The founding members of the UNLV Guitar Quartet (Rese Comas, Julien D'Ottavio, Daniel Munoz, Eddie Carcamo) -- led by internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Ricardo Cobo -- performs its first concert at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 in Doc Rando Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public.
The quartet was started during the students' sophomore year of high school at Las Vegas Academy. Initially, members gathered for fun and friendship, often playing and jamming most of the day. However, they quickly realized how well they blended as a group and began pursuing regular rehearsals and exploration of the genre's repertoire.
In their first year as a quartet, LVGQ went to win all-state as sophomores, beating many senior ensembles and soloists. The following year the quartet won all the county school competitions, once again, beating older ensembles.
During summer of 2013, the quartet was invited to play for the GFA (Guitar Foundation of America International Competition). They were selected among dozens of quartets nationwide who submitted recordings for their ensemble showcase. As a result of their performance in GFA, LVGQ was invited to compete in Brownsville,TX, for the 2014 national ensemble competition which hosts quartets from across the country. LVGQ took first place.
Other achievements include:
- Winner of the 2013 Downbeat Magazine Award for best high school and college classical group in the nation.
- Winner of the 2014 DMA for Best Latin Group in the nation beating the same levels.
- All four members of the quartet are graduating seniors from LVA, which received the 2014 Grammy Signature School Award.
