Gretchen R. Iben Arts Series Presents:

Guido Sanchez Portugez, Classical Guitarist

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.

“As a newcomer to Westminster,  I’ve found it to be a most welcoming fellowship.  I look forward to going to services and events and find the warmth of the congregation to be most helpful to a newcomer to the entire area.  I find sermons challenging … music beautiful and well prepared … and a dignity in the worship that is all too lacking in most Protestant congregations.  Mix this with an open atmosphere where it is OK to question and still be seen as a good Christian, and I know I’ve found one important ‘home’ in Central Illinois.”