NHS Student To Present Classical Guitar Recital Jan. 8

By Eliza Hallabeck

Newtown High School Junior Yossi Kohrman-Glaser will perform in a classical guitar recital on Sunday, January 8, at 2 pm, at St John’s Episcopal Church in Sandy Hook as the culmination to his Junior/Senior Project course.

“I wanted an opportunity to share classical guitar with the community,” said Yossi, who said the recital came together after he learned about the high school’s Junior/Senior Project course, which allows students to choose a topic to study and establish a project for the topic.

The event is free to the public, and Yossi said he is encouraging all who attend to bring nonperishable food donations for the FAITH Food Pantry, located in the basement of St John’s Episcopal Church.

Yossi is one of multiple students taking the course this semester, and he said he is hoping for more than 100 people to attend the event.

After signing up for the Junior/Senior Project course, Yossi said Andrew LaFreniere, a teacher at the Suzuki Talent Education School in Sandy Hook, agreed to be his mentor for the project. Each student that completes a Junior/Senior Project also must have a supervising advisor for the project.

The 16-year-old has been playing guitar since he was 5.

The recital, Yossi said this week, was created based on the concept of college seniors performing recitals as the end product of their studies. Yossi also promised his recital has been planned to offer a coherent mix of classical music that will “build up” as the event unfolds.

“I’ve been practicing every single day, just this music, for at least an hour,” said Yossi, about the upcoming recital.

Along with studying classical guitar with Mr LaFreniere at the Suzuki Talent Education School, Yossi has also studied with nationally acclaimed performing artist Jason Vieaux, according to the high school student.

Yossi also took first place in the 2009 Guitar Foundation of America’s International Youth Competition, and at 12 years old he was a soloist with the Danbury Symphony Orchestra. Yossi has also been playing piano since he was 4 years old, and studies piano with Patricia Lanes.

While Yossi has not yet decided which colleges he hopes to attend, he said, “Wherever I go I will definitely want to look at music.” He is also interested in studying physics.

In setting up his classical guitar recital, Yossi said NHS Junior/Senior Project course teachers Peg Ragaini, Angela Pennucci, and Kristen Hardy have been helpful. He also said his parents have “been key” to his study of classical guitar.

In the event of inclement weather, call 203-426-3112 to verify the recital will be held on Sunday, January 8. A snow date of Sunday, January 15 is scheduled if needed.