Praised by Classical Guitar magazine as “confident and quite extraordinary,” Korean guitarist Bokyung Byun​ holds the distinction of having been the first woman to win the prestigious JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition. Falletta herself described Byun’s performance as "stunning, showcasing her gorgeous tone, immaculate technique, and sophisticated musicianship.” Other recent honors include the grand prize at the 2021 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition and a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Byun, who was born in Seoul, Korea, began playing guitar at the age of six. At 11, she took the stage for her first solo recital. And at 16, she moved to the United States and enrolled in The Juilliard School. Byun’s debut recording in 2020 led Soundboard magazine to write, “We are treated to extraordinary musicianship, technical assurance, and beauty of sound.” In 2022, American Record Guide chose her Naxos Laureate Series recording as the Critics’ Choice Album, remarking her style as “very reminiscent of Andrés Segovia.”

¡Guitarra! is curated for the Fine Arts Center by Ronna Erickson.

Master Class
Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m.

Bokyung Byun will conduct a master class with advanced guitar students. The class is open to observers. Enjoy the interaction between this superb musician and select classical guitar students.