Tavi Jinariu has distinguished himself as one of the most sought-after classical guitarists in the Los Angeles area. As Tavi continues to perform, audiences and critics alike are being caught up in the emotion and electrifying brilliance of the music he creates. Tavi's guitar playing will add a touch of class and will make your wedding ceremony, corporate event, or special occasion truly unforgettable.
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During the past 10 years, Tavi Jinariu has distinguished himself as one of the preeminent classical guitarists in the Los Angeles area. His artistry is defined by deep emotional expression, focused attention to technical accuracy and details, as well as a certain performance pathos that never fails to captivate audiences.
Tavi hails from the beautiful Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, Romania. He was born in a family of gypsy musicians where singing and dancing were an integral part of life. At the tender age of five, Tavi watched his uncle performing on an electric guitar. His newfound passion overcame restraint as he quietly snuck into the bedroom to strum the strings of that magical instrument with all his might. Years later, against stifling obstacles, Tavi would gravitate towards the same magical instrument. Tavi's musical explorations began at age thirteen when he began a course in basic guitar foundations. Within the following two years Tavi dedicated his efforts to developing his technical and musical aptitudes as they related to the guitar. At the age of sixteen, Tavi was exposed for the first time to the sound of the classical guitar. After listening to the beautiful playing of a classical guitarist, Tavi fell in love with the lyrical and melancholic sound of the instrument.
Within three short years of studying the classical guitar, Tavi drew attention, being invited to tour America in the fall of 1998. During this tour Tavi played some sixty concerts in twenty-seven states. This tour proved instrumental in confirming that Tavi was heading towards a musical career. Knowing that this would be unlikely to transpire in his home country, he watched in awe as miracles took place, bringing him to study with "The Greats" in the U.S. by the fall of 1999. In the fall of 1999 Tavi was awarded a generous scholarship that made it possible for him to receive the personalized instruction of the world's preeminent classical guitarist, Christopher Parkening. By the age of twenty-three he completed a bachelor's degree with an emphasis on classical guitar performance under the tutelage of Christopher Parkening and John Nelson. During his years in college Tavi began a fruitful collaboration with luthier Thomas Malapanis and has since performed exclusively on Malapanis Guitars.
During his time in college, Tavi participated in numerous guitar competitions and won the 1st prize in The ASTA Classical Guitar Competition for the greater Los Angeles Area (2001 and 2002), and the ASTA Artist Guitar Competition for the State of California (2003). Tavi's guitar performances have taken him to numerous European countries (Romania, Hungary, Germany, The Netherlands), to Israel, and through most of the United States. He has been featured as a solo artist with various orchestras (New West Symphony, Calabasas Chamber Orchestra, The Master's College Orchestra) and participated in numerous recording projects and radio appearances.
Currently Tavi teaches guitar at the Master's College in Santa Clarita CA and maintains a busy performance and teaching schedule while pursuing his Ph.D. degree in Classical Philology. Tavi and his wife Melissa reside in Southern California and enjoy living their busy but exciting lives together. They both share a deep commitment to their faith in Jesus Christ.
As Tavi continues to perform,
audiences and critics alike are being caught up
in the emotion and electrifying brilliance of the music he creates.
Christopher Parkening, America's Preemeninent Guitar Virtuoso
"Tavi is a excellent classical guitarist whose fine technique, combined with depth of feeling
communicates wonderfully to his audience. His strengths are considerable, among which
are a deep love for the guitar, remarkable discipline and motivation, and good musical
instincts that give him advanced abilities to interpret the music. Through the years I have
known him, Tavi has demonstrated his deep commitment of playing for the glory of God,
and a dedication to excellence in his performance. His exemplary Christian character and
professionalism shows both on and off stage."
Peter Yates, Professor of Guitar at the University of California Los Angeles
"Tavi has a meaningful connection to the music... a sense of artistry... a fine talent."
Greg Newton, Board of Directors for Guitar Foundation of America
"Spirited and energetic, stylistic and most absorbing playing!"
Paul Plew, Chair of the Music Department at the Master's College
"Tavi's guitar stylings are done with excellence and precision beyond his years... Tavi
not only has a high proficiency level in classical guitar with a ranking of the
seventeenth best classical guitarist in the country, but he also relates well to students
as a teacher."
John Nelson, Music Chair at Grace School and Guitar Performer
"Tavi is one of those rare individuals who is both a concert performer of the highest caliber
and a teacher who is able to effectively diagnose, guide and impart to students what is
required to master the instrument."
Paul Chihara, Prolific Composer and Conductor
"Dazzling! Clean contrapunctal playing! Fantastic!"
CASTLES OF SPAIN, by Frederico Moreno Torroba
Rumor De Copla
Siguenza
Manzanares Del Real
Romance De Los Pinos
Turregano
SUNBURST (live), by Andrew York
CHACONNE (live), by Johann Sebastian Bach
LA CATEDRAL (live), by Augustin Barrios Mangore
Preludio, Andante Religioso, Allegro Solemne
For specific pricing quotes, please contact Tavi Jinariu via thecontact informationprovided.
WEDDING CEREMONIES
The lyrical beauty of the classical guitar adds elegance and a touch of romance to any wedding ceremony. Tavi's extensive experience ensures that your wedding music and overall ceremony atmosphere will be exactly how you have always imagined it. You can select music from Tavi's vast repertoire or personalize your wedding ceremony with your own musical selections.
PRIVATE ENGAGEMENTS
Tavi Jinariu has performed for a plethora of special occasions: from concerts with thousands in attendance and private salon recitals to corporate events, wedding anniversaries, and memorial services. Based on the nature of your special event, Tavi will consult with you and will insightfully choose the appropriate type of music. Regardless of the occasion, Tavi's music will put the finishing touches on your special event.
CONCERTS
Tavi Jinariu presents a diverse concert repertoire ranging from Renaissance and Baroque music to Classical, Romantic, Spanish, Latin, Celtic, and 20th century music. Tavi's past concerts consisted of both solo guitar performances as well as performances with chamber and symphony orchestras.
GUITAR LESSONS
Tavi Jinariu is professor of guitar at the Master's College in Santa Clarita, CA. In addition to his teaching responsibilities at the college, Tavi also teaches private lessons to a limited number of gifted students. To inquire about private lessons availability and pricing use the contact formprovided.
For concerts, private lessons, wedding ceremonies and other special events,
please contact Tavi Jinariu by phone or through the form provided bellow.
Phone: (805) 657-0112
TAURAN WOO PHOTOGRAPHY
MALAPANIS GUITARS
CHRISTOPHER PARKENING
THE MASTER'S COLLEGE
