Concert Ensemble

The PCGS Concert Ensemble, under the direction of PCGS professional member Leonard Ranallo, is an auditioned-only guitar ensemble for intermediate and advanced players of any age.  The Concert Ensemble specializes in performing exciting and colorful works composed or arranged for multiple guitars.  PCGS  is committed to providing a valuable ensemble experience for guitarists of diverse backgrounds, while maintaining musical excellence.  The Concert Ensemble is open to PCGS members only.

REHEARSALS and RECITALS

• The concert Ensemble meets for rehearsals twice a month from, usually on Sundays. 
• At least one rehearsal / month takes place at Settlement Music School (416 Queen St. – Philadelphia, PA 19118) – on Sunday mornings (See dates below).  
• Ensemble members will be responsible for arriving at all rehearsals on time and fully prepared and will be required to purchase the music played each season.
• The Concert Ensemble Director may plan to hold multiple recitals per year throughout the community to promote appreciation of classical guitar music. The PCGS annual Festival and the annual professional members meeting are likely event opportunities for performance, at the Director’s discretion.
• Rehearsal dates (all on Sundays at Settlement Music School (416 Queen St. – Philadelphia, PA 19118) :
  • September 24, 2023 – 11 am
  • October 8, 2023 – 10 am
  • October 22, 2023 – 10 am
  • November 12, 2023 – 10 am
  • November 19, 2023 – 10 am
  • December 3, 2023 – 10 am
  • December 17,2023 – 10 am
  • January 7, 2024 – 10 am
  • January 14, 2024 – 10 am
  • February 4, 2024 – 10 am
  • February 18, 2024 – 10 am
  • March 3 2024, – 10 am
  • March 17, 2024 – 10 am
  • April 7, 2024 – 10 am

FEES

• For the 2024 Season (2 semesters) there is a fee of $300 per ensemble participant (waived for PCGS Professional members).  These fees help recovering some of the cost of renting the facilities.
• Fees are due after an applicant has successfully passed the audition (link for payment to be provided).

AUDITIONS

• Auditions for the 2024 season will be conducted by Leonard Ranallo either online (via zoom) or in person on September 24, 2023 from 10 am to 11 AM at the Settlement Music School – 416 Queen St. – Philadlephia, PA 19118
• Please contact Leonard Ranallo directly to coordinate either the online or in-person audition
• Applicants will be expected to perform sample passages from guitar ensemble repertoire and to demonstrate proficiency in sight-reading. Repertoire will be provided in advance after registration.

APPLICATIONS

The ensemble is open to qualified guitarists of any age who meet audition requirements and are members of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society.   Please fill the application at the bottom of this page to register.

IMPORTANT For applicants under 18 years old:

• Applications for prospective players under 18 years of age require the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
• Players under 16 must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians to every rehearsal or public recitals.  
• Parents or legal guardians are required to be present for the duration of those events.
• Remember to download, print, signa and bring this consent form at the audition

For any questions or comments, please reach out to Leonard Ranallo