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09/11/2018 12:00 AMOn Sunday, Sept. 23, the latest free entry in the George Flynn Classical Concerts Series (GFCCS) will feature Lorena Garay and Friends at 4 p.m. in the Andrews Memorial Town Hall at 54 East Main Street.
Concert Series President Elaine Godowsky said the idea to include the group in the 21st concert season came at the suggestion of a Clinton guitar maker Paul Neri.
“He heard an interview with them on public radio and thought they would be a good fit for our series, especially since they are based in Connecticut,” Godowsky said.
According to GFCCS, Garay is an award-winning guitarist from Puerto Rico who performs in a wide range of musical styles. Her guitar arrangements, compositions, and playing style blend classical influence with her Latin sound. For this concert, she will be joined by Eugenio Huanca, Jorge Lopez, and Rene Gonzalez.
Garay is the bandleader of the ensemble Surcari, which was awarded the Arts for Learning Connecticut’s 2018 Performing Artist of the Year Award.
Godowsky said she was intrigued by the unique sound this group offered concert goers.
“Our goal is to introduce our audience to many forms of music, not just the classics. We wish to bring many forms of music to our audience, because it’s all classical in the country from where it originates,” Godosky said. “This particular group includes instruments consisting of guitar, electric bass, panpipes, [and] bongos as well as instruments called cajon, bombo leguero, [and] charango—I have no idea of what they are, so I’m very curious.”
Garay said attendees will hear a blend of traditional and original Latin American music fused with the sounds of the classical guitar, Andean panpipes, and Latin percussion.
“I am very excited about trying a few new tunes for this concert,” Garay said. “I recently wrote the musical arrangements and I can’t wait to perform them live with my group on Sept. 23.”
Garay said she developed and early interest in music from watching an older cousin play music.
“Because of it, I picked up the guitar and fell in love with it, and almost immediately decided I wanted to formally study music and become a professional musician,” Garay said.
Garay said her brother is also a professional musician and her father is an amateur musician.
“My favorite part of performing is the interaction with my fellow musicians and the interaction with the audience. The time I spend on the stage is certainly magical,” Garay said.
For Godowsky, the upcoming concert is another in a long line of successful shows put on by the series “Every concert is different. That is why our series is unique, besides being free, and having an endowment. All of the trustees are volunteers. We don’t get paid for the endless hours we spend. We are supported by our many attendees. We receive praise for every concert,” Godowsky said.
Tickets can be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to George Flynn Classical Concerts, P.O. Box 473, Clinton, CT 06413 or calling 860-669-1208. For more information, visit www.georgeflynnclassicalconcerts.com.