Avanti Guitar Trio

Description

The energy and beauty that surrounded the performance was palpable. Their delight in sharing such varied and unique compositions was contagious.
- L. Gordon, Allied Arts, LaGrange, IL
The Avanti Guitar Trio program was delightful, a great mix of classical to 'fun'!!!
- C. Bailey, Pemberville Opera House, Pemberville, OH

The Avanti Guitar Trio is a world-class chamber ensemble whose performances are exciting, approachable, and welcoming. Accomplished guitarists Jason Deroche, Julie Goldberg, and Wesley Hixson blend together pristine technique and sensitive interpretation, earning critical acclaim for their engaging concerts and varied programming.
AGT repertoire ranges from the Baroque to Contemporary, and features newly composed music, transcriptions of classical masterpieces, and an occasional rock/pop or jazz tune.
Based in Chicago, AGT has performed locally for the Waukegan Chamber Society, Chicago Composers' Consortium, 4th Presbyterian Church, Millikin University, Church of Beethoven, and Harold Washington Library. On tour AGT received rave reviews from concerts in Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
AGT often combines community outreach events with their concerts including: masterclasses, senior home performances and ensemble workshops.
Formed in 2010 the Avanti Guitar Trio's 2019 recording "Ladder to Light" was made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Work Sample

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXM6RAr_FVJ74jC_RQaR7M1jBEx-JTcuq - Misionera by F. Bustamente, arr. Julie Goldberg. Length 4min.

Agua Con Gas, by Jürg Kindle. Length 3min.
Premiere Video Recording, Recorded live at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Lagrange, Il.

Carmen Suite I by Georges Bizet, arr. Avanti Guitar Trio.
Length 13 min. Recorded live at the Church of Beethoven, Oak Park, Il

Tidal Light by Wesley Hixson. Length 4min.

Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla, arr. Avanti Guitar Trio, and concert encore, With a Little Help from my Friends, by The Beatles. Length 8min. Recorded live at the Church of Beethoven, Oak Park, Il. Encore begins at 4:56.

Carol of the Bells, by Mykola Leontovych, arr. by the Avanti Guitar Trio 2min.

The Avanti Guitar Trio Spotify link features music from their latest CD, "Ladder to Light" which was produced with support of the Illinois Arts Council Agency. https://open.spotify.com/album/6DxoR1JxZ9WpuhFVPdvYDp.
A sample CD will be sent upon request.
1. Tango Diabólico by Wesley Hixson
Carmen Suite No. 1 by Georges Bizet
2. Prélude
3. Aragonaise
4. Intermezzo
5. Seguidilla
6. Les Dragons d'Alcala
7. Les Toreadors
8. Tidal Light by Wesley Hixson
9. Misionera by Fernando Bustamante
10. Jacob's Ladder by Ronald Pearl
11. Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel De Falla

The videos on the Avanti Guitar Trio website and Youtube Playlist include performances of newly composed pieces by AGT member Wes Hixson, and unique arrangements of classical masterworks which highlight interaction between AGT members.

Live performance videos from the Church of Beethoven demonstrate Jason, Julie, and Wes' interaction with a live audience.

The Spotify link takes you to the complete recording of AGT's recently released CD, Ladder to Light, which features new arrangements of classical favorites and recently composed selections. A hard copy of the CD will be sent upon request.

History

The Avanti Guitar Trio was formed in 2010 and has performed on concert stages throughout the US including concerts in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin. In addition to performing formal concerts, the Avanti Guitar trio presents programs at Libraries, Universities, Churches, Schools, and for Community Events. To see a list of recent performance that have taken place in the last two years, please visit the Avanti Guitar Trio website, www.avantiguitartrio.com, and click on concerts.

Committed to enlarging the guitar trio repertoire and performing music that reflects our time, AGT presented world premier performances of works by Wesley Hixson, Martha Horst, Ronald Pearl, and has collaborated with members of the Chicago Composers Consortium.

Members of the Avanti Guitar Trio are composing new pieces, and creating new arrangements of classical masterworks, jazz works, and contemporary tunes. The trio's repertoire is varied and continues to grow.

Artistic Vision

The Avanti Guitar Trio's mission is to inspire, educate, and uplift audience members with the power of music.

AGT's concert repertoire highlights the process of working together in an ensemble and illustrates the adage "the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts".

The varied concert repertoire performed with finesse and musical meaning sparks emotional responses in listeners.

Audience members new to classical music can approach this genre through a familiar instrument and may become aficionados of classical music . Classical music fans gain a greater appreciation for an iconic pop instrument and may find a new style of music to enjoy.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

Julie, Jason and Wes are experienced and sought after instructors. The Avanti Guitar Trio often holds masterclasses and workshops for student guitarists, ages 12 through adult. After such workshops, student guitarists may join AGT on the concert for a combined ensemble performance. The trio has also presented in-school, assembly programing for Adlai Stevenson High-School, Niles North High-School, Riverside Middle School and Union Ridge Middle-School among others.

Having worked in the activities department of a senior living facility, Avanti Guitar Trio members understand how to program engaging performances for senior citizens and often present outreach concerts at retirement centers, and senior homes.