Frank A. Wallace, classical guitarist & composer, Antrim

Performer/composer Frank Wallace enjoyes a career as a classical guitarist/singer and player of early guitars, vihuela de mano and lute. A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory in 1974, he joined the guitar faculty the New England Conservatory in 1976. In the early '80s he began full-time performance of medieval and renaissance music with his ensemble LiveOak and Company. Performances of early music were given at major festivals such as The Utrecht Early Music Festival, Gegensburg Tage Alte Musik, Boston Early Music Festival, and the Lute Society of America.

Since 1991, he has returned to the classical guitar both as a composer and as a master of the romantic (19th century) guitar, performing with soprano Nancy Knowles as Duo LiveOak. In 1996 and 1997, Frank Wallace published two books of his own arrangements of Renaissance music. His compositions for classical guitar will be published later this year. His recordings have been released on Titanic Records, Musical Heritage Society, and Centaur Records.

Wallace teaches at his home in Antrim NH and at the Two Rivers Music School in Peterborough NH.  He has taught guitar for over thirty years and is highly appreciated for his patience and expertise in teaching children and adults of all ages. 

The State Arts Council Fellowship is an honor that will help him generate more work. He has had to travel extensively to make an income. His recent activities have grown to include composition (for his soul), local teaching (for soul and cash), and other commercial endeavors (for cash). In his application Wallace wrote, "Increased awareness of my work could only help each activity to be more fulfilling, but primarily to receive financial reward for my dearest love--composition--would be a spiritual boost as well as a practical benefit."

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Last updated: May 3, 2006