Brazilian Guitarist Richard Miller Comes to VCU
Sam Goodrich
Contributing Writer
Coming this October to VCU’s Singleton Center is the world renowned Brazilian guitarist Richard Miller as a part of the university’s Guitar Series of concerts.
Miller is a decorated musician, earning a PhD. In music theory from Catholic University of America and Masters in guitar performance from Manhattan School of Music. He also teaches music theory and ear training at Columbia University. Lambert Academy even published his dissertation titled “The Guitar in the Brazilian Choro.”
He currently performs shows in New York City with his band “Choro da Manhã,” which is a Brazilian group. He’s also a part of multiple other bands that perform in the United States and around the world.
Steven Ashby, a guitar instructor here at VCU’s music program praised one of the bands Miller regularly performs with, “DC Choro”, specifically pointing towards their “interpretation, and spirited performance of Brazilian music.”
His performances have not only been seen in New York venues like Iridium and BB Kings, but he’s also given lectures, workshops, and concerts to multiple universities. The list includes James Madison University, University of Pennsylvania, and New York University. Miller has even performed for President Obama at the White House and will give a special performance for Pope Francis later this fall.
Miller joins a long line of musicians who have been brought to the Singleton Center for the VCU Guitar Series which started twenty years ago. The series’ goal is to bring guitarist of diverse styles, such as classical and flamenco, and expose students to these accomplished musicians. “It is important for our guitar majors to hear outstanding guitarists”, said the head of the series John Patykula, “they learn so much by listening, observing, and speaking with the artists.”
VCU’S department of music is keen on encouraging students to attend concerts such as this one and many others that cover a wide variety of genres. All students in the department are required to see multiple performances every year, “Performances from visiting artists are a learning and inspirational opportunity for music students here at VCU.” Said Mr. Ashby, “I’ve left many a concert over the years, wanting to go home and work on my own music.”
The concerts are open to non-music majors as well, who are also encouraged to broaden their horizons and experience excellent music. Mr. Patykula said this about the concerts’ importance: “The series exposes them {students} to artists who have worked hard and who have much experience in performing. The students experience these artists’ craftsmanship along with the emotion of a live performance.”
Richard Miller will be performing at the Singleton Center on October 4th at 4 p.m. bass player Itaiguara Brandão will be joining Miller along with a yet to be announced panderio player. The concert is open to the public and tickets will be $15 for general admission and $10 for VCU students at the Singleton box office.
