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.

“Why am I a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church?  Two words keep  floating up in a rather persistent way  –  “home” and  “family” – and I realized that it is an inescapable fact that is what this church means to me. During my 40 years here, so many life events have happened and Westminster has been there for me through all those times – good and bad.    It has been my home and family.  They say “home is where the heart is” and I’ve found the heart of Westminster to be as open and warm as a family’s!”