May 27 – An Evening of Classical Guitar Music

Miles McConnell

Miles McConnell presented “An Evening of Classical Guitar Music” to us today. We invited our employees, volunteers, and families to join us in our Chapter Room for the event. The program included: Suite Castellana–Federico Moreno Torroba (1891-1982), Clyde Suite –Ron Moore (1923-2009), Valses Venezolanos–Antonio Lauro (1917-1986), Cancons Populars Catalanes–Miguel Llobet (1878-1938), Partita for Solo Flute BWV 1013–J.S. Bach (1685-1750).

Miles McConnell Concert at New Melleray Abbey

Bio

Madison, Wisconsin-based classical guitarist Miles McConnell maintains an active performance schedule. Miles’ album of solo guitar music, ‘S Wonderful features music of Bach, Copland, Gershwin, Falla, Ponce, Villa-Lobos and more. During the summer of 2017, Miles participated in Camino Guitar, a program that brings concerts to pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. Other notable recent engagements include a performance of the Vivaldi Concerto in D for Guitar, with the Daytona Solisti Chamber Orchestra, and a solo performance at the 2018 Bach Around the Clock, a festival in Madison annually celebrating J.S. Bach’s birthday.

Miles holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has served on the music faculty at Clarke University and Loras College (both in Dubuque, Iowa). Miles taught applied guitar at both institutions, and American Music, Music Appreciation, and World Music at Clarke, and Music Theory at Loras. Miles currently serves on the board of the Madison Classical Guitar Society. 

from Constitutions and Statutes: of the Monks and Nuns of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance
C.4

The monastery is an expression of the mystery of the Church, where nothing is preferred to the praise of the Father’s glory. Every effort is made to ensure that the common life in its entirety conforms to the Gospel, which is the supreme law. In this way the community will not be lacking in any spiritual gift. The monks strive to remain in harmony with all the people of God and share their active desire for the unity of all Christians.