Jeff Lambert BIO

BIOGRAPHY

Guitarist and composer, Jeff Lambert, has shared the stage with a variety of world-class performers and ensembles. He has performed with harpist, Liz Cifani and vocalist, Nicole Cabell, both members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago; with violinist, Nina Fan of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; and with the Minnesota Contemporary Ensemble. He has also been a member of the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet (MGQ) since 2001.

Notable MGQ events include several premieres of commissioned works, recitals and masterclasses around the US, concerto performances with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra and Austin Symphony Orchestra (spring '08) and appearances on Minnesota Public Radio. The quartet’s latest CD, Pictures at an Exhibition, is available on GSP records.

As a soloist, Lambert has captured top prizes in guitar competitions in Minneapolis and Chicago, and his debut solo CD, Guitar Recital, was released in 2003. One of his primary interests is working with composers to present new works. In 2006 he was awarded an Artist Initiative grant by the Minnesota State Arts Board which funded his collaboration with composer, David Crittenden. He has also been involved in premiere performances of works by Jared Spears, Fred Sturm, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Anthony Gatto, Paul Failla and Ileana Perez-Velazquez.

As a composer, Jeff's works are regularly performed by the MGQ. He has been commissioned by the Saint Paul Guitar Trio, and his music is published by Doberman-Yppan. A full-length CD of his compositions is currently in production.

Jeff began his study of the classical guitar with Joseph Hagedorn at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He continued his studies in Chicago with Denis Azabagic, and attended Northwestern University as a student of Anne Waller, earning Master of Music and Doctor of Music degrees.