Official Website
Christopher
Parkening
Breaking news!
Pepperdine University “Bible Lecture Series” presents
“An Evening with Christopher Parkening”
Wednesday, May 1, 9:00 p.m., Elkins Auditorium
Christopher Parkening, Distinguished Professor of Music at Pepperdine University, will give his life story and personal Christian testimony at this year’s popular, “Bible Lecture Series.”
A brief film of Mr. Parkening’s artistry and career will be shown at the beginning of the lecture and there will be a brief time of Q&A at the conclusion, with a book and CD signing following. For more information, visit the Bible Lectures website.
Parkening Announces Retirement from Concert Stage
In July, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina, the renowned American classical guitarist Christopher Parkening was inducted into the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) "Hall of Fame" and given their "Artistic Achievement Award." This prestigious award is given to "performers who have made monumental contributions to the development of the art and life of the classical guitar."
Mr Parkening also used this occasion to make this notable announcement: "As I am gathered with you to celebrate the classical guitar, I have chosen this time and place to share with you what for me is a rather difficult announcement. After nearly five decades as a concert guitarist, the time has come for me to step away from the concert stage.
“Some of you know that for these past few years I have had some physical issues resulting in numerous back surgeries. At this point in my life, I would like to focus more on my family and on my commitment to teaching my students at Pepperdine University and in master classes throughout the country, sharing my insights and experiences—both musical and personal—as I mentor young artists.
“I am grateful to all of those who have had important roles in my life and career. Through the years I have tried to play my guitar for the purpose as defined by J. S. Bach who said, ‘Soli Deo Gloria,’ ‘To God alone the glory.’”
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To see a complete listing of , and details about all method books, music folios, and a DVD from the Hal Leonard Corporation, click here.
Christopher Parkening is ranked as one of the world’s preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar. The Washington Post cited, he is “the leading guitar virtuoso of our day combining profound musical insight with complete technical mastery of his instrument,” and The Los Angeles Times wrote, “Parkening is considered America’s reigning classical guitarist, carrying the torch of his mentor, the late Andrés Segovia.” The great Spanish guitarist Segovia proclaimed that “Christopher Parkening is a great artist—he is one of the most brilliant guitarists in the world.”
Christopher has performed around the world, including such prestigious places as Carnegie Hall and the White House. His television appearances include the Grammy® Awards, The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and 20/20. He has recorded 20 albums, and earned two Grammy® nominations in the category of “Best Classical Recording.” He recently received the University Musical Society's "Distinguished Artist Award" for 2003 at the Ford Honors Program. He founded the classical guitar department at Pepperdine University, and holds the Christopher Parkening Chair in Classical Guitar as Distinguished Professor of Music.
Christopher is also a world class fly fishing and casting champion who has won the International Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament (the “Wimbledon” of fly fishing) in the Florida Keys. But at the heart of his dedication to performance, recording and teaching is a deep commitment to Jesus Christ.
Our
thanks to Bell & Associates
for hosting Mr. Parkening's web site.