Rian McGonigal

Sensitive interpretation and polished execution have gained Rian McGonigal acclaim from audiences and respect from musicians.
Among young classical guitarists, he is regarded as one of the area's finest performers.

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His sixteen years of study culminated this Summer in a European tour under two
Segovia-delegated "Maestros", Alirio Diaz and Oscar Ghiglia.
The former described Mr. McGonigal as having a "beautiful tone and great sensitivity".
Under the latter's tutelage, Mr. McGonigal was among four who merited the highest award granted to any guitarist, the Diploma of Merit, from the Academia Chigiana, Italy's finest conservatory for master performers.

Sought after by area composers to cameo their new works, Mr. McGonigal performs regularly

at the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society's Annual Composers Concert.
He has appeared on PBS-TV Channel 12 and NBC-TV Channel 3; WUHY and WXPN-FM have featured him as a guest soloist and personality.

Committed to the concept of early exposure, Mr. McGonigal presented a successful series of lectures-concerts to area elementary and high schools. He was enthusiastically received on the Delaware Valley circuit.

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This young artist's creativity is not limited to theory and interpretation; it informs even the selection of his repertoire.

Transcriptions from music for lute, cello, harpsichord, and piano find new ranges on the strings of his guitar as he invokes the oblique passions of Bach, Ponce, Torroba, and other masters.
 

An intelligent and dynamic performer, Rian McGonigal defines a novel aesthetic stance, commanding as he serves the new prince of instruments, the classical guitar.

All I can do is be me. Whoever that is.

~ Bob Dylan