15 Competitors Selected for 2006 Parkening International Guitar Competition, World's Preeminent Classical Guitar Competition with Largest Prize Purse; May 30-June 2, Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif.

The Parkening, the world's preeminent guitar competition
with the largest prize purse of any classical guitar competition (cash
awards in excess of $50,000), takes place Tuesday, May 30, through
Friday, June 2, on the University's campus in Malibu, Calif.
The competitors, narrowed to fifteen select guitarists from around
the world are:
-0-
*T

Michael Bautista, 27, Cupertino, CA

Robert BELINIC, 24, POPOVACA, Croatia

Petrit Ceku, 20, Zagreb, Croatia

Andras Csaki, 24, Budapest, Hungary

Joao Paulo Figueiroa, 26, Tallahasse, FL (Brazil)

Christian Haimel, 25, Linz, Austria

Fan-Chen Huang, 22, Los Angeles, CA (Taiwanese-American)

Samuel Klemke, 27, Weimar, Germany

Goran KRIVOKAPIC, 27, Koln, Germany (Montenegro)

Roberto Moron Perez, 26, Madrid, Spain

Pablo Sainz Villegas, 28, Logrono, Spain

Marco Sartor, 27, Charleston, SC (Uruguay)

Jorgen Skogmo, 23, Skogn, Norway

Andrew Stroud, 25, Safety Harbor, FL (UK-US Citizen)

Edward Trybek, 24, Pasadena, CA.
*T

(EDITORS: words set in ALL CAPS are missing diacritical marks -
please call for details)

The first full day of competition begins on May 31. Five
semi-finalists will be chosen for the second day of competition. On
the third and final day, three finalists will perform a concerto with
the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Required repertoire for the
Parkening is demanding and finalists are judged on musicianship, tone,
technique, and stage presence.
The Parkening International Guitar Competition honors classical
guitarist Christopher Parkening's lifetime commitment to fostering
musical excellence in young artists as demonstrated by his mentor, the
great Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia. Parkening's concerts and
recordings have received the highest acclaim worldwide for more than
three decades. With his rare combination of dramatic virtuosity,
eloquent musicianship and beautiful sound, Parkening is recognized as
Segovia's heir. Parkening currently serves as Distinguished Professor
of Music at Pepperdine University.
Pepperdine University is an independent, medium-sized university,
enrolling approximately 8,300 students in five colleges and graduate
schools. Courses are taught at the main Malibu campus, at six graduate
campuses in Southern California, and at international campuses in
Germany, England, Italy, and Argentina.
Religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Pepperdine
University is committed to the highest standards of academic
excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for
lives of purpose, service, and leadership.