John Marcinizyn, Guitar, Left-Handed Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele, & Banjo Teacher:
Pittsburgh based guitarist, composer, banjoist John Marcinizyn performs frequently as a soloist, with contralto Daphne Alderson, in the Ferla-Marcinizyn Guitar Duo, Duo Cieli (flute and guitar duo), The Red Hot Ramblers (Dixieland jazz) and groups ranging from The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh to Billy Price. His versatility as an acoustic and electric guitarist allows him to perform in many styles including classical, jazz, flamenco, rock, blues, and folk. John has also performed guitar and banjo for many theater companies. His playing can be heard on eight CDs and one DVD. His Latest CDs are “Blue Ride”(a collection of original instrumentals), and “Duo Cieli-North Side Sessions” (music for flute and guitar with Tara Yaney). John holds a Ph. D. in music composition and theory from the University of Pittsburgh, and is an Artist-Lecturer in guitar and composition at Carnegie Mellon University and Seton Hill University.
John’s compositions have received numerous performances and include a guitar concerto, string quartet, orchestral music, music for theater, and pieces for solo guitar and guitar with mixed ensemble, as well as a number of jazz and rock pieces. His Sonata for Guitar and Marimba received critical acclaim following its premiere at the Guitar Foundation of America International Festival and Competition held in Buffalo. Other commissions include Song for the Sparrows (for the Westmoreland Symphonic Winds) in memory of Beth Ann Johnson and Elyse Jeanne Saraceni; And All Manner of Thing Shall Be Well, for Contralto, Cello and Piano, based upon the writings of Julian of Norwich (for Ion Sound Project); and the theme music for Excela Health’s (hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and health facilities of Westmoreland County) television, radio and web commercials. Recently he toured in South America and the Eastern Caribbean with contralto, Daphne Alderson in programs that varied from chamber music through cabaret.