Classical guitarist Zaira Meneses to perform with New Philharmonia Orchestra, Nov. 20

Internationally renowned classical guitarist — and longtime Newton resident — Zaira Meneses will perform on November 20 at 3PM with Newton’s New Philharmonia Orchestra at Newton North High School (tickets). Jorge Soto, a native of Venezuela and New Phil’s Principal Conductor will lead the program entitled “Latin & Slavic Colors” featuring works of Marquez, Ginastera, Villa Lobos and Dvorak. Meneses said, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to play the Villa Lobos Guitar Concerto in this concert which features wonderful music of three extraordinary Latin composers.”

Born in Mexico, Meneses came to the U.S. in 2001, and she and her husband, classical guitarist Eliot Fisk, moved to Newton. Their daughter, Rachel, attended Newton Public Schools and is a pianist attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Meneses received her Master of Music degree in 2009 from New England Conservatory of Music and has been acclaimed by the international press as a major performing artist of the classical guitar (New York Times: “an arresting performer full of colorful touches”).

In 2018, she received a grant from The Boston Foundation to introduce to Massachusetts authentic “Son Jarocho music” with Jaranas and requintos from Veracruz. Since 2018, Meneses has been the director of the Boston Latin American Music Festival. In May, 2023 it will include a competition for guitarists to perform concertos with orchestra, a unique opportunity for young players. In addition to appearances in Boston and around the world, Meneses teaches at Rivers School Conservatory and New England Conservatory.