Biography
A Full Life of Music
A Full Life of Music
A Full Life of Music
Greg is the child of musical parents (his mom was a pianist and his father a cellist with the New York Philharmonic). In addition to Dalcroze/Eurythmy training as a child he studied the piano until his early teens (with Katerina Rado, Edgar Roberts and Jacqueline Marcault), and credits those early experiences for much of his strong musicianship.
Greg began to play guitar as a youngster,
like so many others of his generation,
inspired by The Beatles and other rock
performers (though he began with a
Joan Baez folk music songbook).
He formed his first band in 7th grade
[see Rock Band photos] and played in it throughout much of high school.
In 9th grade Greg became interested in the classical guitar, and began his study of it with the area's leading teacher, the late Luis Garcia-Renart (also a prize-winning cellist & conductor).
Greg studied with Garcia-Renart for 4 years
and then went to Boston's New England Conservatory of Music, from which he received his Bachelors of Music degree with honors in 1980. At NEC he studied with Robert Paul Sullivan and Frank Wallace, formed the Parnassus Guitar Duo, and gave the school's first all-solo graduating guitar recital.
At the start of his career in the 1980s Greg played in masterclasses of several of the world's leading classical guitarists:
Manuel Barrueco [photo at bottom],
Eliot Fisk, Frederic Hand, Sharon Isbin and Christopher Parkening [photo at top].
After returning to Woodstock, N.Y., where he grew up, Greg began teaching the guitar,
and soon was teaching various guitar styles several days a week at Allegro Music in Kingston. In the 1980s he also became the classical guitar instructor at SUNY New Paltz and Bard College and began teaching guitar & other music subjects (music theory & history) at Ulster County Community College in Stone Ridge (now called SUNY Ulster). In the 1990s he began teaching the Classical Guitar Seminar at Bard and Greg is still the classical guitar instructor for their Music Dept. Greg also plays each year in the Faculty Showcase concerts and often presents recitals at these schools [see review, at bottom]
At present Greg teaches private lessons primarily at his home music studio in Woodstock, N.Y. He taught for over 20 at Allegro Music in Kingston, NY and then for several years at Barcone's Music, in Kingston, NY. He also teaches guitar in Ellenville at M.I.S.U. (the Musical Institute of Sullivan & Ulster counties).
Greg has been involved with a large variety of music groups throughout his career, from chamber music ensembles to rock bands
to orchestras. In the 1980s he played in a heavy-metal group called "Uncle Sam"
[Rock Band Photos] as well as in the
blues & originals "Ben Prevo Band."
In the 1990s he played Beatles & Eagles
songs in "The Beagles" and a variety of
guitars in a folk-pop-oldies group called "TimePieces" [Ensembles 2 Photos].
Lately Greg has played guitar & sung in
"Decoy" (2015), the "West Saugerties Boys"
(2016-18), and most recently (2017-2022) with "Fishbowl" [Rock Band photos].
Four recent musical ventures he's been involved with are: "Frets, Keys & Pipes" - a duo with singer/keyboard player Harvey Boyer, with a repertoire ranging from classical to rock 'n' roll, Tin Pan Alley and jazz; and with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, a quintet of male singers (from Ars Choralis), called "The Quarantinis," who've produced "virtual" performances of songs including Greg's re-write of The Beach Boys' "In My Room" titled "In My Zoom" and Greg's arrangement of The Beatles' "This Boy" (available on YouTube). They closed the show in an Ars Choralis fundraising concert on Oct. 22, 2022, and opened the show at Maverick Concerts' "Prelude" concert in June of 2023. In Sept. of 2021 Greg formed a new ensemble, the Mid-Hudson Classical Guitar Quartet, with Russ Austin, Maureen Newman and Richard Udell.
Their repertoire consists of arrangements
by Greg of guitar duo, trio & quartet music from the Renaissance to the present
[see Ensembles photos] And in the last few years Greg has joined forces with singer/guitarist Wayne Simpson forming a duo (that can expand to full band) devoted to blues music, classic and contemporary; the act is called "Coulomb Blue."
A Full Life of Music
A Full Life of Music
In the course of his performing career Greg has played electric guitar, steel-string & nylon-string guitars, and banjo in many musical theater productions including "The Three-Penny Opera" "Tommy" "Little Shop of Horrors" [pit-orchestra photo above] "Footloose" "The Sound of Music" "The Marvelous Wonderettes" "Evita"
"8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s"
"Honky Tonk Laundromat" "Fame"
"Tuck Everlasting" "Mamma Mia" "Spamalot" "Always . . . Patsy Cline" and "The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical"
in productions by Shadowland Stages, Golden Stone, Stissing Theatre Guild,
Woodstock Playhouse, Center for the Performing Arts at Rhinebeck and others.
As a classical guitarist Greg has been a
member of several chamber music ensembles, including the Arabesque Trio (flute, guitar & bassoon; formerly: Trio Con Brio), the Catskill Mountain Renaissance Consort (recorders,
viola da gamba, guitar & hand percussion),
Cantilena (flute & guitar; formerly: Interlude), and the SAGAD Trio (viola, guitar & cello).
Greg's talents as an arranger -- taking music originally intended for one instrument or ensemble and creatively recasting it in a new setting -- have produced most of the repertoire of these groups. [see Ensembles 1 & 2 photos]
Years ago he published through Music Arts Graphics [see edition, below center]; now his GDG Editions -- music for solo guitar & guitar in ensemble -- are available through this website.
With the Arabesque Trio he has recorded
a CD of music by Debussy, Bach, Faure,
Mozart, Granados, Handel, Joplin, Ligeti,
de Falla, Bartok & Lennon/McCartney
titled "Reverie." Available from this website.
For further information on all these ensembles & bands see the Repertoire, Programs, Wedding Music, Editions and Photos sections of this website
And many people in the Hudson Valley fondly remember his 15+ years providing live
classical guitar music on weekends at
Joshua's Cafe in Woodstock.
Greg has played over the years with many of the best instrumentalists and singers in the Hudson Valley: violinists Carole Cowan
and Akiko Kamigawara, cellists Susan
Seligman, Ling Kwan & Jean Vilkelis, violist Anastasia Solberg, flutists Marcia Gates, Pauline
Mancuso, Lynn Peck, Sarah Plant, Melissa
Sweet and Marisa Trees, oboist Joel Evans,
clarinetists Tony Penz and Kay Sutka,
classical guitarists Terry Champlin & Helen Avakian, David Temple and Richard Udell,
fiddle & guitar duo Jay Ungar & Molly Mason,
and singers Harvey Boyer, Kimberly Kahan, Cecelia Keehn, Jonell Mosser, Anita Shamansky,
and Danielle Woerner, among others.
In the 1990s Greg was a member of the
early music acapella group Woodstock Renaissance, and he has sung (bass)
with Ars Choralis since the 1990s
[With Chorus photos]; he is currently that organization's president too. He frequently accompanies them in music that involves various types of guitars, and has arranged a number of songs for them: several Beatles songs, The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," Springsteen's "American Land," and an ambitious setting of "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" (premiered in 2014). The chorus has gone on tour to Europe several times in the 21st century, always with Greg & his guitar!
Greg also did the instrumental music arrangements for Ars Choralis' "Music in Desperate Times" program which they performed in NYC's Cathedral of St. John the Divine as well as their 2009 tour to Germany [see with Chorus photos].
A Full Life of Music
Greg's also been the curator of
Ars Choralis' "Artist Within" series of
concerts at the Sheeley House in
High Falls, NY, including Valentine's
Day-themed shows [other Shows photos],
a folk "jambouree," the "Just For The
Fun Of It!" show [other Shows photos]
several classical recitals, a Kung Fu
martial arts (Greg's hobby for 40+ years)
demonstration [photo above], 2017's "A Night In Argentina" and a 2022 variety show.
Interested in learning Kung Fu? Greg began training in the Chinese martial art in 1982
with sifu Eric Brugnoni, and then
with his teacher, sifu Wo Look.
With the death of Sifu Eric (also Greg's good friend) Greg now runs, with fellow assistant teacher Steve Saguid, Woodstock Fu Jow Pai Kung Fu at Woodstock's Mountainview Studio on Monday evenings [see Real Life photos].
Greg also programmed & hosted WDST radio's innovative classical music show "Sunrise Concert" for over 25 years starting in the mid-1980s (and winning Hudson Valley Magazine's Best Classical Music show award for 1996); and for a number of years he reviewed classical CD releases for the Kingston Daily Freeman's "Preview" magazine.
More recently Greg helped form the
Mid-Hudson Classical Guitar Society,
presenting their first concert at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff in 2010, and closing
their 8th season in May 2017 with a full recital. He has also curated many of their theme programs (Guitar Music of the Supernatural, Guitar Homage/Tribute, Guitar music of France, ...of America) and arranged special pieces for concerts (like a movement from Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique for 4 guitars).
Greg directs & arranges music for SUNY Ulster's Guitar Ensemble [see Ensembles 1 photos]
& Mixed Instrument Ensemble,
producing new arrangements of music
ranging from Renaissance pavanes to Haydn piano sonatas, solo guitar pieces expanded,
and a variety of famous songs including:
"Tico Tico" "Miserlou" "Fever"
"Someone To Watch Over Me" "Shenandoah"
"Down On The Corner" "Stacy's Mom"
"Billie Jean" "Everybody Wants To
Rule The World" "Fragile" & several Beatles
medleys, and an original minimalist piece:
"Blip, Blop, Plink, Plunk, Ting & Bong"
Greg became involved with the
Woodstock Chamber Orchestra soon after graduating from NEC and returning to Woodstock (when that orchestra was forming); he played the popular Vivaldi Concerto in D major with them in 1980, and again performed that with them (they're now a Symphony orchestra) in Nov. of 2023.
Since then he has performed works for guitar & orchestra with them several times:
Herbert Haufrecht's "Divertimento" in 1985, Heitor Villa-Lobos' Guitar Concerto in 1993,
the "Fantasia para un Gentilhombre" by Joaquin Rodrigo in 1999 [poster at bottom],
and his famed "Concierto de Aranjuez" in 2004 and again in January of 2018 [see poster & photo below]. In the fall of 2018 the orchestra became the Woodstock Symphony Orchestra.
Greg has served as president of the WCO
since 1995, seeing the orchestra through several Conductor Searches, and he's organized & played in numerous fundraising concerts for the WCO over the years. After 29 years as president of the Board of Directors, Greg found a suitable replacement for that position for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Greg also played with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic in their "New Wave" concerts in the 1990s, backing Sterling Morrison of The Velvet Underground, and providing support for singer Natalie Merchant. One of his toughest musical challenges was negotiating the guitar part for Frank Zappa's "Alien Orifice" with the HVP when no other guitarist around could do it! Greg also played solo guitar as the
"opening act" for that concert. He's also opened for Leon Redbone and "3" (Emerson, Palmer & Berry) at The Chance in Poughkeepsie.
Greg has also played with other top
Hudson Valley music organizations
including Cappella Festiva,
the Mendelssohn Club,
the Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater
Company, the Pone Ensemble
and the Hudson Valley Recital Project.
[see Credits]
at a masterclass with Manuel Barrueco
(seated lower right) in 1983 at the Hartt
School of Music
one of several guitar transcriptions
Greg published in the 1990s
through Music Arts Graphics
promotional poster for performing
Rodrigo's "Fantasia para un Gentilhombre"
with the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra in 1999
promotional poster for performing
Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez"
with the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, with music director Jonathan Handman, in 2018
promotional billboard for the
Rodrigo "Concierto de Aranjuez"
concert with the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, in January of 2018
Testimonials
a note of appreciation from SUNY New Paltz president Alice Chandler (1993)
a grateful student's note of thanks
as she heads off to college
appreciative clients of a wedding event
thank-you note from music director Alec Sisco for playing a show in 2022
a 2023 note of thanks from the music director and personnel director at the Woodstock Playhouse
professional credits
A list of professional musicians I am proud to have played with:
Mike Aiese: bass guitarist, double bassist (Shadowland)
Russ Austin: classical guitarist (MidHudson Classical Guitar Quartet)
Helen Avakian: classical guitarist
Stephanie Backofen: classical singer
Larry Balestra: drummer (Shadowland)
John Barath: keyboards, trumpeter, music director
Andrew Barrese: percussionist
Ben Basile: bass guitarist (Fishbowl)
Ed Baxter: mandolinist (TimePieces)
Dennis Bisoglio: drummer (Shadowland)
Bob Boardman: saxophonist (Ben Prevo Band)
Harvey Boyer: singer, saxophonist & keyboards-player (Fishbowl, Frets Keys & Pipes, Ars Choralis)
*Melissa Brown: bassoonist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Rennie Cantine: electric guitarist
Richard Carr: violinist
Paul Chambers: percussionist/drummer
Terry Champlin: classical guitarist, composer
Tina Ciarlante: popular singer (TimePieces)
Tom Conroy: keyboards-player, music director (Shadowland)
Tony Coretto: classical singer, pianist (The Quarantinis, Ars Choralis)
Carole Cowan: violinist
Laurel (Herdman) Cross: popular singer (Ars Choralis)
Lynne Cunningham: flutist
Donald Dales: pianist
Jan Evers Davies: classical singer
Stan Davis: recorder-player (Catskill Mt. Renaissance Consort)
Michael Desisto: bass guitarist (Woodstock Playhouse, Stissing Theatre Guild)
Mary Dietrich: classical singer
John Dirac: classical guitarist
Carlo DiRosa: double bassist
Marilyn Dizon: music director
Paul Duffy: keyboards-player (Shadowland)
Chris Earley: marimba-player
Chris Eberle: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
John Esposito: jazz pianist
Michael Esposito: bass guitarist (The Beagles)
Joel Evans: oboist
Diane Fedora: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
Harvey Feldman: bassoonist (Trio Con Brio)
Robert Felstein: pianist, musical theater director (Shadowland)
Randy Craig Fleisher: conductor (Hudson Valley Philharmonic)
Luis Garcia-Renart: cellist, conductor (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Marcia Gates: flutist (Pone Ensemble)
Peter Gehres: trumpeter (Woodstock Playhouse)
Megan Gugliotta: fiddler (Shadowland)
John Gullo: singer & electric guitarist (Decoy)
Philip Rainbow Hale: keyboards-player, musical theater director (Shadowland)
Ryan Hall: violist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Mike Haller: folk/classical singer & guitarist (Ars Choralis, The Quarantinis)
Sheila Hamilton: flutist
Mike Harelick: folk singer & guitarist (TimePieces)
Ron Harsch: drummer (Shadowland)
Kelvin Hill: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
Barbara Hardgrave: classical singer
Maggie Hollenbeck: keyboards-player, musical theater director (Shadowland)
Michael Holober: jazz pianist
Melody Huffer: bassoonist (Trio Con Brio)
Bruce Jackson: double bassist
Dennis Jones: drummer (Golden Stone Productions)
Kimberly Kahan: classical singer
Akiko Kamigawara: violinist
Cecelia Keehn: classical singer
Tom Keehn: classical singer, trombonist
Cori Cable Kidder: musical theater singer (Shadowland)
John Knight: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
Nanette Koch: cellist (Trio Con Brio)
Ling Kwan: cellist
David Kwiecinski: classical guitarist (Mid- Hudson Classical Guitar Society)
Art Labgriola: pedal-steel guitar
Briana Lehman: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
Mary Leonard: recorder-player (Catskill Mt. Renaissance Consort)
Herb Levine: classical guitarist
Karen Levine: percussionist (Catskill Mt. Renaissance Consort)
Nicole Levine: clarinetist
Randy Loder: keyboards-player, music director
Savia London: rock singer (Decoy)
Noach Lundgren: bass guitarist (Shadowland)
Cornelia MacGyver: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
Bryce Mainieri: rock singer & electric guitarist (Uncle Sam)
Laura Majestic: harpist
Gilles Malkine: folk singer, fiddler
Paul Maloney: bass guitarist (The Beagles)
Pauline Mancuso: flutist
Amy (West) Martin: classical & popular singer (Ars Choralis)
Molly Mason: guitarist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Tom McCoy: pianist, music theater director (Bannerman Island)
Francis Mejia: bass guitarist (Decoy)
Sevan Melikyan: drummer (Fishbowl)
Natalie Merchant: pop singer (Hudson Valley Philharmonic)
Nicole Minielli: classical singer
Kitty Montgomery: classical singer
Jonell Mosser: gospel singer (Ars Choralis)
Rob Murphy: violinist
Jack Nelson: rock singer (The Beagles)
Phil Nestor: drummer (Shadowland)
Maureen Newman: classical guitarist (MidHudson Classical Guitar Quartet)
Carla Newsome: clarinetist (Woodstock Playhouse, Stissing Theatre Guild))
Jim Noecker: rock & classical singer, piano & keyboards-player (Decoy, Ars Choralis, The Quarantinis)
Yameil Nunez: rock singer (Fishbowl)
Daniel Palladino: drummer
Kenny Palladino: guitarist, bass guitarist
Dewi Pangaribuan: classical singer
Randi Parker: trumpeter
Tony Parker: drummer (Ben Prevo Band)
Lynn Peck: flutist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, Ars Choralis)
Samm Pedneault: trombonist (Woodstock Playhouse)
*Tony Penz: clarinetist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Barbara Pickhardt: pianist, conductor (Ars Choralis)
Erica Pickhardt: cellist (Ars Choralis)
Sue Pilla: flutist
Sarah Plant: flutist
Ben Prevo: electric guitarist & rock singer (Ben Prevo Band)
Max Rainwater: fiddler (Shadowland)
Mike Ralff: double bassist & bass guitarist (TimePieces)
Sarah Restifo: flutist
Charlie Robitaille: classical guitarist (Mid- Hudson Classical Guitar Society)
Ross Rogers: drummer
Elisabeth Romano: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
Eric Roth: classical guitarist (Mid-Hudson Classical Guitar Society)
Barbara Rizek-McGuckin: flutist (Arabesque Trio)
*Allison Rubin: oboist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Nicole Ryan: rock singer (Fishbowl)
Karen Sahulka: viola da gamba-player (Catskill Mt. Renaissance Consort)
JoAnne Schubert: pianist (Ars Choralis)
Paul Schubert: keyboards
Dorraine Scofield: popular singer (Ars Choralis)
Susan Seligman: cellist
Anita Shamansky: classical singer
Andrea Shaut: pianist (Hudson Valley Recital Project, Ars Choralis)
Bob Shaut: saxophonist (Hudson Valley Recital Project, Ars Choralis)
Steve Siktberg: electric guitarist (Stissing Theatre Guild)
Wayne Simpson: bass guitarist (West Saugerties Boys)
Alec Sisco: keyboards-player, musical theater director (Stissing Theatre Guild)
Chuck Snyder: classical & popular singer (Ars Choralis & The Quarantinis)
Anastasia Solberg: violist (SAGAD Trio)
Cush Solberg: cellist (SAGAD Trio)
David Spring: keyboards-player, saxophonist & musical theater director (Decoy)
Eliott Steele: keyboards-player (Fishbowl)
Chuck Stevens: drummer (West Saugerties Boys)
Susan Parkyn Strauser: classical singer
James Sullivan: banjo-player (Ars Choralis)
Kay Sutka: clarinetist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Melissa Sweet: flutist (Cantilena)
Sean Tarleton: bass guitarist
David Temple: classical guitarist (Mid- Hudson Classical Guitar Society)
Robert Tomasulo: keyboards-player, musical theater director (Woodstock Playhouse)
*Marisa Trees: flutist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, Ars Choralis)
Rob Turner: cellist, rock singer & electric guitarist (The Beagles, West Saugerties Boys)
Kristen Tuttman: pianist (Ars Choralis)
Jay Ungar: fiddler (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Richard Udell: classical guitarist (MidHudson Classical Guitar Quartet)
Jim Ulrich: folk/classical singer (Ars Choralis, The Quarantinis)
Matt Ulrich: classical singer (Ars Choralis, The Quarantinis)
Craig Vandewater: bassoonist
John Vette: double bassist (TimePieces)
Jean Vilkelis: cellist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Niels Waller: classical guitarist (Parnassus Guitar Duo)
Willeta Warburg: pianist (Woodstock Chamber Orchestra)
Fred Mainieri-Waring: drummer (Uncle Sam, The Beagles, Decoy)
Glenn West: bassoonist (Arabesque Trio)
Jim Wegrzyn: bass guitarist (Decoy, Fishbowl)
Adam Widoff: bass guitarist
Lori Willoughby: bassoonist (Trio Con Brio)
David Winograd: double bassist (Shadowland)
Danielle Woerner: classical singer
Liam Wood: classical guitarist (Mid-Hudson Classical Guitar Society)
T. Xiques: drummer
* pictured at a Woodstock Chamber Orchestra benefit chamber music concert at Manor Lake (2010)
Institutions where I have taught:
Allegro Music, Kingston, NY
Barcone's Music Center, Kingston, NY
Music Dept. & Credit-Free Continuing Education Dept. at SUNY Ulster
(aka Ulster County Community College), Stone Ridge, NY
Walkill, Shawangunk & Eastern Correctional Facilities (through U.C.C.C.)
Music Dept. at SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, NY
Music Dept. & Prep Divison at Bard College, Annandale, NY
Musical Institute of Sullivan & Ulster counties (MISU), Ellenville, NY
Ellenville High School (Performing Arts Academy), Ellenville, NY
Recording credits:
NRS, Catskill, NY -- with The Arabesque Trio (2001-2003)
Area 52 Studios, Mt. Marion, NY -- with Ars Choralis (2022)
The Clubhouse, Rhinebeck, NY -- with Ars Choralis (2009)
Utopia, Bearsville, NY -- with Ars Choralis (1999)
Dreamland, West Hurley, NY -- with Uncle Sam (1987)
Photography credits:
Daphne Weld Nichols/Synergism (GD & Parnassus Duo), Dion Ogust (GD), Dan Chidester, Bob Haines for Daily Freeman (GD), Michael Gold (GD), Howard Herman (GD & Akiko Kamigawara), Phil Book, Tania Barriklo (Ars Choralis), Santino Rovereto, Cynthia del Ponte (Cantilena), Chris Johnston (Arabesque Trio), Ed Surowitz (TimePieces)
Publications:
articles:
live music reviews -- Woodstock Times
CD reviews -- "Instant Classics" column for Kingston Daily Freeman's "Preview" Magazine (1991-1994)
Segovia reissued LP review -- Journal of the Association For Recorded Sound Collections (1978)
articles on guitar/lute -- "The Essential Listening Companion to Classical Music" (Third Ear - 2003)
music:
"Theme, Variations and Fugue" by Herbert Haufrecht, fingering by GD, published by Bourne Co.
"Paduana" by Isaias Reusner, transcribed by GD, published by Music Arts Graphics
"Four Mazurkas, Op. 17" by Frederic Chopin, transcribed by GD, published by Music Arts Graphics
Venues & Organizations:
concert series:
Lunch ’n’ Listen, Poughkeepsie
Pacem In Terris, Warwick
Shawangunk Chamber Music Series, Pine Bush
"Clifftop Concerts" at Lake Minnewaska
Philipstown Concerts, Cold Spring
Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society
Andes Musical Moments, Andes
Mid-Hudson Classical Guitar Society, Rhinebeck
John Street Jam, Saugerties
“Fascinating Rhythms” Series, Kleinert Gallery, Woodstock
Cami Hall, New York City
“Live at the Library,” Woodstock Library
Maverick Concerts, open house Prelude concert, Woodstock
organizations:
The Pone Ensemble
New Paltz Summer Repertory Theatre
Golden Stone Productions
Hudson Valley Classical Guitar Society
Shadowland Stages Theater
Mid-Hudson Women’s Chorus
New York Conservatory of the Arts Theater Company
Rhinebeck Theatre Society
Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company
Ars Choralis
Mid-Hudson Classical Guitar Society
Woodstock Chamber Orchestra
Hudson Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
Cappella Festiva
Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society
Hudson Valley Recital Project
Rondout Valley High School
Cairo-Durham High School
libraries:
Ellenville Public Library
Olive Free Library, West Shokan
Kinderhook Memorial Library, Kinderhook
Woodstock Library
Morton Library, Rhinecliff
churches:
Holy Cross Church, Kingston
Cragsmoor Stone Church, Cragsmoor
Huguenot Church, New Paltz
Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie
Walkill Reformed Church
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Kingston
St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, West Hurley
Old Dutch Church, Kingston
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Red Hook
Reformed Church of Saugerties
Christ Episcopal Church, Greenville
Overlook Methodist Church, Woodstock
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellenville
St. James Church, Hyde Park
Christ Lutheran Church, Woodstock
First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Woodstock
Gardiner Reformed Church, Gardiner
St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, Hyde Park
New Paltz Methodist Church, New Paltz
Hyde Park Reformed Church, Hyde Park
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie
Pointe of Praise, Kingston
historic sites:
Roosevelt - Vanderbilt National Historic Site, Hyde Park
S. F. B. Morse State Historic Site, Poughkeepsie
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Liberty
The Senate House Historic Site, Kingston
schools:
Dutchess County Community College (DCCC), Dutchess Hall, Poughkeepsie
Music Institute of Sullivan & Ulster counties (MISU), Ellenville
Vassar College, Skinner Hall, Poughkeepsie
Bard College: Blum Hall, Bard Hall, Chapel, Olin Hall
SUNY Ulster, Quimby Theater
McCarter Theatre, Princeton, NJ
SUNY New Paltz: Shepard Recital Hall, Studley Hall, McKenna Theatre, Parker Theatre
New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA
Perkins School For the Blind, Worcester, MA
other:
Mohonk Mt. House, New Paltz
Barnes & Nobles, Ulster
Stamell String Instruments, Poughkeepsie
RhinebeckAtHome at Brookmeade, Rhinebeck
Mills Mansion, Staatsburg
Woodstock Artist Association, Woodstock
The Sheeley House B&B, High Falls
Maverick Concert Hall (“Prelude” programs), Woodstock
Pucker-Safrai Gallery, Boston, MA
Kleinert Gallery, Woodstock
The Elmendorff Inn, Red Hook
Byrdcliffe Theatre / Woodstock Guild
The Fountains at Millbrook
Solway House, Saugerties
Rosendale Street Festival, Rosendale
Katsbaan Art Center, Tivoli
Tri-Arts at Sharon Playhouse, Connecticut
Creative Music Studios, West Hurley
Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Fair, New Paltz
Opus 40, Saugerties
Comeau House, Woodstock
The Chance, Poughkeepsie
Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC), Kingston
Pine Ridge Dude Ranch, Kerhonkson
Arts Society of Kingston (ASK)
The Howland Center, Beacon
Woodstock Playhouse, Woodstock
Unison Arts, New Paltz
Mountain View Studio, Woodstock
“Manor Lake,” Kingston
Hebrew Tabernacle of Washington Heights
Onteora Mountain House, Boiceville
clubs, bars & restaurants:
The Bear Cafe, Woodstock
Darby O'Gill's, Hyde Park
Enchanted Cafe, Red Hook
High Falls Cafe, High Falls
Ivan's at Rondout Golf Course, Accord
Joshua's, Woodstock
Rock de Casbah, Saugerties
The Joyous Lake, Woodstock
Hagar's Harbor, Athens
La Puerta Azul, Millbrook
Lydia's, Stone Ridge
Ramada Inn, Newburgh
Benny's Pizza, Marbletown
The Rustic Wheelhouse, Chester
Tinker Street Cafe, Woodstock
Uncle Willy's Lounge, Kingston
Wok & Roll, Woodstock
Reviews
Solo recitals
“This serious, accomplished artist capped the evening with a superb performance [of Barrios’ La Catedral] that left us satisfied as at the end of a fine meal. Greg Dinger is a young man with tremendous sensitivity and touch on the classical guitar. Don’t miss his playing. You’ll thank yourself for it.”
Allan Duane - Daily Freeman (1981)
“Mr Dinger made the most of [Scarlatti on the guitar], and the performance captured the inventinveness and rhythmic verve of the music very effectively. Clear textures and sustained momentum brought particular vigor to the fast movements. The Bach had exciting, demanding tempos … and the pacing of the Chaconne was well-planned. The Malats encore also received a lively assured performance.”
Lawrence Kramer - Taconic Newspapers (1982)
“…A very effective and worthwhile recital. Manuel Ponce’s Twelve Preludes are engaging little pieces, covering a wide ranger of styles from quasi-Bach to Mexican folklore. [Dinger’s] playing ha lovely tone (the guitar sounded particularly good in the church), good rhythmic impulse, and some very beautiful phrasing. [Albeniz’ Asturias] was exciting and dazzling in its outer sections with good lyrical contrast in the center. The Bach [Lute Suite No. 3] was respectful of Baroque conventions, yet outgoing and expressive. Giuliani’s Variations on a Theme by Handel …was colorful, with a great deal of rapid, accurate playing and hardly a dropped note. …The music of Leo Brouwer, a Cuban guitarist who writes some of the most advanced music being composed for this instrument … brought out the most assuredly virtuosic playing of the recital. Elogio de la Danza and Canticum were played with very strong projection, and then La Espiral Eterna had me on the edge of my seat, although I know the piece well. ”
Leslie Gerber - Woodstock Times (1980)
“GUITAR RENDERS A POETIC TOUCH
…[Dinger] plays with introspection and marked poetic touch. …his phrasing is sure and he can extract surprisingly effective color contrasts from his instrument. He tossed [Turina’s Fandanguillo] off with complete confidence. This reviewer has heard [these Barrios waltzes] performed by artists of international renown and it is a pleasure to report that Dinger’s rendition of these gems did not suffer at all in comparison.”
Nathan Scheib - Daily Freeman (1981)
“In Bach’s 4th Lute Suite the playing was full of character. …It’s a pleasure to hear Greg play Baroque music with embellished repeats, a most satisfying performance practice rarely observed today. …[Barrios’] Estudio de Concierto is a virtuoso treat, and it received a virtuoso performance. Even more exciting is the Dance Maxixe … his playing was almost as dazzling as that of John Williams in a notable recording. I was impressed with the artistry of this recital and pleased with the performers artistic growth as it continues.”
Leslie Gerber - Woodstock Times (1985)
“Dinger’s musical ability was visibly clear throughout the performance …the passion and emotion he expressed was evident and enchanting. It truly was something special to watch the dedication and emotion with which he played.”
Jacob Rothberger - The Oracle (1991)
“STRUMMING TO PERFECTION
Gregory Dinger’s acoustic guitar playing kept the packed audience at Studley Theater on Tues. Feb. 26 in awe. There was no singing and no elaborate light, just Dinger sitting on a stool with his guitar playing every note with style and grace. His inspiring love for these composers was evident throughout the three-page handout on their history that was given to the audience along with the program as they walked in. He showcased these composers enduring vision with his own creative style and played each song as if he were telling a story. The fast intricate pickings were playful and powerful; they invigorated and brought joy to the audience. The serene slow notes wailing sorrowfully brought a whole wave of hating emotions to everyone. Dinger sitting with his handmade instrument in hand displayed the effortless beauty that can be created through a guitar.”
Maritza Norr - The Oracle (2002)
Chamber music
praise for The Arabesque Trio:
"[I celebrate the] musicianship, virtuosity and voicing of each player...in what just might become
the next traditional ‘classic’ combo. A musically fastidious performance.”
Kitty Montgomery - Kingston Freeman (1992)
“...A wide and varied dynamic range, virtuosity and musical expressiveness. ...[Dinger's] arrangements display intelligent, musical decisions... The individuals blend into a single organism. They are three terrific instrumentalists.”
Howard Vogel - Woodstock Times (1999)
Concerto
"...Dinger (an old friend of mine) got through the [Concierto de Aranjuez] unscathed, and his playing was gratifyingly expressive. He and WCO conductor Jonathan Handman gave us a performance with good coordination, splendidly precise ensemble, and uncommonly good balance."
Leslie Gerber, Woodstock Times (2018)
“…[Dinger’s] playing was first-rate [in the Villa-Lobos Guitar Concerto]. He fulfilled every technical challenge this piece offered and shaped the music with rhythmic elasticity and dynamic variation. Conductor [Luis Garcia-Renart], soloist, and orchestra were in tune with each other’s feeling and made of this work, written for Andres Segovia in 1951, a tour de force of expressive playing.”
Howard Vogel - Woodstock Times (1993)
“[In Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez] Dinger’s transparent articulations, evocative without rambling discursive from the ensemble …let profound emotion wake among us as our own, with the orchestra achieving fusions surpassing timed synchronization.”
Kitty Montgomery - Daily Freeman (2004)
“Gregory Dinger cast his own kind of spell in his guitar solo with the orchestra, [the] Fantasia para un Gentilhombre by Joaquin Rodrigo. Dinger evoked the mood of each of the four parts of the work, with the orchestra under Garcia-Renaat also flawless and compelling in their roles. Whether the mood was stately, or flaring in a dance patter, Dinger and the orchestra transported the audience to the Spain of everyone’s imagination — and perhaps reality. This was a perfect match between soloist and orchestra.”
Marianne Darrow - Ulster County Townsman (1999)