Renowned guitarist Masakazu Ito returns to perform with the Colorado Chamber Players in a delectable program of Italian and Spanish/Cuban composers.  Puccini’s Crisanthemi recalls his lyrical opera themes in a short string quartet.  Domeniconi’s Koyunbaba for solo guitar is his best-known work, and translates to “Spirit of the Sheep”.  Ricardo Iznaola, one of the guitar world’s treasures, wrote a series of charming Musique de Salon pieces for friends and colleagues. Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s virtuosic Quintet for Guitar and Strings was written after the composer met Andrés Segovia in 1932.

Mr. Ito is recognized as one of today's top guitarists, acclaimed by musicians, composers, conductors, and critics for his mastery of the instrument and its repertoire.  "He has it all," says guitarist Ricardo Iznaola, "virtuosity, musicality and flair.  He is certainly a name to watch."  Since Mr. Ito’s professional debut in Tokyo in 1987, he has won top prizes in seven major international guitar competitions.  He is currently an Instructor of Guitar at the Lamont School of Music.