Classical guitarist Michael Hardy performs in the library?s Musical Moments series on February 12. The performance begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Mr. Hardy?s program is a blend of new and traditional music and includes Prelude, Fugue, and Allegro (BWV 998) by Johann Sebastian Bach, Fantasie Hongroise Op. 65, No. 1 by Johann Kaspar Mertz, Sonatina Op. 52, No. 1 by Sir Lennox Berkeley, and Cavatina by Alexandre Tansman.

As the current artistic director of the Candlewood Farm Arts Foundation, Mr. Hardy strives to develop new audiences for classical guitar in collaboration with other musicians, providing fresh interpretations to traditional music as well as exploring new directions in music.

Born in Columbus, Georgia, Michael Hardy learned to play popular music from his mother during his teen years. His interest soon turned to the classical guitar, and he became the first person to graduate with a degree in guitar performance from Columbus State University. He earned his Master of Music degree from The University of Texas and a Graduate Performance Diploma from The Peabody Conservatory. In addition to being a student of outstanding musicians such as Julian Gray, Adam Holzman, and Andrew Zohn, he has performed in masterclasses with internationally recognized guitarists such as David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, the members of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and Lorenzo Micheli.

His performing career has taken him throughout the United States and to Italy where La Stampa called his playing ?brilliant and expressive.? In addition to his solo career, Mr. Hardy is enthusiastic about collaborating with other musicians. He has performed with violinists, violists, flutists, oboists, vocalists, and other guitarists in duo, trio, and quartet settings. He has also worked under the baton of conductors, a place guitarists rarely find themselves, in the Columbus State University Wind Ensemble and the University of Texas New Music Ensemble.

Mr. Hardy has also performed with distinction in a number of competitions and festivals. He was a top prize winner in the 2000 Columbus State University Guitar Competition and the 2006 East Carolina University Competition.

Mr. Hardy is an avid supporter of new music and has premiered new works with the Texas Guitar Quartet and the Texas New Music Ensemble. He has also actively volunteered for Creative Access, the Peabody Conservatory?s outreach program.

Musical Moments is a monthly program at Geneva Public Library and is sponsored in part by a grant from the Margaret Wyckoff Family Trust.