Yuri Liberzon, something of a local hero of the classical guitar, will premiere original arrangements and pieces for guitar by 20th-century composers never heard before in the U.S., at Old First Church on Aug. 21. Although some of the pieces are a bit old, many will be new to guitar-lovers’ ears.
The Russian-Israeli immigrant still remembers when he was just learning guitar in Siberia at age 6, a few years before migrating to Israel with his family. The Liberzons moved to that country, like many culturally Jewish Russians looking for a better life and more opportunities for their children.
“I really got into the guitar in Israel even though I was taking lessons in Russia when I was young, but I was too young to really appreciate what I was doing,” said Liberzon. “But I was looking to have a great teacher in Israel and it basically sparked my interest.”
After spending a chunk of time in Israel — and realizing that he wanted to play the guitar for a living — Liberzon moved to Baltimore where he studied at the Peabody Conservatory. He later earned his Masters from the Yale School of Music, lived in New York for a few years, and also earned his green card as an “alien of extraordinary ability.” With a year and a half to go, Liberzon looks forward to gaining his American citizenship.
“I pretty much spent most of my life here, at this point, in the U.S., so I think I’m more American than anything else,” Liberzon said.
In 2000, he moved to the Bay Area and found the area’s vast music choices akin to the variety of music he likes to play.
“Well, I like the musical richness, the variety of music you can hear,” he said. “I like that people are very open and, of course, the weather.”
Liberzon, who played at Old First Concerts last year, was invited back to perform, this time with fellow guitarist Patrick O’Connell.
Their repertoire includes two original guitar arrangements, a composition by the minimalist Steve Reich, and two songs originally written by Astor Piazzolla, including a tango and a piece called Adios Nonino (Goodbye, Father). Also joining him will be a third guest guitarist and a Spanish twist.
Liberzon looks forward not only to the Old First recital but also to a June 2012 concert with the string quartet Gold Coast Chamber Players, plus an album with O’Connell.
At Old First Church, “It’s going to be a very interesting variety and quality of music that is accessible to a wide audience,” said Liberzon. “We’re going to play a piece called Nagoya Guitars, which was originally written for two marimbas; it’s an arrangement for two guitars [based] on Reich.”