Raphaella Smits plays worldwide in her unique way on eight-string guitars and historical instruments. She performs all over the world, and she has recorded 25 albums.
She has visited Rochester a few times in her world travels to play concerts, including in 2012 at Eastman's Kilbourn Hall and her last visit to Rochester in 2017 for the very first concert presented by the group Rochester Classical Guitar.
Rochester Classical Guitar is now celebrating 10 years, and their fifth full festival. This year's Rochester Guitar Festival is April 2nd–6th, including a return by Smits for a concert on Saturday night at Hochstein - and two masterclasses for guitarists at the Eastman School of Music (both Sunday and Monday, from 1:30-4:30pm at the Ciminelli Student Lounge).
Raphaella Smits's during her last visit has stayed with me over the years, both for her sensitive playing in that concert, her albums that I continue to treasure, and her thoughtful comments in our interview from the time. I just recently realized that it's no longer online, due to various website changes over the years, so I've dipped back in the archive to share our conversation. And I look forward to hearing more of her artistry this Saturday!
You can find more about this week's events through the festival website and follow Rochester Classical Guitar on Facebook and Instagram for more throughout the year.
