Tomaž Rajterič

Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at 8PM
Prica Gallery, Samobor

Tickets: https://www.entrio.hr/event/pavel-steidl-gitara-30527

Program

F. Sor (1778.-1839.): Menuets, op. 1
-Andante espressivo
-Andante maestoso
-Andante
-Andante maestoso

J.K. Mertz (1806.-1856.): Bardenklänge, op.13
-Romanze
-Mazurka
-Lied ohne Worte

N. Paganini (1782.-1840.) – L. Legnani (1790.-1877.) – F. Carulli (1770.-1841.): Andante, Sonate, Ghiribizzy e Caprice

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J.S. Bach (1685.-1750.): Ciaccona, from Violin Partita no. 2 BWV 1004

M. Smolka (1959.-): To Vojta in Heaven (Vojtovi v nebi)

L. Janáček (1854.-1928.): Dobrou noc

C. Domeniconi (1947.-): Steidleriana

About the program

Fernando Sor, often referred to as the "Beethoven of the guitar," was a pivotal figure in the early development of the classical guitar as a concert instrument. His Menuets op. 11 represent an elegant and thoughtful application of classical dance forms to the guitar: these are dance miniatures that exude clarity, balance, and subtle emotionality. Although formally based on a simple dance structure, these minuets reveal Sor’s exceptional ability to blend melodic lyricism with harmonic logic. The varying characters of the movements—from the calm Andante espressivo to the more solemn Andante maestoso—create a series of contrasting yet interconnected musical images that perfectly capture the spirit of the early 19th century.

Johann Kaspar Mertz occupies a unique place in 19th-century guitar literature, having built his musical language on the foundations of Early Romanticism, drawing inspiration from the pianistic colorism of Schubert, Chopin, and Mendelssohn. In his music, the guitar ceases to be a mere accompanying instrument and becomes a vessel for deep poetic sensibility and emotional expression, qualities previously more characteristic of piano literature. In the anthological collection Bardenklänge (Bardic
Sounds), the instrument takes on an almost pianistic breadth of expression, clearly reflected in the selected miniatures: Romanze brings intimate, song-like lyricism imbued with melancholy; Mazurka introduces a dance-like, characteristically accented rhythm with a refined hint of Central European folklore; while Lied ohne Worte (Song Without Words) epitomizes the Romantic ideal of music as direct
emotional speech. These short movements act as suggestive musical portraits—personal and poetic confessions that come to life in their full glory under the fingers of Pavel Steidl.

The program block Paganini – Legnani – Carulli brings together three composers who shaped the golden age of the Italian guitar at the turn of the 18th to the 19th century (and the style known as "bel canto on the guitar"). Steidl often combines these authors to showcase the improvisational freedom of that era. The title does not denote a single work but rather a selection of characteristic movements and
miniatures: lyrical Andantes, sonata forms, virtuosic Ghiribizzi (short, whimsical pieces), and brilliant Capriccios. Paganini's music brings technical audacity and theatricality, Legnani’s emphasizes virtuosic clarity and elegance, while Carulli represents a balanced, cantabile classical style. In such a combination, the guitar becomes both a salon instrument and a means of virtuosic expression—precisely as it was played at the time these compositions were created.

The Ciaccona from the Partita in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most monumental works for a solo instrument in the history of music. Although originally written for the violin, this composition has occupied a special place in the guitar repertoire for decades. Built as a series of variations over a repeating harmonic progression, the Ciaccona leads the listener through a wide range of
expression—from meditative composure to powerful dramatic intensity. According to one frequently cited interpretation, Bach may have conceived this score as personal funeral music: his first wife, Maria Barbara, passed away suddenly in 1720 while Bach was traveling, and upon his return, he found she had already been buried. Some researchers recognize hidden symbolic layers in the Ciaccona—possible
musical references to family names and quotes or outlines of chorale melodies speaking of death and resurrection. While such interpretations cannot be proven with certainty, they open a space for a deeper, more personal listening of this monumental work. Regardless of the meaning we attribute to it, the Ciaccona remains a musical arc of exceptional power: a work of contemplation, suffering, but also inner light, which in every performance reaffirms Bach’s ability to transform personal experience into a universal musical language.

Contemporary Czech composer Martin Smolka is known for his distinctive, poetic relationship with sound. The work To Vojta in Heaven, whose title suggests a personal dedication, carries an intimate, almost meditative character. The composition utilizes non-traditional techniques and tonal colors to evoke an otherworldly atmosphere, ideal for Steidl’s specific sensibility and exploration of sound beyond classical boundaries. The music often moves on the edge of silence, using subtle colors and understated gestures. Within the context of the program, this work opens a space for contemporary listening—inviting the audience to pay attention to detail, duration, and the silence between tones, as well as to reflect on
transience and peace.

Leoš Janáček was a Czech composer whose music was often permeated with elements of speech melody and Moravian folklore. Dobrou noc (Good Night) is a short but highly suggestive musical miniature from the famous piano cycle Po zarostlém chodníčku (On an Overgrown Path). Janáček is known for his ability to capture the emotional essence of a moment in just a few bars, often inspired by speech rhythm and inner monologue. This composition carries a sense of serenity and the intimate end of a day, almost like a musical whisper. In the guitar version, its simplicity and directness are particularly highlighted.

Carlo Domeniconi, a contemporary Italian composer known for his unique blend of Mediterranean melody and avant-garde elements, wrote this work as a personal dedication to Pavel Steidl. As the title suggests, Steidleriana is a kind of musical portrait of the performer, shaped to highlight Steidl’s specific interpretive temperament and his ability to make the guitar "speak." The composition employs a wide range of contemporary techniques and rich rhythmic energy, balancing between humorous, almost theatrical passages and moments of deep introspection. By merging Eastern and Western influences with virtuosity and humor, Domeniconi creates a work that perfectly bridges tradition with the present moment, allowing for the expressive freedom for which Steidl is world-renowned.

On Pavel Steidl

„Here was a guitarist who knew how to laugh with the music and share the joke with his audience. But behind the entertainer lies a serious artist, whose extended composition in memory of Jana Obrovska proved fully capable of stirring emotions at the other end of the scale. Never was a standing ovation more richly deserved. Pavel Steidl had won the hearts and minds of a capacity crowd.“

Classical Guitar Magazine

The magic world of Pavel Steidl charmed us in a delightful program, where classic welcomes varieties of incredible new ideas of how a guitar can create precious effects thanks to his ability to awaken what is normally quite inactive in our imagination and hands!

Oscar Ghiglia

Pavel Steidl was born in Rakovnik (Czech Republic). Since he won first prize at the Radio France International Competition in Paris in 1982, he has become one of the most widely celebrated soloists of his generation. Between the membres of the jury were names of such artist like Alexander Tansman, Antonio Lauro , Maria Luisa Anido… Before that he studied with such guitarist as Milan Zelenka and Stephan Rak in Prague. In 1987 he decided to emigrate to Netherland were after years of studying and getting inspiration from many different artist he has created his own style which is not ignoring authentic way of intepretatione 19th-century guitar literature on periodic instruments and going far to some world music elements. Since 2004 he moved back to Czech republic and since since 2019 gives a lectures at the Conservatoire in The Hague.

He had an honor to work together with such artists like Leo Brouwer, Carlo Domeniconi Paolo Paolini, John Wiliams, Miroslav Vitous, Karin Schaupp, Edin Karamazov and others. Together with Zoran Dukic, Reentko Dirks and Thomas Fellow he is a member of Europian Guitar Quartet since 2012.

Pavel Steidl also composes himself and his own compositions are often played on his concerts or on the recordings. He played in more then 40 countries of the world from among Canada, USA, China, India, Japan, Europe, South and Central America, Australia and many others. On demand of Italian Guitar Magazine Guitart the readers decided to choose him as a guitar player of the year 2004. Pavel Steidl plays many instruments, but mainly Francisco Simplicio (1926), Walter Verreydt, Franz Butcher, Federico Sheppard. Romantic guitars: copies of J.G.Stauffer guitar made by B.Kresse and original instrument from the beginning of the 19th century Nikolaus G.Ries cca. 1830 and Johann Anton Stauffer cca 1840.

„Here was a guitarist who knew how to laugh with the music and share the joke with his audience. But behind the entertainer lies a serious artist, whose extended composition in memory of Jana Obrovska proved fully capable of stirring emotions at the other end of the scale. Never was a standing ovation more richly deserved. Pavel Steidl had won the hearts and minds of a capacity crowd.“
(Classical guitar magazine)

The magic world of Pavel Steidl charmed us in a delightful program, where classic welcomes varieties of incredible new ideas of how a guitar can create precious effects thanks to his ability to awaken what is normally quite inactive in our imagination and hands!
(Oscar Ghiglia)

Pavel Steidl was born in Rakovnik (Czech Republic). Since he won first prize at the Radio France International Competition in Paris in 1982, he has become one of the most widely celebrated soloists of his generation. Between the membres of the jury were names of such artist like Alexander Tansman, Antonio Lauro , Maria Luisa Anido… Before that he studied with such guitarist as Milan Zelenka and Stephan Rak in Prague. In 1987 he decided to emigrate to Netherland were after years of studying and getting inspiration from many different artist he has created his own style which is not ignoring authentic way of intepretatione 19th-century guitar literature on periodic instruments and going far to some world music elements. Since 2004 he moved back to Czech republic and since since 2019 gives a lectures at the Conservatoire in The Hague.

He had an honor to work together with such artists like Leo Brouwer, Carlo Domeniconi Paolo Paolini, John Wiliams, Miroslav Vitous, Karin Schaupp, Edin Karamazov and others. Together with Zoran Dukic, Reentko Dirks and Thomas Fellow he is a member of Europian Guitar Quartet since 2012.

Pavel Steidl also composes himself and his own compositions are often played on his concerts or on the recordings. He played in more then 40 countries of the world from among Canada, USA, China, India, Japan, Europe, South and Central America, Australia and many others. On demand of Italian Guitar Magazine Guitart the readers decided to choose him as a guitar player of the year 2004. Pavel Steidl plays many instruments, but mainly Francisco Simplicio (1926), Walter Verreydt, Franz Butcher, Federico Sheppard. Romantic guitars: copies of J.G.Stauffer guitar made by B.Kresse and original instrument from the beginning of the 19th century Nikolaus G.Ries cca. 1830 and Johann Anton Stauffer cca 1840.

Lukasz Kuropaczewski “is definitely the new megastar of the classical guitar.” (El Nuevo Dia, Puerto
Rico)

Lukasz is in great demand as a recitalist and as soloist with orchestras, and he is invited to perform in
numerous venues around the globe each year. Highlights include appearances in London’s Royal Festival
Hall, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Warsaw’s National Philharmonic Hall, Tchaikovsky Hall in
Moscow, Caramoor Music Festival, the Santa Fe Music Festival, Easter Beethoven Festival, Tonhalle
Zurich, Heidelberger Fruhling, Schleswig Holstein Musik Festival and New York's Carnegie Hall.

An avid chamber music collaborator, he performed with the Orion String Quartet, mandolin player Avi
Avital, Richard Galliano, Daniel Hope, Stefano Barneschi (concertmaster of Il Giardino Armonico),
countertenor Jakub Jozef Orlinski, pianist Alek Debicz or accordionist Maciej Frackiewicz.

Lukasz has inspired many composers to write work for his instrument. He premiered a guitar quintet,
“Acequias,” by Marc Neikrug at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and his “Three Pieces for Guitar”
at the Baltimore Museum of Art in Baltimore, Triptych Sonata by K. Meyer at the Caramoor Festival in
New York. He has premiered concertos by Angelo Gilardino, Krzysztof Meyer, Mikolaj Gorecki, and
Alexandre Tansman. He made the guitar version of Krzysztof Penderecki’s Viola Concerto and premiered
it with Sinfonia Varsovia and conductor Maximiano Valdes. In 2022 he premiered a new Concerto by Marc
Neikrug in Marseille, France with the Marseilla Opera Orchestra and Lawrence Foster.

Lukasz Kuropaczewski is currently on the faculty of the Kunst University Graz, Austria and Academy of
Music in Poznan, Poland, holding a doctorate degree in performance.

Music of Vojislav Ivanovic, composer and guitarist, is one of astonishing diversity, ranging from contemporary classical and jazz thru fusion and rock to traditional music of the world.

Born in Sarajevo where he started playing guitar at the age of 10, Vojislav acquired highest academic degrees both in Guitar from the Athens Conservatory with Costas Cotsiolis and in Composition from the Music Academy of the University of Sarajevo with Vojin Komadina. From the early 1980s he performs regularly both home and abroad, solo and with orchestras including Trinity College Strings (UK), St. George Strings, Camerata Serbica and Macedonia Jeunesse Musicale Symphonic.

His diverse compositional output includes music for solo and accompanied instruments, choral, chamber and orchestral works. Distinguished guitarists as well as many other artists have performed his music extensively all over the globe and orchestras that have performed his music include New Russia Symphony – Yuri Bashmet, Zagreb Soloists, Vienna Pons Artis Orchestra and the Tijuana Festival Orchestra. As a film composer Vojislav has several documentaries and feature films to his credit out of which “Halda” (1991) won prestigious “Prix D’Italia” award.

He has also recorded with some world renowned Jazz musicians: double-bass player Arild Andersen, saxophonist Bendik Hofseth, drummer Paul Vertico (ex Pat Metheny group) and trumpetist Paolo Fresu.

In 2008 he founded Levante Guitar Duo with his wife Aleksandra Ivanovic performing a program that includes works specially written by him for the Duo. They have appeared with great success all over Europe and in season 2019/2020 on 3 consecutive tours in USA for concerts, master classes and lectures scoring exceptional success with the audience and critics alike. In addition to playing in concert halls, Vojislav lectured on some of the distinguished American universities such as Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY, Hart School of Music, Hartford, CT, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA and Minneapolis University, MN, among others. In 2011 the Duo released their highly praised CD “Levantine Journey”.
Vojislav is founder and the director of the International Guitar Festival "Guitar United", held annually since 2016 in Sarajevo East.

In addition to his performance tours, composing and recording, Vojislav Ivanovic is highly sought after for his teaching and master classes in composition and guitar and is a member of juries at international festivals and competitions. Among these, greatest achievement is his participation as a lecturer and jury member in the world’s most prestigious guitar Convention and Competition GFA - Guitar Foundation of America in Miami in 2019. Since 2010 he is a Full professor of Guitar, Methodology and Composition at the Music Academy of the Sarajevo East University.

The prestigious publishers Schott (Germany) and Doberman Yppan (Canada) are publishing his music. In addition to his own releases various artists have released over 20 CDS world-wide over the years that include his work.

Paolo Pegoraro is considered today one of the most renowned teachers and interpreters of his instrument. Elected in 2003 “Best guitarist of the year” by the readers of the magazine Guitart, both the critics as recognized figures of the music world appreciate in Paolo Pegoraro an uncommon depth and artistic sensibility. Winner of prestigious competitions, he performs regularly in the most important musical centers and festivals throughout Europe, USA, South America, Africa and Asia. In 2008 the great Cuban guitarist and composer Leo Brouwer has declared: “I’m very happy to know that in the guitar world there is a man and a musician as Paolo Pegoraro!”.

Paolo loves to teach so much that he founded the Segovia Guitar Academy, now an established and internationally recognised seat of learning for guitarists, with students from various countries around the world. In 2010 Paolo was elected guitar chair at the “Universitat für Musik und darstellende Kunst” in Graz (Austria). Over the years the students at these institutes have won over 300 awards at major international competitions, including those of Alessandria (Pittaluga), Benicassim (Tárrega), Almeria (Arcas), La Herradura (Segovia), Tokyo, Munich (ARD), Wroklaw (Guitarmaster), Malibù (Parkening), Rome (Sor), Gargnano and Baltimore. For all these extraordinary results achieved by many different students, in 2019 Paolo Pegoraro received the “Chitarra d’oro per la didattica” at the Milan International Guitar Convention. In addition, he serves as guest faculty at the “Universidad Pedro de Olavide” in Sevilla, Spain. Since 2017 he is Honorary Artist in Residence at the Yehudi Menuhin School in London like Daniel Baremboim, Andras Schiff, Itzhak Perlman, Julian Bream and John Williams among others.

He is often invited to be part of juries for musical and guitar competitions and gives regular masterclasses all around the world.

He has several recordings and the CD “Solo” has received enthusiastic reviews; in particular, the German
magazine “Gitarre & Laute” declared “… the discovery of the year”. For his last CD, he was awarded with  “La chitarra d’oro” at the Alessandria International Guitar Convention, as the best CD of the year (2010).

Born in Bassano del Grappa August 9, 1968, he began to study music at a very early age, quickly demonstrating a distinct talent and receiving from his family an environment rich in musical stimuli. He graduated with highest honors from the Conservatory “Benedetto Marcello” in Venice in the class of Tommaso de Nardis. He consecutively frequented masterclasses of Manuel Barrueco and David Russell, as well as receiving the"Diploma di Merito" at the Chigiana Academy of Siena in Oscar Ghiglia's Class. In 2010 he became part of the “D’Addario family”.

"Paolo plays the notes as a series of pearls, clear one after another and now is the extraordinary thing: he has pearls of all sizes and all shades of color, he puts together in a way that will produce a effect of strong compactness and harmony. Paolo follows his musical ideas without compromise: accelerating, and evaporates the sentence where it is necessary for reasons of musical logic and not because of technical
problems. This is an extraordinary thing in the guitar world. Paolo Pegoraro is, I can only repeat once more, the discovery of the year!"
Peter Päffgen - Gitarre und Laute

www.paolopegoraro.com

Dear visitors,

the location of the concert by Zoran Dukić has been changed due to high interest and the need for a larger venue. The concert will take place in the Parish Church of St Anastazija (Župna crkva sv. Anastazije) on Friday, March 8th 2024 at 8PM.

We are looking forward to a large audience and an exciting concert!

Reserve your tickets at the link.

Thank You for Your interest!

She began elementary music education in Samobor, at the Music School "Ferdo Livadić", in the class of prof. Vesna Faullend Heferer. At GU "Elly Bašić" in Zagreb, she finishes high school in the class of prof. Ante Čagalj. She graduated from the Academy of Music in Zagreb in the class of prof. Istvan Römer.

During her studies, she won numerous awards at important domestic and international competitions as a soloist and as a member of chamber ensembles. She trained with world-renowned guitarists such as Jordi Codina, Zoran Dukić, Joaquin Clerch and others.

She was a long-time member of the Zagreb Guitar Quartet. She also realizes her love for chamber music through collaboration with flautist Vlatka Šplajt, with whom she performed at the Darko Lukić Tribune in 1998. In the same year, they received the University of Zagreb Rector's Award for special achievements in the field of musical art. She collaborated with saxophonist Tomislav Žužko and in the guitar trio Amicorde with Morana Pešutić and Anđel Jerkunica. In the desire for a slightly different musical expression, together with Gordana Šuštić - accordion and Carmen Stepić - voice, in 2005 she started the trio "As bruxas fatais" which nurtured and performed the music of Latin America. Over time, the trio evolved into a quartet with double bass - Ivan Domović and new members on harmonica - Ivan Kuruc and finally Maja Bandalović, and the repertoire was expanded to include their original compositions.

She has been working as a guitar pedagogue at the "Ferdo Livadić" Primary School for more than twenty years, and for eight years she also worked at the Brežice Primary School in Slovenia. Her students won prizes at county and state competitions as soloists and in chamber ensembles, and some of them became successful graduated musicians.

He was born on April 21, 1973 in Varaždin. He graduated from high school in Varaždin as an excellent student, simultaneously attending the Music School, majoring in guitar, which he graduated as the youngest in his generation in 1989, also with excellent results.
In 1990, he entered the Academy of Music in Zagreb, where he graduated in the class of professor Istvan Römer in 1995 as one of the youngest and most successful students of his generation. During his education, he won numerous awards and recognitions, of which the first prize at the Competition of Music Students and Students of the Republic of Croatia, the first prize at the Competition of Music Students and Students of the former SFRY in Sarajevo and the Rector's Award of the University of Zagreb should be singled out.

He has been working as a guitar teacher at the Music School in Varaždin since 1988, thus becoming the youngest teacher in the School's history. He initiated the opening of the high school guitar department in Varaždin and was its first teacher, and today he works as a teacher of guitar and chamber music and is the head of the guitar and tambourine department. By the decision of the State Agency for Education in 2017, he acquired the status of teacher mentor, and from the school year 2018/2019. he was appointed head of the county expert council for guitar teachers for as many as ten counties.

His students are winners of numerous high prizes at regional, national and international competitions, they have performed at the Varaždin Baroque Evenings and as soloists with the Varaždin Chamber Orchestra. Two students are winners of the annual Rotary Award for Excellence in 2015 and 2016. So far, 10 of his students have enrolled in guitar studies at music academies in the Republic of Croatia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and England.

He has been actively participating in the development of guitar pedagogy for many years, and in 1998, together with several renowned guitar pedagogues and artists, he founded the Croatian Association of Guitar Pedagogues - HUGIP, which today has more than 300 members.
He was the president of the Croatian Association of Guitar Pedagogues from 2002-2010. years.
He is constantly improving his skills, and so far he has organized a huge number of professional seminars and concerts for both teachers and guitar students, led by some of the world's most eminent guitar artists and pedagogues.

In the period from 2005 to 2013, he was a member of the presidency of the Croatian Association of Music and Dance Pedagogues, as well as of judging panels in the guitar discipline at regional and national competitions organized by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports and HDGPP. He also works as a member of judging panels at international competitions.

He was the chairman of the Organizing Committee for the implementation of the state competition of students and students of music and dance in Varaždin, the chairman of the Organizational Committee of the County Festival of Youth Musical Creativity, a member of the State Committee for Musical Festivals of Croatian Youth, a member of the State Committee for the implementation of the competition of students and students of music and dance, a member of the Organizational Committee member of the board of the International School of Baroque Music and Dance "Aestas Musica", member of the Varaždin Baroque Evenings Festival Council and member of the Judging Committee for awarding the Varaždin Baroque Evenings festival awards.

From 1998 to 2000, he was the president of the School Board of the Music School in Varaždin, and from July 2000 to April 2013, he was the director of the Music School in Varaždin, thus becoming the youngest director of a high school institution in the Republic of Croatia.