Jack Cimo joins the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra

The Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra will be performing on Sunday, Nov. 5, at Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Rd., beginning at 4 p.m.

Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Fantasia para un Gentilhombre” will feature guitarist Jack Cimo. Jack Cimo is an American classical guitarist known for his powerful stage presence, beautiful tone and exciting renditions. He frequently plays solo recitals and as a soloist with orchestras. He was one of two Americans invited to the prestigious Joann Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition in Buffalo, New York.

Jack has brought guitar to new audiences around the globe. He has done multiple tours along historic Route 66 and has played everywhere from art galleries to concert halls such as the Harris Theater in Chicago and UNM’s Keller Hall. He believes in using his talent to help those in need, has done many volunteer performances at Chicago area hospitals, and organized and played Christmas concerts for the homeless at A Safe Haven Foundation. He organized and performed in a major benefit concert for the community of Paradise, California, played a memorial concert for the victims of the Dixie Fire and has done performances to aid the Standing Rock Protesters and Cardiac Care patients in Chicago.

Jack frequently performs with various chamber music ensembles and is also dedicated to contemporary music. He and cellist Allegra Montanari formed Duo Sogno, performed the U.S. premiere of Bogdanovic’s Rainforest Canticles, and recorded a self-titled album in 2015. As a member of the Helios Guitar Quartet, he released in 2013 the first guitar version of J.S. Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier” (Book 1). He is also a frequent collaborator with singers. He debuted Jordan Nelson’s “Around the Thrown” for guitar and soprano and joined the What’s Next Ensemble on electric guitar in the acclaimed West Coast premiere of Michael Gordon’s “Van Gogh.”

In 2022, he commissioned Nelson to write “I Dreamt I was Underwater,” which combines live guitar with a soundscape created using electronics and previously recorded sound. Also in 2022, Jack directed and played in the prestigious California International Guitar Festival held at Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo. During the 2022-23 season, Jack toured in the U.S. and Europe as a soloist, taught privately and gave master classes. Jack studied classical guitar in William Kanengiser’s studio at USC’s Thornton School of Music, and with the legendary Pepe Romero. He recently completed a Master’s course in Music Performance and Interpretation in Palermo, Italy.

For the 2023-24 season, Jack will play concerts in Italy, France, Switzerland and Mexico. He is looking forward to performing with the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra.

The Nov. 5 program also includes Beetoven’s “Overture to Fidelio” and Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 in D Major, “The Haffner.” Audience members may meet the director, soloist, and musicians during the reception following the first concert of the season. All Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra concerts are FREE to the community. For more information, see http://www.tehachapiorchestra.com or call (661) 821-7511.