Newman and Oltman Guitar Duo to perform two world premieres by composer João Luiz
at the New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes July 6, 2011

The celebrated Newman and Oltman Guitar Duo will perform at the New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes on Wednesday, July 6, 2011. The concert will feature two world premieres, Djavan’s Portrait and “Improvisations” on Luiz Bonfa, composed by João Luiz. The duo will also perform Motets by Brazilian composer Arthur Kampela as well as works by Moravec, Pierre-Petit, and Bellinati. The performance, held in the Mannes Concert Hall, will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the door for $25. Students/seniors. Call: (212) 580-0210

Newman and Oltman’s concert tours have taken them to world cultural capitals and premiere venues across five continents including performances at Carnegie Hall, Caramoor, the Grand Canyon, and aboard the Queen Elizabeth II. The duo has demonstrated extraordinary stylistic breadth in their collaborations with such diverse artists as composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops; violinist, Arnold Steinhardt; fiddler, Eileen Ivers and numerous string quartets including ETHEL, Calder, Daedalus and Turtle Island.

Highlights of this season include the world premiere of a concerto composed for them by composer and Bandoneon virtuoso, Daniel Binelli with the Orchestra of the Opera of Reims in June 2011. In addition to a recent performance with Clarice Assad, Newman and Oltman will join forces with violinist Tim Fain, noted for his work in the Academy Award winning movie, The Black Swan, for a program of works by classical and contemporary composers.

The duo’s latest CD, Music from Raritan River, which was hailed by Fanfare Magazine as “top notch” and “a winner all around” features a collection of world premieres commissioned by the duo over the past decade. Their artistry has also been captured on nearly a dozen other acclaimed recordings.

Recognized for their contributions to the world of music, Newman and Oltman have received grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chamber Music America, and other national and international organizations, including the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming.

In addition to founding and serving as artistic directors of the New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes, Michael Newman and Laura Oltman have served as ensemble-in-residence at Mannes College of Music since 1987. They also are the founders and artistic directors of the Raritan River Music Festival now in its 22nd year of presenting great new music in Central New Jersey.

For more information and hi-res images of the Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo, visit www.guitarduo.com.