If youre wondering why a lute player is one of the featured performers at the Cleveland Institute of Musics
Classical Guitar Weekend, organizer Armin Kelly says the old-school stringed instrument is an obvious ancestor. Many works originally written for lute are now performed on classical guitar, he says. When Grammy-nominated Paul ODette strikes up his lute, listen for the link to Stairway to Heaven and its famous guitar-plucked opening. Youll immediately hear the connection. Youll also hear guitarists from Spain, Greece, and China in master classes and concerts all weekend long. It is in these blissful moments of musical magic that we are often reminded most of our shared humanity, says Kelly. The event plays through Sunday at various spots throughout town. Admission ranges from free (for classes) to $25 (for performances).
Fri., March 9