Athens Guitar Trio

Summary  | Biography  | Critical Acclaim  | Repertoire  | Sample Programs

Biography:

With a clear sound and a fresh approach to the classical ensemble, the Athens Guitar Trio is an emerging force in the world of guitar. The Trio—Dusty Woodruff, Rylan Smith, and Matthew Anderson—is in its fourth year together. Hailing from Athens, Georgia, a city renowned for its music, the AGT is recognized as one of the most expressive chamber ensembles today. Their extensive musical background, paired with a forward-reaching mindset, allows them to perform music from throughout the repertoire in energetic concerts that captivate audiences. They enjoy bringing various genres to light in a classical style, including Klezmer, African Spiritual, Spanish, and American folk music, as well as the more traditional classical works, from the Renaissance to the contemporary eras.
Through their live performances and their recordings, the Athens Guitar Trio is constantly pushing the boundaries of ensemble playing. They explore the expressive capabilities of the guitar through unique repertoire selections and groundbreaking arrangements. Each member plays a guitar built by master luthier Kenny Hill, including an exceedingly rare eleven-string guitar. This instrumental addition extends their range and ensemble capability, piquing the interest of musicians and non-musicians alike.
Since 2005, the Athens Guitar Trio has premiered several works composed specifically for their ensemble, and they have been invited to play for many special guests, including President Jimmy Carter, Pulitzer-prize winning composer William Bolcom, Simone Fontanelli of the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and world-renowned guitarist Christopher Parkening. They have played throughout the state of Georgia, including concerts and masterclasses at top universities, and they were invited to give the final concert at the first annual North Georgia Guitar Summit. The trio’s recordings have been played on radio stations across the country, and they were recently interviewed by NPR’s Athens-affiliate, WUGA. The AGT has been invited across the country for the 2009-2010 season.
With their engaging performances and expanding repertoire, the Athens Guitar Trio has proven a passion for their instrument that continues to delight and entertain audiences everywhere. The AGT has recently released their critically acclaimed debut CD, Emergence.