World renowned musician and guitarist Jorge Caballero kicked off the annual Hillsborough Community College Student Government Association (SGA) Guitar Series at the Brandon Campus.

  The youngest, and only guitarist recipient of the Naumburg International Competition Award, Caballero delivered an electric show, almost selling out of seats.

  Born in Peru, Caballero has had a passion for music all of his life, saying “The purpose of music is to reach part of us not very easy to reach, and that really speaks to us.”

  Caballero’s program included famous works of music. His introduction was self-arranged and is titled Prelude, and was followed by Fugue BWV 849, composed by Johann Bach.

  Caballero went on to perform Sonata in D major, K 311. This work composed by Wolfgang Mozart, included three pieces of music.

  The last piece of Caballero’s program, and the bulk of the whole concert was, Pictures at an Exhibition. It was arranged by Kazuhiro Yamashita, composed by Modest Moussorgsky.

  It included 10 amazing pieces of music, all of which require a high level of skill to perform. However, Caballero demonstrated his skills with ease.

  Caballero wants HCC students to see the level of hard work and effort it takes to bring performing arts to a high level, and that it requires not just being musically talented but also dedication.

  Caballero was asked how he created this particular program, and he explained how the program is divide into several parts, which Caballero has rehearsed for at least two years. He describes the struggle of wanting to create a program with musical pieces not originally intended for the guitar, but for the harpsichord.

  After the show, The Hawkeye asked Caballero how he was able to become a part of the HCC SGA Guitar Series, and he explained that it was all through networking with colleagues who believed in his talent at Florida State University.

  Caballero was then put into contact with Steve Crudup, the Dale Mabry Campus SGA adviser, Dr. Mark Switzer, HCC professor of music, the Dale Mabry SGA Guitar Series CoDirector and also Kathryn Pantelis, mathematics instructor.

  Dr. Switzer described how the Guitar Series ideal candidates are up and coming in their musical careers, but have also made major contributions and advancements in the world, and field of music.

  Dr. Switzer looks for “world class level artist,” and sees the relationship with the musician and the Guitar Series program as a win for both parties.

  It is not too late to catch an amazing SGA sponsored Guitar Series event.

  On Jan. 22, 2016 Benjamin Pila will perform, followed by a performance Feb. 12, by Ekachai Jearakul and lastly a performance by the Texas Guitar Quartet March 4.

  For more information contact artistic directors Dr. Mark Switzer (mswitzer@ hccfl.edu) or Kathryn Pantelis (kpantelis@hccfl.edu)