Shredding to Stravinsky

UB's Spring and Fall Fests customarily fill venues with both campus crowds and local youngsters. Recent efforts have shown that trying to satisfy both groups can result in lackluster concerts. Past performers Hoobastank and Godsmack have received criticism as dissatisfying compromises.

For those who prefer calmer and more intricate music, a more pleasurable campus concert experience can be had with Jason Vieaux. The Buffalo-born guitarist presents popular classical music in collection with contemporary pieces at Lippes Concert Hall at 8 p.m. Saturday.

His music is placid but he has taste for both sides of the musical spectrum. He is the kind of man who can enjoy both Stravinsky and Van Halen.

"Response is part of the pop music package. It's a different aesthetic experience," Vieaux said. "Classical music is listened to rather than reacted to. It's not a spectacle."

Jason Vieaux has been crafting his skill since the age of eight when he lived in Amherst. At the age of 17 he moved away to study guitar at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he is now the Head of the Guitar Department. In 1992, he earned first place in the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition and was the youngest person ever to win the prestigious honor.

"Classical music has stood the test of time. That's the definition (of classical)," he said. "The reason Beethoven is still so popular is because even after 200 years, his music is still of some the highest quality that you can listen to. Perhaps in 150 years from now the Beatles will be considered classical music. They have a timeless quality to them."

Even though Vieaux is extremely passionate about the past, he acknowledges the importance of more modern composers and songwriters. His overwhelming love for all types of music undoubtedly contributes to his success.

"When it comes to playing newer music, part of my responsibility as a classical musician is to get out other music that is part of our instruments. But when it comes to rock and roll, I like it rougher. I think Slash is a great rock guitarist. He really had a good background in the blues," Vieaux said.

The classical guitarist also admitted to being into the kind of rock that would usually never be associated with a man of such refined tastes.

"I'm into numbskull music like Korn. The first record they did was so brutal and in-your-face. I grew up adoring the Police, especially Stewart Copeland's drumming patterns," he said.

It is worth noting that Copeland was a man that ended up rejecting pop to become a score composer - a profession slightly more akin to that of a classical musician.

In addition to the solo recital that he will be giving on Saturday, Vieaux will also be part of a unique reading session that is open to the public on Tuesday.

"It's really an unusual thing for them to ask me to do," he said. "It's more like a workshop or a seminar in composition."

The musician will also be performing a pair of Vivaldi concerti for guitar accompanied by UB's professional chamber orchestra, the Slee Sinfionetta, at 8 p.m. This event will take place in Baird Recital Hall.

Vieaux, though a distinguished and acclaimed performer, does not consider himself to be a composer quite yet.

"I've composed a little, but I wouldn't call myself a composer. The harp and guitar are the hardest instruments to compose for. It's not time for me yet to compose, but maybe someday in the future it will happen," he said.

Vieaux will be performing at Lippes Concert Hall on Saturday night and will be hold the reading session on Tuesday. Tickets for the solo recital and the Sinfionetta will be $9 for students and faculty, and $12 general admission.