The highlight of the seventh annual International Tucson Guitar Festival on Friday, Nov. 6, will come when French-born classical guitarist Thomas Viloteau performs Sergio Assad’s beautiful, playful and sometimes theatrical Suite “Brasileira” No. 3.
While that last soaring note clings in the air above the Holsclaw Hall stage, expect Viloteau to extend a hand toward the audience, and somewhere close to the front — maybe four, six rows from the stage — the composer will rise and wave to the audience.
According to festival organizers, Friday will be the first time that Assad will hear “Brasileira” performed live.
Viloteau, who counts Assad among his influences and performs several of his works in concert, commissioned the Brazilian guitarist to compose “Brasileira.” Assad also dedicated the piece to Viloteau, who earned his master’s from the University of Arizona and is in the doctoral program at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, it will be Assad’s turn on that stage. He will join his brother Odair for a Duo Assad recital.
Viloteau and the Assads are headlining the Tucson Guitar Society festival that started last weekend and concludes with the Assads’ performance.
The Assads have strong ties to Tucson. The pair has been visiting for years. Their performance at last year’s guitar festival was sold out.
