By Molly Mills
Grand Rapids Community College hosted the first concert of its Guitar Series Sept. 26 in the Albert P. Smith Music Center, welcoming The Grand Rapids Guitar Duo featuring GRCC professors, Johnathan Marshall and Brian Morris.
The full crowd warmly welcomed them as they entered the stage and began playing famous classical songs, which included songs by John Dowland, Thomas Robinson, Alfonso Montes, Radames Gnatali, Mauro Guiliani and Francis Kleynjans. The audience enjoyed the duo’s talent so much that they requested an encore and the men played one more song.
Marshall and Morris have been playing together since last March.
“I was asked to play with ensemble and I had done it for years, but I asked John if he wanted to do it with me then we started playing together,” Morris said, explaining how the duo got started.
Last night was their third performance together.
Morris had been the director for The Guitar Series for 25 years, until Marshall took over the role three years ago.
Marshall believes it’s important to have the guitar series because it “gets the community together and gives people a chance to hear some of the best music.”
Audience members Harry and Peggy Nolan drove from their hometown Saginaw to see the performance.
“I wasn’t familiar with the duo but I love classical guitar and I saw it on facebook, so we decided to come listen,” Nolan said, adding “there is a possibility” that they will attend the next guitar series event.
Classic Guitar soloist Evan Taucher will be playing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. at the Albert P. Smith Music Center. Marshall described Taucher as a ”phenomenal guitarist” and said he is excited for his performance.
