Miami Guitar Orchestra presents TANTRA

Ricardo Chavez/Contributing writer

Florida International University’s guitar orchestra, directed by Mesut Ozgen, performed TANTRA on Friday, Nov. 20.

The musical pieces orchestrated during the show were quite varied. One piece by the name of “Mountain Mission,” purveyed a modern and contemporary style. Another piece, known as “Alma,” epitomized the classic Latin tunes that one may easily distinguish.

Each of the pieces, however, illustrated a harmonious tune that focused on the layering of sounds. As stated by Ozgen, this “allows for listeners to delve deeper into the music, only to find an entirely different melody within the song itself.” Ozgen is the first to be awarded the prestigious “Dean’s Prize” by Yale University.

Shows such as these are quite unique considering the musical instruments used and talent required to perform it. Those who attended TANTRA believe that the FIU’s Miami Guitar Orchestra is not as promoted as it should be.

“I have never heard the guitar orchestra within FIU. Spectacles like these deserve much more publicity throughout campus than they are receiving. Perhaps The Beacon can help spread the word,” said Jean Rosenburg, an attendee of the event.

Student Natalie Lopez commented on the tremendous efforts put forth by Ozgen. “A Guitar orchestra isn’t something you have the opportunity to see every day. Mesut Ozgen is probably the biggest contributor this program has ever had,” Lopez said.

Performer Carlos Serrano emphasized on how hard everyone has been working towards making the show a success. “We have been practicing ever since the beginning of the semester. We have worked really hard, and have done everything we possibly can to prepare for this night,” said Serrano.

The FIU Miami Guitar Orchestra was able to display their skills after an entire semester of difficult practice. Those who attended the TANTRA concert were given a glimpse of what the FIU Miami Guitar Orchestra expects to accomplish in the near future.

TANTRA served as a preview to the upcoming Miami International GuitART Festival. The festival will be featuring respected musical artists from around the world and will take place at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center on Feb. 24-28.

 

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