HopeCollege will feature classical guitarist Ribert Gruca in performance on Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.

Gruca's work covers wide range of solo, chamber, and orchestral music from the classical guitar repertoire. In recent seasons he has played solo concerts in numerous venues throughout the United States, including in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York as well as Ontario, Canada. He has been described as a "wonderful and engaging performer" "bringing passion and artistry to his performance."

In 2004, he toured the eastern United States and Europe with the Cleveland Orchestra performing Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 7" under the direction of Franz Welser-Most. Other performances with the Cleveland Orchestra include Kurt Weill's "Little Three Penny Music," Igor Stravinsky's "Le Rossignol" under the baton of Pierre Boulez, and HowardShore's "The Lord of the Rings Symphony" with HowardShore conducting. Gruca made his concerto debut performing Joaquin Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Nuvi Mehta.

Gruca studied with John Holmquist and Jason Vieaux at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he received a Master of Music degree. He is described by Vieaux as "one of the most talented guitarists" of his generation. Previous teachers include Brian Morris of Grand Valley State University and Roger Humphrey of Olivet College. He has participated in master classes with such prominent guitarists as David Russell, Lily Afshar, Judicael Perroy, Stephen Robinson, Sergio & Odair Assad, Hubert Kappel, Antigoni Goni, and the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.

Tickets are $5 for the general public, with admission free for students 18 and under.  Tickets are available at the HopeCollege ticket office located in the main lobby of the DeVos Fieldhouse.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and may be called at (616) 395-7890. Tickets will also be available at the door.

The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. Eighth St.