4 pp 1100-1103. Recent CDs by Ms. Goni, “Songs from the New Village,” and Mr. Aron, “Tropicale,” include José’s José has earned numerous awards, including first prize in the MTNA National Guitar Competition, the NH State Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship, NHMTA Composer of the Year (2002 & 07), KSC Distinguished Research Award, and a Fulbright Award to Ecuador where he performed as orchestral soloist and pursued research on indigenous guitar traditions. Dr. Lezcano earned degrees from Peabody Conservatory (BM), University of South Carolina (MM), and Florida State University (Ph.D., Music Theory). At Keene State College, Dr. Lezcano’s guitar… Jose Manuel Lezcano, Guitar. First prize, 1982 MTNA National Guitar Competition;1998 Fulbright Award in Ecuador to teach, perform, and research indigenous guitar traditions;2002 Commissioned Composer of the Year (New Hampshire Music Teacher’s Association);2003 New Hampshire State Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship;2003 Keene State College’s Award for Distinction in Research and Scholarship in recognition of his activities as performer, scholar, and composer.2007 Commissioned Composer of the Year Fellowships from the New Hampshire Music Teacher’s Association; a New Hampshire State Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship.2007 Commission from Rochester Folk Arts Guild, funded by the New York State Music Fund and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and of a commission from the NHMTA for a viola concerto.2008 Honorable Mention, MTNA National Competition for Composition, for Viola Concerto.Jose’s work for String Orchesta, “Tango-Overture,” was recorded and released on the North-South Label’s “Crosscurrents” in 2011, by North-South Consonance Orchestra directed by Max Lifchitz. Music from Latin America and Spain. wrote, “Colorfully scored … agreeable music, and dashingly performed by the composer.” wrote, “Lezcano’s Guitar Concerto (is) a first-rate composition … Lezcano is a fine guitarist in his own cause.” And the wrote, “Amiability is the keynote in the latest collection .. by the excellent North-South Chamber Orchestra … Lezcano’s Guitar Concerto is an atmospheric, tuneful melange.” In September, 2008, Dr. Lezcano performed his concerto with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional of Peru. As a twice Grammy-nominated guitarist / composer (in two categories: “Best Contemporary Composition” and “Best soloist with orchestra) Dr. José Lezcano has captivated audiences on four continents. In collaboration with Matthew Shubin, bassoonist, and Paul Schliffer, flutist, of the Rochester Folk Art Guild’s Ensemble Resonance, Jose performs his original compositions and arrangements of Latin American composers for guitar and winds, including his most recent commissioned work, “Diarios,” inspired by his travels and enthusiasm for the music of Cuba, the Andes, New York, and Brazil.Lezcano’s compositions are published by Mundoarts.com, Alry and Tuscany. Sun, Oct 20 @ 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Attendees are invited to bring their instrument of choice. José is an official endorser for Optima Strings.
During 2015 he also performed solo recitals at ESMUC (Escuela de Musica de Catalunya, Barcelona) and at the University of Florida. 4 pp.1089-1094. Music by Pernambuco, Pereira, Morel, Brouwer, J.S. Lezcano, Jose Manuel, “Colonial Guitar Treasures from Aztec and Inca Territory, ” Soundboard (Guitar Foundation of America) : (Winter, 1999) . About the work, Jonathan Woolf, writing for Fanfare magazine, wrote of it “moving with verve from festive to melancholy with consummate ease. Described by Fanfare Magazine as “an excellent guitarist as well as an imaginative composer,” Jose has earned numerous professional recognitions, including first prize in the MTNA National Guitar Competition, the NHSAC Individual Artist Fellowship, NHMTA Composer of the Year (twice), KSC Distinguished Research Award, and a Fulbright Award to Ecuador. "Jose Lezcano ... is a superb guitarist as well as a first-rate composer and arranger." He is also available for skype lessons with lessons payable through paypal. As Professor of Music at Keene State College, Dr. José Lezcano teaches and coordinates the guitar program, and courses in Latin American music. “Things get off to a good start with strong rhythmic attention to Lauro’s Natalia with its engaging 3/4:6/8 patterns….the cross-string trills in the Scarlatti sonatas, often excluded from these pieces in favor of single-string ornamentation, are an artistic inclusion…this is an enjoyable recording with an interesting, entertaining and well-played programme.” , was released in November 2008. He served again as guitarist and composer-in-residence at the 2015 Barcelona Festival of Song, for which he has composed three song cycles for soprano, musicologist, and founder Patricia Caicedo. Lezcano, Jose Manuel, “Music and Musicians, South American,” The Latino Encyclopedia : (1996) vol. There’s an ocassional dapper turnof phrase, too, and pathos for the solo violin that emerges from the string orchestral texture before the surging, successful conclusion.” , a compilation of solo works from the Hispanic world (with two duos recorded with John Mantegna) has received critical praise. Jose’s scholarly publications include Latin American Music Review, Soundboard, and the Latino Encyclopedia.