As a soloist, classical guitarist Kristen Waligora is a two-time first prize winner and four-time finalist in the OMEA Oregon State Solo Competition as well as being a finalist in the Northwest Solo Guitar Competition, where she competed with guitarists from across the Northwest and Canada. When you hear Ms.Waligora with a guitar in her hands there is no doubt as to her accomplishment on her chosen instrument. She has a crystalline clear technique that gives her the voice and palate to convey her heartfelt and elegant artistry. She has studied with local Northwest giants David Franzen and Bryan Johanson as well as international musicians David Leisner and Adam Holzman and has been selected to perform in the master classes of internationally renowned guitarists Carlos Barbosa-Lima, David Tanenbaum, Denis Azabagic and Apostolos Paraskevas. Her most recent performances include the world premiere of Une Recette pour le Portage de Gingembre-chanson, which was written for Ms. Waligora in 2005.
Also active as a chamber musician, Kristen has premiered many new works with a variety of groups including a performance in the world premiere of the opera Buck Jones on May 1, 2006 with a guitar part written especially for her. In January 2003, Kristen performed with David Franzen as a soloist in Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto in G Major for Two Guitars, Strings and Continuo with the Portland State University Symphony under maestro Keith Clark. She also performed as a soloist with tenor Oliver Mercer on the opening night of the 2002 Bel Canto Northwest Festival and was a featured soloist with the Willamette Men’s Master Chorus under maestro Dr. Paul Klemme. In May 1999, Ms. Waligora performed as head soloist with the PSU Guitar Orchestra in the world premiere of Bryan Johanson’s Concerto Grosso as well as performing the first guitar part in the world premiere of Bryan Johanson’s Little Suite for Guitar Orchestra and Toccata for Guitar Orchestra.
Ms. Waligora has a Bachelor of Music degree in classical guitar performance from Portland State University and teaches in the Portland area while staying active in the community.
