Brad Richter, Viktor Uzur – Guitar and Cello

Brad Richter

Brad began teaching himself to play guitar and compose at age 12. At 18, having had no formal musical training, he was awarded the Presidential Scholarship to the American Conservatory of Music, Chicago where he began performing, composing, and eventually teaching professionally. After completing his undergraduate degrees in performance and composition, Brad accepted a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, London where he studied with guitarist Carlos Bonell. He became the first guitarist in the college's history to win the coveted Thomas Morherr Prize, and went on to win the Royal College of Music guitar competition before completing his Master's degree and returning to the US to continue his concert career.

While at home in Tucson, Arizona, Brad teaches music at the University of Arizona and is the Artistic Director of Lead Guitar!, a non-profit he co-founded in 2006 which establishes guitar programs in schools around the country with large populations of at-risk youth. He also enjoys hiking, running, biking, and playing his guitar in the mountains and deserts that surround Tucson. The rugged beauty of the American Southwest continues to be a source of inspiration for much of his music.

Viktor Uzur

Viktor Uzur has appeared as a soloist and concertized in many countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. His performances, interviews, and compositions have been broadcast nationally on television and radio stations in Yugoslavia, Russia, and the United States. As a guest artist and teacher, he has participated in various music events such as Spoleto, Niagara on the Lake, Cello+"¦ , and Northern Lights Music Festival. Uzur is the founder and director of Bonneville Chamber Music Festival in Utah, USA. His engagement as the principal cellist and soloist with ARCO Moscow Chamber Orchestra from 1992 to 1999, brought him many international tours, CD releases, and collaborations with remarkable musicians including composers such as Tikhon Khrennikov, Petris Vasks, and Lewis Nielson. Recently, as a recording artist for Blue Griffin Recording, Inc., he released the CD Entertainers, which Fanfare Magazine calls ""¦serious musicianship that doesn't take itself too seriously - an illusive combination, but skillfully realized"¦. Bravo, and bravo again." Uzur's second CD with Blue Griffin Recording, Viktor Uzur in Recital, was released in December, 2007. Currently, he is the cello professor at Weber State University, Utah. Some of Uzur's recent collaborations include working and performing with guitarist/composer Brad Richter, soprano Carly Pedersen, and choreographer/dancer Eric Stern.

Web Page: Brad Richter and Viktor Uzur

Support for this presentation provided by: