The Musical Moments recital series at the Geneva Public Library will feature classical guitarist Erik Gibelyou on Friday, September 13, starting at 7:30 p.m. in the library's Reading Room.  The concert is free and open to the public.  

The program is titled "Dancing on Six Strings" featuring compositions from Bach to bossa nova.  This musical journey presents works inspired by dance across several centuries from Europe and Latin America.

Dr. Erik Gibelyou is a guitar instructor and performing artist living in Geneva, New York. He believes that music enhances life through its powers of expression, benefits to mental health, and ability to grow a community. His solo classical guitar recitals present thematic programs played with superb technique and enriched by thoughtful commentary. 

Erik’s journey with guitar began in his middle school rock band in mid-Michigan. He spent countless hours playing electric guitar in his bedroom and hosted high-decibel band rehearsals in his family’s garage. Erik fell in love with classical guitar thanks to an inspirational music professor at Saginaw Valley State University, thus launching his career in higher education. This brought him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned master’s degrees in Guitar Performance and Music Theory. Erik later arrived at the Eastman School of Music to earn his doctoral degree and Performer’s Certificate, studying guitar with Nicholas Goluses and lute with Paul O’Dette. Erik went on to teach guitar, music theory, and music history courses at Saginaw Valley State University and Delta College.

Erik has performed and given scholarly presentations at the Dublin Guitar Symposium, Michigan Classical Guitar Workshop, International Society of Bassists Convention, and The 21^st Century Guitar conference. Erik served as Director of Outreach for OSSIA New Music, a student-led organization at Eastman, for whom he coordinated concerts in the community and frequently performed as electric guitarist. Erik founded the Sound Community Music Series, a monthly concert series in Midland, Michigan that features students and local professional musicians. 

Erik enjoys teaching guitar one-on-one and maintains an active private studio. He has taught at many community music schools, including The Hochstein School and the Kanack School of Musical Artistry, and he currently teaches guitar at the Harley School.

Musical Moments is possible thanks to sustaining financial gifts from Jane Crumlish, the Foundation for Geneva Public Library, and the efforts of volunteers. To find out more about volunteering, please visit our website at gplny.org.