Jason Kessler
has performed classical guitar concerts as a soloist, member of various ensembles, and as a concerto soloist with orchestral members for the past twenty years. He is a graduate of Colgate University and studied classical guitar with William Viola of Philadelphia and composition at Syracuse University with Brian Israel.The classical twelve steel-string guitar was designed by Mr. Kessler and the noted Irish luthier, George Lowden. The purpose of designing this instrument was to provide a vehicle for performing Elizabethan and Renaissance music on a larger scale than that of the lute or vihuela. The instrument maintains the presence of the modern classical guitar but preserves the extra overtones the additional strings, or "courses," provide. The steel strings also bring a "harpsichord" flavor to the music and should interest many acoustic guitar finger style enthusiasts. The guitar was digitally recorded and mastered by engineer Alfred Grunwell in Greene NY. Mr. Kessler plans to perform Elizabethan and Renaissance music as well as compose and perform modern works for this unique instrument.
Mr. Kessler is currently available for performances and may be contacted either by email or at the following address:
Jason Kessler12 Street Music
P.O. Box 8033
Syracuse, NY 13217-8033