Video Artists International (VAI) announces the DVD and Blu-ray releases of SHARON ISBIN: TROUBADOUR, a profile of the world's premier classical guitarist which has been seen by millions through American Public Television's
broadcast on nearly 200 PBS stations throughout the U.S. Produced by Susan Dangel, the film has been featured on NPR and Tavis Smiley, in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and in over a dozen national magazines. Guitar World calls it "a wonderful piece that artfully shares this artist's passion for musical creation and exploration.... Fantastic!" The video editions also include full-length performances and extra scenes not seen in the documentary. Ranked #3 on Amazon's Hot New Releases chart, SHARON ISBIN: TROUBADOUR is available at www.vaimusic.com and all major retailers nationwide (DVD #4580/ Blu-ray #8202).
TROUBADOUR follows Isbin's life and career, showcasing performances on international concert stages and jazz venues, and from the White House to the GRAMMY Awards. She is seen collaborating with composers John Corigliano, Christopher Rouse, Tan Dun, Joan Tower, Mark O'Connor, Stanley Jordan, and Steve Vai, all of whom have written new works for her. Martina Navratilova, First Lady Michelle Obama, Joan Baez, Janis Ian, Lesley Gore, Garrison Keillor, and David Hyde Pierce are among Isbin's friends and associates who make appearances in the film, providing colorful commentary. The film showcases her teaching at the Aspen Music Festival, and at The Juilliard School where she is the guitar department's founding director.
Multiple GRAMMY Award winner Sharon Isbin has been described by the New York Times as a "trailblazer both for female musicians and for the guitar's place in the classical music world." Both the DVD and Blu-ray editions feature full-length performances of works seen only in part in the documentary, along with newly recorded video performances of Isbin in duo with Brazilian jazz guitarist Romero Lubambo. Extra scenes include commentary from conductor Leonard Slatkin, as well as from composer Howard Shore with concert excerpts of his "Billy's Theme" which Isbin premiered in the Academy Award-winning film The Departed. Visit: www.sharonisbintroubadour.com
SHARON ISBIN: TROUBADOUR
Color, 16:9 widescreen, DVD: Dolby Digital Stereo /
Blu-ray: PCM Stereo, 86 minutes
(Documentary: 56 minutes; Performances and extras: 30 minutes)