UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music presents acclaimed Italian guitarist Alberto La Rocca for a free solo classical guitar concert and masterclass. Both events are free and open to the public and will take place in the Recital Hall of the School of Music.
La Rocca’s concert, "A Musical Journey Through the Centuries," will take place on March 18 at 7:30 p.m. The following day, on March 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, he will lead a masterclass, offering insight into his unique approach to the classical guitar.
Known for his innovative artistry, La Rocca blends traditional guitar repertoire with his own transcriptions of works by composers who did not originally write for the instrument. He is passionate about discovering and performing music by lesser-known composers and exploring the intersections between classical and popular music. His work as a performer is complemented by his roles as a composer, educator, and advocate for diverse musical traditions.
In his compositions, La Rocca seeks to develop a distinct musical language that bridges past and present, often incorporating elements of improvisation and contemporary techniques. As a teacher, he has created a specialized method for guitar instruction that fosters creativity through composition and improvisation.
These events are made possible through funding from UPAC, Wayne Osgood, Jeff Cook and Kirk Larter.