Interview With Classical Guitarist, Mariette Stephenson

At the end of 2017,  it was my pleasure to photograph the talented, Mariette Stephenson for an intimate, music portrait photo session.  I decided to photograph the artist at my home, which provided both indoor and outdoor natural settings.   It was important for me to collaborate with Mariette for a photo session that reflected both her personality and music. Most importantly, to provide an image style that she has not seen before.

I was drawn to Mariette’s hair and natural beauty, plus the soft elegance in her personality. She was more than willing to cooperate with the simplistic ideas that I had for her portraits.  Because I don’t often do outdoor winter scenes, I thought this was a great chance to do some of the portraits in my background (well, the neighbors backyard, who have some nice greenery).  I intended to combine her guitar, natural light, casual clothing, an organic, fresh and nature type feel to the images.

Check out Mariette’s website to hear her latest CD.  I loved the calming and smooth vibes that this CD revealed.  Visit her site HERE. 

From what early age do you remember being drawn to music, especially to your genre of music?

My earliest memories are listening to music and I was exposed to many different genres from a young age.  I didn’t start to listen to classical music, in particular classical guitar, until my first guitar teacher encouraged me to learn how to play that style (my first guitar was a classical so it made sense to try it out).  My teacher had lent me a few recordings that were of Spanish and South American music, but it wasn’t until I heard Benjamin Verdery (US guitarist) play Gigue by Anthony Newman that I had my *light bulb* moment and knew this was music that I wanted to learn.

Outdoor Location Portraits

Do you produce original music, if so, what influences you most when writing new material?

I don’t compose – I just don’t have the talent (I wish I did!).  I arrange music (available at StringsByMail.com) and I love the challenge of taking music originally for another instrument and making it work on guitar.  There is certainly repertoire that I love but a lot of what I play depends on who I’m playing with: I’ve performed and recorded with other musicians (including a recent CD as Duo Calixa with flutist Kelly Williamson) and currently I’m in a guitar trio (Ekleipsis Guitar Trio, with Lukas Bouda and Terry McKenna).  The music the trio is working on features a lot of contemporary works as well as music from the 1800’s – I’m excited about this new ensemble and I’m really looking forward to performing with Lukas and Terry in the coming year.

What currently brings you the most happiness on a day to day or week per week basis with regards to your music?

What brings me happiness?  Having a guitar in my hands:  teaching, practicing, it doesn’t matter as long as I have a guitar by me or I am doing something that includes the guitar in some way.  I started a community guitar orchestra (KW Guitar Orchestra) a few years ago, and through conducting I have found an unexpected musical route that didn’t occur to me when I was a student.  Up until a short time ago, conducting wasn’t something that many guitarists considered – you focused on your instrument and that was about it.  We are now in an age where ensemble playing is growing in popularity in the classical guitar world, and there is an increased awareness of the benefits of playing in a group, regardless of age.  The age range in our amateur ensemble is from teens all the way to retirees, and happily, age is irrelevant when people play together.  When the orchestra meets to rehearse, people are excited to play together because they love playing guitar, regardless who they are playing with.

An unexpected windfall is that we have local composers who are intrigued with the sound of a guitar orchestra and are composing for our ensemble (we will premiere 3 works next season written just for us!).  I did not anticipate the community interest for this endeavour – I am truly grateful for the support we have received from composers, orchestra members and people who come to hear us perform.

Mariette Stephenson, Classical Guitarist. Music Promo