John Waldo Classical Guitarist

John Waldo performs a wide range of light classical, soft pop, Spanish, and melodic new music. Waldo has recorded a complete Christmas album, and offers this seasonal music in performance as well. His repertoire includes music exceptionally well suited for weddings, receptions, and banquets.

Performance

Classical guitarist John Waldo has performed with the Springfield Symphony on public radio of the Ozarks. He has performed as soloist with the Stanton Strings of Springfield, Missouri and the Trinity Recorder Consort of Madison, Wisconsin. Waldo has made multiple appearances on network affiliated television and has performed live “In the Spotlight” on Wisconsin Public Radio. Waldo performed his Christmas program on “Studio Live” with Public Radio of the Ozarks and has appeared on multiple occasions as Featured Guest Artist for the Children’s Choir of Southwest Missouri. Since his academic recitals as an undergrad and graduate student, he has appeared in hundreds of concerts, recitals, weddings, worship services, and social events. His performance schedule has taken him through much of the United States and parts of Europe.

Serving the Community

John Waldo regularly volunteers his musical talent in hospitals and cancer treatment centers as part of the program, “Healing through Music”. Waldo has served as Artist-in-Residence at Sequiota Elementary School in Springfield, Missouri, where he directed a school-wide professionally produced studio recording project for over 200 elementary students. He also served as resident guitarist for “New Song,” a weekly Taizé style meditation service featuring classical guitar. Waldo has presented his innovative program of poetry and classical guitar, “Celebrate the Earth” for dozens of public and private schools, libraries, festivals, and charities. He has performed his non-denominational guitar worship setting for scores of churches which also serves as the instrumental basis of his solo release, “The Glorious Guitar”.

Affiliation

Waldo is a member of the Grammy Academy® and the Guitar Foundation of America. He is founder and past president of The Guitar Society of the Ozarks, which merged into the Springfield Federated Music Club of which he is past president. Waldo has taught at the university level as well as in his private guitar studio and has adjudicated for Federated Festivals .

Presenter

As presenter Waldo coordinated appearances by Lily Afshar, Oscar Ghiglia, Douglas Niedt, Paul Henry, and Evangelos and Lisa. He has performed in master-classes with many of the guitar greats of the preceding generation. Waldo studied guitar at the undergraduate level with Peter Lingen and then with Javier Calderon while completing his master of business administration.

In the words of listeners

"Mr. Waldo's musical performance was technically perfect and created an aura of peace and tranquility throughout our audience."
- 'Nature and the Arts' series,
Springfield Conservation Nature Center

"A delightful recording of rare tone colors and repertoire..." - ClassiQuest

"I do love your CD & we are featuring it..., very easy to listen to..., it rewards careful listening very well." - WQUB Radio, Quincy, Illinois 

Recordings

Waldo's collaborative recording, "Positively Beautiful - positive organ and classical guitar" on the Blair Works label has been broadcast on classical music stations throughout North America. His other recordings include live performance of the "Partita Concerto" for guitar by Andrew Charlton, his release of standard guitar solos, "The Glorious Guitar", arrangements of traditional Christmas carols for guitar, harpsichord, and positive organ on "Christmas Classical Guitar", and now a collection of his hymn arrangements, "It Is Well: Great Hymns on Guitar" including a video series on YouTube.

Based in Springfield, Missouri, John Waldo is an experienced professional who has performed for scores of weddings and hundreds of social gatherings. His performances have been called “exquisite”, “sublime”, “fabulous” and "impeccable”.

Music sets the atmosphere for an event and is often what is remembered for the longest time afterword. Make an investment in the success of your event. Contact John Waldo for his availability to perform for you.

Comments from Performance Sponsors

"Thank you so much for your musical addition to our special day! You played beautifully & everyone commented on how much the music helped to create such a wonderful atmosphere." Kim & Lance

"Your program for our women was one, if not the very best we have ever had." - Sara

"Thank you so much for a wonderful performance. Eveyone enjoyed it very much. You were filmed by Channel 33, I hope you caught that on the news." - Brigitte

"Thank you for coming to our school. You are a great guitarist." - Principal

"I just had to take this opportunity to put in writing my appreciation of your performance at The Library Center. The poetry and music were perfectly suited to each other." - Director

"Thank you for lending an air of sophistication to our political event. Your playing was very well received. We look forward to hearing you again soon."

"Thank you so much for taking the time to play at the conference Friday. Your music was perfect as people gathered. I appreciate your sharing on such sort notice - - it was great!" - Brian

"Your music was beautiful as usual! I just think it is amazing how such gorgeous music can come from a few strings - We will look forward to having you back again at our church in the future!" - Shirley, Worship Chair

"I wish to thank you for a most enjoyable presentation of music, poetry and celebration of nature! You make the classical guitar an extension of yourself and your love of the arts." - Virginia

Music makes the occasion. Have John Waldo make the music that makes your occasion.

John Waldo can provide sound reinforcement for indoor or outdoor occasions. Please specify whether an electric outlet is available. Mr. Waldo can provide a modest portable sound system for outdoor occasions if needed.