Hello! I started playing piano at age 2 and guitar at age 6 (both of my parents are professional musicians so lessons were easy). I also grew up in my family's music store, so music and musicians were everywhere. I'll be 20 in July 2012, so I've been playing quite awhile.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Who knows -- I was probably a baby. My parents took me to everything. I also got to meet alot of famous classical musicians when I was a kid, so when I see them now it's comfortable to talk to them.
What gear do you use?
I have two great custom-made classical guitars. I have a 2011 Steve Connor and the 2004 Thomas Humphrey Millennium Thunderbolt. Steve included a sterling silver rosette on my guitar to pick up the spotlights on stage, and my Humphrey was named the Thunderbolt before we bought it. I love them both! They have great tone and are easy to play, and my fingerboard is raised, so that's unusual. Check my photos on FB to see that. My favorite piece is JS Bach's Chaconne (of course).
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
I was always around classical music at home. Both of my parents are professional musicians and I've studied with them and other awesome teachers. I'm currently at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Jason Vieaux.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
I usually play solo concerts, but I also play with orchestras as the guest soloist. My website is: www.chaconneklaverenga.com if you want me for a concert or to find my CDs, or just to see me play with other orchestras. You can also find my musician site on Facebook -- lots of videos, CDs and photos there too.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chaconne-Klaverenga/120644054672680
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Julian Bream because he is such an awesome guitarist, but I have many other favorite musicians I'd love to play with.
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
1200 with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and 1000+ when I did a From the Top Radio broadcast with the Buffalo Philharmonic. As for the smallest -- I used to play for tips outside my parents' music store on Saturdays when I was little, so that would be the smallest.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Wow -- I could never choose just one -- I love too many.