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Afternoon Class Pass

This is an event page for a performance that has passed. Please visit our calendar to view upcoming performances.

Afternoon Class Pass
Abravanel Hall
123 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA Get Directions

OVERVIEW

Ready to elevate your guitar skills? Join some of our expertly skilled, renowned guest guitarists for intimate classes and workshops. Master a Led Zeppelin tune with Gretchen Menn, delve into sound design with Joe Gore, gain insights into composing for electric guitar from Steven Mackey, and more! With five specially-designed workshops, this is an afternoon you don’t want to skip!

Plus, don’t miss the chance to explore our exhibit hall, where local vendors and custom guitar shops will showcase their finest instruments and guitar technology.

This is your opportunity to learn from the experts, discover the latest in guitar craftsmanship, and prepare for an unforgettable concert experience.

This event is part of our Guitar Celebrations festival, bringing the eight extraordinary acoustic and electric guitarists of the collective Another Night on Earth to our community. The ensemble members—including conductor and USUO Creative Partner David Robertson—will engage with audiences and students across Salt Lake City in a week of genre-bending performances and education programs.

DETAILS AND CLASSES
Cost: $20* for a Guitar Celebrations: Afternoon Class Pass. This gives you full access to all 5 classes and the Guitar Gear Exhibition in the lobby of Abravanel Hall. Limited availability—only 170 passes will be sold.

*Students and under-30s save 50%

“Guitar Gear Exhibition” Hours: 11:00 AM through intermission of the evening’s concert

Complimentary guitar check: If you’re joining us for our final evening performance, please feel free to use our complimentary guitar check to store your instrument. Simply check it at our Patron Services desk (just like you would your coat) in the lobby before the performance.

Tickets to Utah Symphony’s performance of Guitar Celebrations: Jiji plays Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto sold separately.


CLASS SCHEDULE

Gretchen Menn

Learn a Led Zeppelin Tune with Gretchen Menn

Located in the First Tier Room, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Limited capacity. Guitar required.

Join Gretchen Menn and members of Led Zeppelin cover band Zepparella, as they guide you through the melodies and iconic riffs of these rock ‘n’ roll legends! Unlock the secrets behind your favorite tunes as you learn what it takes to vibe along with the best.


Joe Gore

Sound Design for Electric Guitar with Joe Gore

Located in the First Tier Room, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Limited capacity.

Join Joe Gore, a key contributor to Apple’s Logic Pro and GarageBand, as he unveils innovative techniques and strategies for sound design specifically tailored for the electric guitar. Discover the creative processes that bridge technology and musicianship—as well as unique insights to help craft your own signature sound.


James Moore

James Moore – Hands on Improv!

Located in the First Tier Room, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Limited capacity. Guitar encouraged.

Ready to riff? Dive into the captivating world of group improvisation with a hands-on workshop designed for guitarists and instrumentalists alike. Led by James Moore, explore the dynamic realms of graphic notation, hand signals, and cue cards as tools for creative expression. This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to expand your musical vocabulary and experience the spontaneity and collaboration of improvisation firsthand.


Composing for Electric Guitar with Steve Mackey

Located in the First Tier Room, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Limited capacity.

Take a trip down memory lane with composer Steven Mackey as he maps his musical journey. From his early days playing in rock bands across Northern California, to gracing concert halls worldwide, discover how Mackey has masterfully woven his rock roots into his classical compositions.

This intimate discussion offers a rare glimpse into the creative evolution of a musician who has seamlessly bridged the worlds of rock and classical music, providing invaluable insights for anyone interested in the art of composition and the power of musical fusion.


David Robertson

Pre-Concert Chat with David Robertson & Steven Mackey

Located in the First Tier Room at 4:45 PM

Don’t miss the minds behind the Guitar Celebrations Festival!

Creative Partner David Robertson and composer Steven Mackey join together for a conversation ahead of the evening’s concert, sharing a behind-the-scenes look into the program and providing unique perspectives on the performance ahead. This conversation is a must-attend for anyone looking to enrich their understanding and appreciation of the night’s musical offerings, ranging from guitar music from the 1400s, to arrangements of songs by The Beatles, to a brand-new works.


SPONSORS

SPONSORS

Guitar Celebrations SponsorDiane & Sam Stewart Foundation