2020 Musical America Instrumentalist of the Year, Sharon Isbin, talks with Anna Singer about her work in composer Karen LeFrak's new album, "Romantico".
Sharon talks about the first piece she performed, the first movement, "Bailamos", at the U.S. Capitol in 2023. The full concerto was premiered in January 2024, and the album was recorded with the Orchestra of St. Luke's. Sharon highlights how the concerto combines classical guitar with Latin dance rhythms and features top Latin percussionists. The other two pieces on the album include "Habanera Nights" and "Urban Tango".
Sharon discusses her own path to music, even though she originally wanted to be a rocket scientist. Her music has gone to space with astronaut Chris Hadfield though! She reflects on her recent documentary, "Sharon Isbin: Troubadour", and her work at Julliard. She originally founded the guitar department, and continues to keep the student body small to personalize instruction.
You can see Sharon at the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival at the end of July, or hear "Romantico" on WQED-FM 89.3 with Anna Singer in the afternoons.
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