Our annual New Years Event will be held January 21, 2024 at 2:00 at Evanston Public Library. We’re planning performances, a silent auction, and more. Stay tuned for more details here and at our Facebook page.
CCGS Fall 2023 Evaluated Recital
The Chicago Classical Guitar Society’s Fall 2023 Evaluated Recital will be held at 2pm on Sunday, November 5 at the Evanston Public Library Community Meeting Room, 1703 Orrington Avenue. Performers of all ages and levels will have the opportunity to receive written feedback from a panel of professional guitarists. Free admission for audience members.
🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉 CCGS Concert and Silent Auction
The Chicago Classical Guitar Society celebrates 2023 with a concert and silent auction at the Evanston Public Library Community Room, 1703 Orrington Avenue, on Sunday, January 29 at 2pm. Join us to hear local performers and guitar ensembles and to check out some great guitar-related auction items, including Segovia Series tickets, gift certificates, accessories, music, and CDs. Admission is free for CCGS members and $5 for nonmembers.
Fall Evaluated Recital 2022
Our Fall Evaluated Recital will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 16 at Evanston Public Library Community Meeting Room. Details will be posted here soon. This will be our first in-person Evaluated Recital in a while!
CCGS New Year’s Kickoff 2023
Welcome in the New Year with the Chicago Classical Guitar Society on Sunday, January 29 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for a fun-filled afternoon at the Community Meeting Room of Evanston Public Library. Details will be announced as we get closer to the event. Please save the date!
CCGS Online Event March 6, 2022
Jerry Enenstein, 1942–2021
The Chicago Classical Guitar Society is saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry Enenstein. Jerry was a CCGS board member since the 1970s. He served in numerous roles for CCGS, including Vice President and Treasurer, and was a regular attendee of Chicago guitar events. For a special tribute, here are remembrances from several of Jerry’s friends.
Richard Brune:
I first met Jerry after moving to Chicago in 1972, where Jerry was already very involved with the guitar society. He was a tireless volunteer who helped keep the flame of interest burning among enthusiasts throughout the decades with his selfless dedication to the details of running a volunteer organization. Thanks to his efforts and many other volunteers, Chicago was a key center for the classical guitar and its growth among the general public and Jerry’s legacy in this growth continues to the present. He will be gratefully remembered by guitar aficionados throughout Chicago.
Julie Goldberg:
I am so sad to hear of Jerry Enenstein’s passing. Jerry and his long-time partner Helen Gallagher were supporters of classical guitarists both developing and accomplished. I first met Jerry when I was a young student performing for the Chicago Classical Guitar Society Member Recitals. He kindly applauded and offered kind words for my still developing guitar playing. When I returned to Chicago after finishing my Master’s Degree in Cincinnati, Jerry and Hellen regularly attended my Chicago area performances, always listening intensely and providing thoughtful observations about the music and performance. I will miss talking with Jerry about all things guitar and bicycle riding (an interest we both shared) before concerts and during intermissions. I hope to be able to provide support and encouragement to other young guitarists the same way Jerry did for me.
Pamela Kimmel:
I met Jerry Enenstein in 1964 at the Old Town School of Folk Music where we both studied with Ray Tate. Jerry’s love of the guitar was obvious to those who knew him. He service to the Chicago Classical Guitar Society (and it’s earlier iteration, the Mid-America Classical Guitar Society) was a gift to our community. He worked tirelessly as treasurer, proof-read every issue of Chicago Guitar for over 10 years, and never missed a board meeting even when he started having serious health issues. Attending society concerts, I always looked forward to seeing Jerry and chatting a while during intermission. He always had a smile and a humorous comment or two to share. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Neil Mermelstein:
Jerry Enenstein passed away peacefully on April 13, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and COVID-19. He was 79 years old. Arrangements were made to donate his body to science, as Jerry wished. He had a love of classical guitar and a great sense of humor. Jerry was an active member of the Chicago Classical Guitar Society and served as treasurer, board member, and newsletter advisor for many years, handling the society finances, membership records, and mailing lists, tabulating the society’s 1989 membership survey, and helping out with other activities. He attended every available classical guitar concert (society-sponsored and not) until he physically couldn’t. He owned several guitars and an extensive collection of classical guitar recordings/albums. I first met Jerry at a concert or guitar society event in 1971, and we remained friends ever since. Sheri and I enjoyed knowing Jerry and will miss him.
Brian Torosian:
I first met Jerry at a CCGS concert at Northeastern Illinois University. Anne Waller encouraged her students to become involved with CCGS, and Jerry was volunteering at the membership table. I never imagined I would have the privilege of teaching at NEIU and being CCGS president years later. Jerry was a friend and supporter along the way. Like many Chicago guitarists, he was in the front row for my concerts, and offered many useful comments afterwards. In our board meetings, we often deferred to Jerry’s experience as a long-time board member and treasurer. He was a great help to me when I become president. Jerry was very sharp and had a quick wit, I always enjoyed talking and joking around with him. He was an avid bicyclist, and would often ride to our meetings. I thank Jerry for his friendship and all his work for the benefit of the classical guitar.
Anne Waller:
Jerry was involved in the Mid-America Guitar Society when first joined as a student in the early 1970’s. I got to know him better when I joined the board in 1978-79. Jerry was always a dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of the guitar and the Chicago Classical Guitar Society’s activities. He was always a voice of reason in our financial planning. He helped us set realistic goals, bringing a common sense perspective that helped us to stay afloat for many decades. We are all indebted to dedicated enthusiasts like Jerry who have helped to promote the guitar to a broader audience.
Spring 2021 Evaluated Recital
CCGS will host an online Evaluated Recital at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 13. Performers, from young students to advanced guitarists, will have the opportunity to receive feedback from a panel of three professional guitarists/teachers who will provide written comments. If you would like to perform on the program, or attend as a listener, please email info@chicagoclassicalguitarsociety.org for the Zoom link.
Recital Guidelines: Chicago-area guitarists are invited to perform one or two pieces, not exceeding eight minutes in total. Please email the performer’s name, the title and composer of the piece to be performed, and the name of the performer’s teacher. This is the first CCGS event in a few months, we hope to see you there!
Spring Evaluated Recital 2021
CCGS will have an online Evaluated Recital June 13, 2021 at 2:00. Details will be posted here and on our Facebook page.
Kick Off the New Year with CCGS
2019-20 Segovia Classical Guitar Series
Award-winning artists from around the globe showcase breathtaking artistry in an intimate venue at Northwestern University.
2019-20 season subscriptions are now available. Single tickets on sale Friday, August 9.
https://www.music.northwestern.edu/events/category/segovia-classical-guitar-series
Spring Evaluated Recital 2019
Our Spring Evaluated Recital will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 at Evanston Public Library Community Meeting Room, 1703 Orrington Ave. in Evanston. Performers, from young students to advanced guitarists, will have the opportunity to receive feedback from a panel of three professional guitarists/teachers who will provide written comments. If you would like to perform on the program, please email info@chicagoclassicalguitarsociety.org.
Recital Guidelines: We invite you, your friends, and family to attend as audience members. Admission is free for observers. Please note the following guidelines: Members of CCGS perform for free. A $12 fee is required of all others. (The $12 fee may be applied to membership dues on the day of this event). Each teacher may present a maximum of three students for the recital. Performers are limited to one or two pieces, not exceeding eight minutes in total. If you would like to assist or participate in CCGS Evaluated Recitals, please contact us at info@chicagoclassicalguitarsociety.org.
2018-19 Segovia Classical Guitar Series
Award-winning artists from around the globe showcase breathtaking artistry in an intimate venue.
2018-19 Subscriptions now on sale!
https://www.music.northwestern.edu/events/category/segovia-classical-guitar-series
Spring Evaluated Recital 2018
Our Spring Evaluated Recital will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 3 at Evanston Public Library Community Meeting Room, 1703 Orrington Ave. in Evanston. Performers, from young students to advanced guitarists, will have the opportunity to receive feedback from a panel of three professional guitarists/teachers who will provide written comments. If you would like to perform on the program, please email info@chicagoclassicalguitarsociety.org.
Recital Guidelines: We invite you, your friends, and family to attend as audience members. Admission is free for observers. Please note the following guidelines: Members of CCGS perform for free. A $12 fee is required of all others. (The $12 fee may be applied to membership dues that day). Each teacher may present a maximum of three students (or one group and two students). Performers are limited to one-two pieces not to exceed eight minutes in total. If you would like to assist or participate in CCGS Evaluated Recitals, please contact us.
CCGS Showcase Concert Sunday, April 29, 7 p.m. Free admission!
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AND FUND-RAISING AUCTION 2017
Join us on Sunday, November 26 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington, Evanston, for a fun-filled afternoon. A short recital will be followed by a buffet of appetizers and sweets. You’ll love the items offered at the silent auction. Back by popular demand: used music and CD sale! To donate auction items, music, or CDs, contact Anne Waller at a-waller@northwestern.edu. Please save the date!
$5 entry fee, $10 per family.
Free entry for CCGS members.
The families of CCGS members pay $5.
Fall Evaluated Recital 2017
Our Fall Evaluated Recital will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 15 at the DePaul University School of Music Recital Hall, 804 West Belden Avenue in Chicago. Performers, from young students to advanced guitarists, will have the opportunity to receive feedback from a panel of three professional guitarists/ teachers who will provide written comments. If you would like to perform on the program, please contact Mark Maxwell at mmaxwell@depaul.edu.
Recital Guidelines:
We invite you, your friends, and family to attend as audience members. Admission is free for observers. Please note the following guidelines: Members of CCGS perform for free. A $12 fee is required of all others. (The $12 fee may be applied to membership dues that day). Each teacher may present a maximum of three students (or one group and two students). Performers are limited to one-two pieces not to exceed eight minutes in total. If you would like to assist or participate in CCGS Evaluated Recitals, please contact us.
CCGS Membership Form
CCGS Membership Form for new and returning members of the Chicago Classical Guitar Society. Please click the link below for a PDF. Thank you for your support of the Chicago Classical Guitar Society, we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
2017-2018 Segovia Classical Guitar Series
Celebrating 25 years of guitar mastery!
Join us as award-winning artists, young rising stars, and illustrious performers take the stage to showcase the dynamic voice of the guitar.
Benefits of subscribing
Subscribers at any level–whether purchasing three, four, or more tickets to a concert series–receive the following benefits:
- Savings of up to 30% off single-ticket prices
- Free ticket exchanges or equal credit toward any other Bienen School event
- Same seats guaranteed each season
- Access to a private postperformance reception (One reception will be announced per series.)
Special benefits for Full Subscribers
Subscribers who purchase tickets to all events in a series receive the following benefits:
- No processing fees
- 50% discount on the cost of subscriptions to any other Bienen School concert series (including Keyboard Conversations, Skyline Piano Artist Series, Segovia Classical Guitar Series, and Winter Chamber Music Festival)
Spring Evaluated Recital 2017
Our Spring Evaluated Recital will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 at the Evanston Public Library Community Meeting Room, 1703 Orrington Ave. in Evanston. Performers, from young students to advanced guitarists, will have the opportunity to receive feedback from a panel of three professional guitarists/teachers who will provide written comments. If you would like to perform on the program, please contact info@chicagoclassicalguitarsociety.org.
Recital Guidelines:
We invite you, your friends and family to attend as audience members. Admission is free for observers. Please note the following guidelines: Members of the society perform for free. A $12 fee is required of all others. (The $12 fee may be applied to membership dues that day). Each teacher may present a maximum of three students (or one group and two students) at any one recital. Each individual performance should be less than eight minutes.
CCGS Third Annual Showcase Concert
This year’s concert has seven talented soloists and features the work of the Avanti Guitar Trio! The program will host a diverse range of music from all over the world!
The event will take place on April 23rd at 2pm at The People’s Music School in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood (931 W Eastwood Ave). The event is free and refreshments will be served; a $10 donation is suggested but no one will be turned away!
For more information about this years performers, please visit our concert website at: http://guitarconcert.tumblr.com
For Facebook users, this is our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1895069394062668/
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AND FUND-RAISING AUCTION
Join us on Sunday, November 27 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington, Evanston, for a fun-filled afternoon. A short recital will be followed by a buffet of appetizers and sweets. You’ll love the items offered at the silent auction. Back by popular demand: used music and CD sale! To donate auction items, music, or CDs, contact Anne Waller at a-waller@northwestern.edu. Please save the date!
Segovia Classical Guitar Series
Presented by the Bienen School of Music and the Chicago Classical Guitar Society, the Segovia Classical Guitar Series brings established and rising international stars of the guitar world to Bienen’s premiere venue, Galvin Recital Hall. The tradition continues this season with Marcin Dylla, Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli of SoloDuo, 2015 GFA winner Thibaut Garcia, 8-string guitar master Raphaella Smits, and world-class lutenist Hopkinson Smith. Join us this season for a series that brings captivating artists and the dynamic voice of the guitar to Chicago’s North Shore.
Subscriptions now available! Call 847.467.4000 to subscribe.
Benefits of subscribing
Subscribers at any level–whether purchasing three, four, or more tickets to a concert series–receive the following benefits:
- Savings of up to 30% off single-ticket prices
- Free ticket exchanges or equal credit toward any other Bienen School event
- Same seats guaranteed each season
- Access to a private postperformance reception (One reception will be announced per series.)
Special benefits for Full Subscribers
Subscribers who purchase tickets to all events in a series receive the following benefits:
- No processing fees
- 50% discount on the cost of subscriptions to any other Bienen School concert series (including Keyboard Conversations, Skyline Piano Artist Series, Segovia Classical Guitar Series, and Winter Chamber Music Festival)
Spring Evaluated Recital June 5, 2016
Our Spring Evaluated Recital will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 at the Evanston Public Library’s Community Meeting Room, 1703 Orrington Ave. in Evanston. Performers from young students to advanced guitarists will have the opportunity to get feedback from a panel of three professional guitarists/teachers who will provide written comments. If you would like to perform on the program, please send an email to info@chicagoclassicalguitarsociety.org.
Recital Guidelines:
We invite you, your friends and family to attend as audience members. Admission is free for observers. Please note the following guidelines: Members of the society perform for free. A $12 fee is required of all others. (The $12 fee may be applied to membership dues that day). Each teacher may present a maximum of three students (or one group and two students) at any one recital. Each individual performance should be less than eight minutes.
Chicago Showcase Concert 4/10/16 @ 3pm
Experience some of Chicago’s finest classical guitarists at the second annual showcase concert hosted by: The Chicago Classical Guitar Society and People’s Music School; April 10th @ 3pm People’s Music School 931 W Eastwood Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60640.