Praised by the London Times for his "pleasing tone" and "relaxed stage manner", Norman Ruiz has established himself as a master teacher and a virtuoso of the classical guitar. He has appeared with some of the most esteemed classical musical groups in the Midwest, including an appearance with the Chicago Symphony as soloist performing the "Canario" movement of Rodrigo's "Fantasia para un Gentilhombre". In 1997, he appeared with nine other members of the CSO performing Luciano Berio's rarely heard and technically demanding "Sequenza" for guitar at Northwestern University's Pick-Staiger concert hall. The Guadagnini Ensemble, made up of members of the CSO, chose him to perform the guitar part of Arnold Schoenberg's "Serenade" in a concert held in the Symphony Center's Grand Ballroon. His talents as soloist with orchestra are in constant demand and his specialties, the Concertos of Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Joaquin Rodrigo, have led to appearances with numerous orchestras in the Chicago area, including the Illinois Philharmonic, directed by Carmen De Leone, and the Elmhurst Symphony conducted by Dale Cleavenger.

Norman Ruiz has performed internationally as well. In 1985, he performed in London's famed Wigmore Hall, the Carnegie Hall of England. In 2002, he presented the world premier of Gustavo Leone's Guitar Concerto with the Orquesta de Camera of Morelia, Mexico. More recently, he was artist-in-residence at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, performing a solo recital and serving as resident instructor. In 1992, he was selected by Pepe Romero to perform in the Gran Teatro in Cordoba, Spain, during the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra. His solo recital in the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in 1984 at Preston Bradley Hall in Chicago was broadcast nationwide over WFMT radio. In 1988, he was included with other guitar luminaries on the Masters of the Guitar series presented by the Chicago Guitar Society.

Mr. Ruiz has had instruction with some of the world's finest guitarists. In 1992, he studied the guitar concertos of Joaquin Rodrigo with famed guitarist Christopher Parkening. One of the highlights of his career came in 1992 when he had the honor of performing some of Joaquin Rodrigo's works for the composer himself at his home in Madrid. He has studied with Pepe Romero at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra in Cordoba Spain in 1992 and 1996. He has also had master classes with Oscar Ghiglia and Manuel Lopez Ramos. In 1986, he was selected from an international search to participate in a master class given by Andres Segovia at the University of Southern California. His first CD, Andaluza, was internationally distributed by Centaur records in 1996, and he is currently working on his second CD which will include music of Joaquin Rodrigo, Antonio Jose and Leo Brouwer.

Norman Ruiz's desire is to introduce the classical guitar to new audiences. This desire has led him to perform at many schools and libraries in the Chicago land area. He has also given lectures on the guitar, as well as master classes at many universities in the United States and Mexico.

I'm doing Conrad Susa's "Southwest Christmas" at two churches, on the 7th and 14th. This piece is for choir, marimba and harp accompanying a choir in some beautiful Christmas songs from Spain, Mexico and South America. Many of these pieces are arranged for guitar solo.

Sunday Nov. 16Th, 2PM, Norman Ruiz and Jeff Warren, "Duos Dialogues", solos and duets for guitar. Works by Granados, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Carulli, Albeniz. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY HENDRICKSON MEETING ROOM 500 N. DUNTON AVE. 847-392-0100 Click here to hear samples of the program.

Dec. 7 Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 29700 St. Mary's Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Sunday, at 9:30 and 11 a.m. (847) 367-4060

Dec. 14 Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 30 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire, IL Sunday, at 10:45 a.m.

Dec. 12, and 13th I'm playing at a Madrigal Dinner. I will be part of the minstrels performing with a flutist during one of the courses. Here's a description. and ticket information:

"Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Western Springs Baptist Church presents two Madrigal Dinners to be held on December 12th (7:00 P.M.) and 13th (6:00 P.M.). The evening will feature an authentic medieval dinner prepared by Executive Chef Andy Temmer, sixteen costumed Madrigal Singers, a Boar's Head Procession and numerous other entertainment delights. The cost is $25 per person and there are limited tickets available to the public. Your taste buds are sure to be tickled, from Wassail, to Roast Lamb and Game Hen, to Bread Pudding. Sing with our musicians, laugh with our Jesters and enjoy the frivolity at "the Village Church". You may purchase tickets in the church Community Room (4475 Wolf Road) between 9:30 and 10:30 A.M. and from 12:00 to 12:30, on sundays. Or, for ticket information, please call the church office at 708-246-1530. Don't wait long, tickets are selling fast!"

Dec. 24th, 7pm I'll be playing at the Christmas Eve service, Oak Community Church, 620 N. Oak St, Hinsdale, IL 60521,(630) 323-0087

Oct 18th, 2009, 3PM. Norman Ruiz and Jeff Warren perform Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Concerto, Op.101 for two guitars. College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL.

Norman Ruiz captures the spirit of Spain in his transcriptions of Albeniz' piano.

Tracklisting
1. Mallorca
2. Cadiz
3. Zambra Granadina
4. Jerigonza
5. La Llega El Invierno
6. Coplilla
7. La Pastora
8. Seguidilla
9. Serenata Espanola
10. Serenata Andaluza
11. En Los Trigales
12. Spanish Dance #10
13. Rumores De La Caleta (Malaguena)
14. Oriental

Purchase and/or hear samples at Amazon.com.

We recommend using Amazon.com or Myspace to check out some audio clips.

Rumores De La Caleta

Fantasia, Op 30

Mallorca

Contact Norman Ruiz for bookings, inquiries, comments or interviews. norm AT normanruiz.com