Gretchen R. Iben Arts Series Presents:

Guido Sanchez Portugez, Classical Guitarist

About the Musician: 

Originally from Costa Rica, Dr. Portugez is currently Clinical Assistant Professor of Guitar and Theory at the University of Illinois, where he also directs the Latin American Ensemble. Recognized guitarist, composer, and educator, holding a Doctor of Music from Indiana University. He has performed and recorded internationally, including five CDs with the Guitar Orchestra of Costa Rica and collaborations with Grammy-winning artists such as Sylvia McNair. As Clinical Assistant Professor of Guitar and Theory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he founded the U of I Guitar Ensemble and the Illinois Latin American Ensemble, and co-founded the M.A.G.I.Q. Illinois Guitar Quartet, which has appeared at major festivals and concert series.

“What goes through your mind as you sit in the sanctuary and look around?

As I sit in my pew and look up at the cross with the wonderful light illuminating it, I am reminded of why I am at Westminster on this particular day. The cross reminds me that Christ died for me and, in a sense, I am to do the same in my daily life. The brightness of the cross illustrates for me the brightness of living my life in the way of Christ.”