Concert Reviews

There were also two intriguing pieces by Leo Brouwer for guitar quartet. The vivd, motorisitc "toccata" quits just when it really begins to pick up steam, but "Cuban Landscape with Rain" paints a riveting portrait in mostly delicate sounds. A soft, repeated note leads into an enveloping mist, as each of the four instruments gradually answers that note; tremulous tonal waves surge up and carry the music toward a breif drama, before an equisite, slow fade to black.
Guitarists Christopher Dunn, Rafael Padron, Akiko Sumi and Keishi Sumi played both pieces with firm coordination and, in the "Cuban Landscape with Rain", with terrific control and sensitivity.

Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun

Rodrigo's concerto, for four guitars and orchestra, using Andalusian folk motifs, was the centerpiece of the program and its most substantial work. The Aurora guitar Quartet, a young and very proficient ensemble, made its first appearance with an orchestra in this work. Its four members, hailing from Japan, Cuba and United States, play together with an intuitive coordination, Buslje ( conductor) handled the tricky challenge of balancing four guitars with a large orchestra.

Joseph Mclellan, Washington Post

Recording Reviews

Aurora Guitar Quartet has presented a great display of their talents in this CD. The [...] Carmen Suite showcases their individual sensitivity and varied expressions, most notably in the Habanera. The Entr’acte in addition to the other sections brings to the forefront an impression of their mutual confidence.
Their interpretative techniques are especially expressed with the Brouwer. Aurora Guitar Quartet performs this work, which has two uniquely different sections, with an obvious lightness on one hand and a depth on the other. [...]
The individual playing of each member brings more expressive power furthering their cohesiveness as an ensemble.
You can hear the light and refreshing display of the Boccherini, and enjoy the rhythmic texture of the Torroba. It is full of life and it feels good to experience it.

Nobuaki Nagaoka, Gendai Guitar Magazine (trans. SC Cho)