In this program, Štěpán Rak presents the guitar in its various styles and genres, from the music of ancient lutenists through the eras of Classicism and Romanticism to various departures from classical music. Listeners will hear not only the music of old masters but also American Rock’n’Roll.
Štěpán Rak is primarily known as a guitarist, composer, and improviser. He will showcase all these artistic areas during the concert. The so-called “Rak tremolo” has become a well-known concept in the guitar world. In it, he uses a technique of playing with all five fingers of the right hand on one or more strings simultaneously. In 1982, Štěpán Rak founded the guitar department at the Prague Academy of Performing Arts (HAMU), where he currently focuses mainly on teaching improvisation. You will be able to appreciate this particular skill throughout the entire concert. Professor Štěpán Rak’s lifelong goal has been to present the guitar not just as a solo instrument, but as an entire orchestra.