The Gualala Arts Concert Series proudly presents internationally acclaimed Grammy nominee Paul Galbraith, guitar, in a recital of music by Bach, Debussy and Ravel on Sunday, March 14, 4 p.m. at Gualala Arts Center.

Paul Galbraith first won public acclaim in Great Britain when at the age of 17 he won the Silver Medal at the Segovia International Guitar Competition. Andres Segovia, who was present for the competition, called his playing "magnificent." The following year he went on to win BBC TVâs Young Musician of the Year Award. These awards launched an international career, including performances with some of the finest orchestras in Britain and Europe (Royal Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Scottish Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, English Chamber Orchestra, Halle Orchestra, and Scottish Baroque Orchestra.) Concert tours now take him to Canada, Spain, Italy, Greece, the Czech Republic, Norway, Hungary, Brazil, China, and India as well as the United States.

Paul Galbraith's revolutionary playing style was first revealed at the Edinburgh Festival in 1989. His custom-designed guitar is supported by a metal endpin (similar to that of a cello) which rests on a wooden resonance box. The eight strings and unique design of his guitar increase the instrumentâs range and possibilities to an extent never before possible.

BBC TV chose to televise the Edinburgh concert as one of the highlights of this prestigious festival. That summer, Galbraith's first CD was chosen "Best of the Month" by BBC Radio. In 1998, the Delos label launched an extensive series of recordings by Galbraith, beginning with discs of Bach, Haydn and folk songs from around the world. His "Bach, the Sonatas and Partitas" (Delos DE 3232) was nominated for a Grammy.

Galbraith was previously heard here at Gualala Arts with the Brazilian Guitar Quartet. He has since become increasingly in demand internationally as a soloist and in ensembles. He will have CDs available for purchase, and we expect that Galbraith will sign these after the recital.

Buy your tickets early! Call Gualala Arts at 884-1138÷credit cards are accepted by telephone but not at the door. Tickets are $15.