Classical Guitarist John De Chiaro will present a guitar concert on Sunday, September 10th at First United Methodist Church, located at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria. The concert is scheduled to begin at 3:00pm and is free and open to the public. In addition to performing several solo selections, the concert will feature listening to portions of “The Concierto De Chiaro” a guitar concerto which he recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and released on the Centaur Record label.

De Chiaro made his debut in 1976 in a Carnegie Hall performance that brought a rave notice from the New York Times and launched a career of distinction. He has presented seven solo recitals at Carnegie Hall and performed there with the Mississippi Guitar Quartet, an ensemble he established. He has concertized throughout the United States, South America, Canada, Europe and Mexico and has performed for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome. He also was invited to perform for President and Mrs. Bill Clinton for two special Christmas functions at the White House.

“The Concierto De Chiaro” was composed by Mr. Kermit Poling, the conductor of the El Dorado Symphony in El Dorado, Arkansas and the Marshall Symphony in Marshall, Texas. Mr. Poling will be present at the concert and will give a brief overview of the concerto and the factors involved in composing the score. The concerto, written at the request of Mr. De Chiaro, was underwritten in part by the Shreveport Summer Music Festival in Shreveport.

There will be a reception following the concert and the CDs will be available for purchase following the concert. For further information, contact the First United Methodist Church at (318) 443-5696.