By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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Christopher Parkening is notable for his classical guitar wizardry and his devotion to carrying on the tradition of the late Spanish great Andrés Segovia, under whom he once studied.
"Segovia was my musical inspiration while growing up, and he singlehandedly brought the guitar to the position of a major classical instrument," said Parkening, 57, by telephone from his Malibu home. Segovia died in 1987 at age 94.
"It was a great privilege to study with him — and I have felt he's the greatest for four reasons: one, he had great technique; two, he had a uniquely beautiful sound; three, his musicianship was remarkable — such feeling and passion; and four, he had the ability to communicate all of this to the public, from which he had wonderful support."
Pretty much the same can be said of Parkening, who joins the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra in the season-opening MasterWorks concerts tonight and Sunday at Blaisdell Concert Hall.
Change and growth are under way for Parkening these days:
He said he feels privileged to carry the Segovia torch. "I have such great admiration for him," Parkening said. "He once told me, 'The pursuit of excellence requires hard work and discipline, over and above success,' and I try to emphasize this with my students at Pepperdine."
Parkening said he is immersed in planning the guitar competition bearing his name (he serves as artistic director), which will offers cash prizes totaling more than $50,000. The top winner will also earn a professionally managed performance with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and a concert tour with orchestra and solo recital.
If there's one thing that stands out in Parkening's memories of his guitar guru, it's that there's no such thing as enough practice. "When I left Spain, Segovia told me in his Spanish-flavored English, 'Christopher, you must work very hard.' I told him, 'Maestro, how many hours a day must I practice?' He told me, 'I practice 2 1/2 hours in the morning, 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon.' If Segovia has to practice that often, how many hours do I have to practice? And he played till he was 94."
Parkening's career takes him around the world frequently, which means a lot of time in the not-so-friendly skies.
"Travel has become difficult since 9/11," he said. "But it's part of the life of a concert musician. It's something I don't enjoy anymore."
He said he often hand-carries his guitar on flights. "Now and then, I buy a seat for it. When I do, it goes under the name 'Parkening Guitar.' I had a gate attendant once ask me if she had ID," he said, chuckling.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
