“Ed Stephenson was my student at the North Carolina School of the Arts during his years of undergraduate study. He proved to be an exceptionally talented performer, often revealing touches of virtuosity during our performance classes and in recitals.
As some reviews of his recitals indicate, he can be an exciting performer. I’m happy to recommend him as a fine young emerging guitarist.”
Aaron Shearer
Director of the Guitar Program
North Carolina School of the Arts
“Ed is a very musical and committed performer who demonstrates a rare enthusiasm for both the music he plays and the audience for which he performs.”
Robyn Brunt, Artistic Coordinator
Jeunesses Musicales du Canada
We received your CD and it is beautifully done. Your playing ranks among the best of today. I am glad our instrument works for you.
Jose Oribe
Founder
Oribe Guitars
Arts & Entertainment
The Mississauga News—February 13, 1991
Symphony show a huge success
By STEVE PECAR
Staff Reporter
It’s still early in the year but the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will be hard-pressed to top its performance of last Saturday night. Based on sheer variety, style and chance, the orchestra scored a resounding success by providing an exciting program that couldn’t help but succeed.
Opening with Johann Strauss’ Tales From Vienna Woods Waltz, the MSO led by conductor John Barnum, whisked the Cawthra Park audience off to a Viennese court conjuring up images of ball gowns sweeping across the floor in sophisticated dance. (Read More)
Guitarist demonstrates virtuosity at Meredith College concert
The News and Observer, Raleigh, N.C., Mon., May 5
Music review
In a stunning concert of compositions from five centuries, Canadian-born guitarist Edward Stephenson played for a small audience at Clara Caswell Concert Hall, Meredith College, Sunday afternoon. A graduate of the School of the Arts, Stephenson is on a Southern concert tour. He will appear in Knoxville, Tenn., May 9 and also offer a master class at that time. (Read More)
“Edward Stephenson is a superb musician and will soon be widely recognized as one of America’s most promising young performers.”
The Raleigh News and Observer
What a wonderful night – people are still talking about it. In fact, the artist who was hanging told me yesterday how excited she was to see her work behind you all in the pictures. Plus, those who attended were so lucky to get to enjoy such a special evening. Thank you again for sharing your talent and please pass this on to the whole talented group.
Mary Bradley, Development Director/Cinematique Coordinator, “Soup to Nuts” Radio Program
WHQR Radio
Wilmington, NC
In February of 1992, I performed Joaquim Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with Mr. Stephenson and the Mississauga Symphony.
There is no doubt that Ed is a guitarist and musician of international calibre. He has the technical control to demonstrate his musical ideas. He shows integrity to the full score and yet is flexible to the changes that occur in performance.
I have no hesitation in endorsing Mr. Stephenson to you, emphasizing the pleasure I have had in all of our dealings.
Sincerely,
John Barnum
Music Director The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra
“On behalf of our team, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your participation in the recent Latino Diamante Awards event. Your presence and contributions truly helped make the occasion memorable and impactful for all who attended.
We hope you found the experience as rewarding as we did. We would be thrilled to have you join us at future events, where you can continue to share your insights and connect with our community. Your involvement makes a significant difference, and we would be honored to collaborate with you again.
Thank you once more for being a part of this event. We look forward to staying connected and seeing you at our upcoming gatherings!
Warm Regards,
Gonzalo Aguirre (Chairman of the Board), Diamante Arts and Cultural Center
5104 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC“
Dear Ed, It was wonderful to see you and hear you again. Your lovely music adds beauty, warmth, and grace to any event. Thank you for joining me to perform at my birthday dinner.
With Gratitude,
Rodney Hood
Arts Patron
“On behalf of the Mississauga Guitar Society, I would like to express our sincere
thanks to you for performing at the Thomas A. Becket Church.
This was a most pleasurable and rewarding evening for all of us.
Your extensive musical credentials have been more than confirmed by your display of
vituosity and deep feeling expressed in the presentation of music by such luminaries
as Albeniz, Guiliani and Villa-Lobos. Your performance was made more pleasurable by
way of your intimate rapport with the audience.
We wish you continued success with your musical career and thank you once again
for a stimulating evening with the music of the guitar.”
Yours truly,
CP Partrige
President, Mississauga Guitar Society
“For many of the audience your concert was the musical highlight of the season, and possibly the last several seasons.”
Larry Reid, President
Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society
“We, the members of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Classical Guitar Society
would like to express our sincere thanks to Guitarist Edward
Stephenson for the very successful concert he performed for us in May
of this year.
Not only was his technical and interpretive skill equal to the demands
of the music, but his knowledge of the compositions was very well
expressed by his introductory comments. The most often heard remark
about his artistry from those who attended the reception following the
concert was that “this young man is destined to become one of the
world’s major concert guitarists.”
Once again, the Society wishes to thank you for this concert and the
amount of extra time you gave to our members. We hope to have you
again for another concert at the first opportunity.”
Larry Long, President
Knoxville-Oakridge Classical Guitar Society
“I am amazed at his interpretations….a masterful technique.:
Richard L. Matteson, Jr. President
Piedmont Classical Guitar Society
It was my pleasure to conduct the Rodrigo Concierto de
Aranjuez with Ed Stephenson as soloist. 1 found him to
be a competent and sensitive musician who was very easy
with which to work. I heartily recommend him as a young
man who is dedicated to musical ideals and eager to share
of himself and his talent.
Robert L. Decker, Conductor
Gardner-Webb College/Community Orchestra
“I found him to be a competent and sensitive musician who was very easy with which to work.”
Robert L. Decker, Conductor
Gardner-Webb Community Orchestra
July 14, 1994
Dear Ed:
Thanks so much for being with us last evening. Your guitar music during dinner was outstanding. Everyone commented on it, and I personally appreciate so much your being with us.
You are such a good reflection onyour music department. Perhaps you will get some new guitar students from your performance last ight. I would like to be one of them. Thanks again, Ed.
Warmest Regards,
Sandra C. Thomas
Vice President for Student Development
Meredith College
March 3, 1998
I am happy to write a letter on beahlf of Mr. Edward Stephenson, who
has been Special Instructor in Music (guitar) at Meredith since August
15, 1997. Mr. Stephenson is employed by Meredith to teach both
college and non-college students classical guitar, both in private
lessons and in classes. In addition, he has performed on campus once
this semester, and on other occasions prior to his employment by
Meredith.
He performs beautifully; I am extremely impressed with his facility
and musicianship on the guitar. He also communicated effectively with
his audience in sharing his joy in making music on the instrument and
his enthusiasm for its literature.
We feel fortunate to have him as a member of our faculty, and will be
proud if he represents Meredith College.
I hope this information will be helpful to you.
Sincerely,
W. David Lynch
Chairman
Department of Music and Performing Arts
Meredith College
Edward Stephenson, a recent graduate of NCSA, has been an active member of the Piedmont
Classic Guitar Society since his arrival in the Winston-Salem area to study with Mr. Aaron
Shearer.
Ed is a fine performer. He has trememdous speed and can play very expressively. I have seen his
performing develop over the past three years to a high professional level. Last year he won First
Prize in a Canadian Competition.
Ed has performed in our Summer Concert Series the last three summers doing a great job. Last
year he played a solo benefit concert in our concert series for 95-96. I am amazed at his
interpretations of Villa Lobos Etude No. 7 and Leyenda. These pieces demonstrate the work he
has done to develop a masterful technique.
We are proud to have Edward Stephenson as a member and actively support his concert career.
We have high expectations for him. We hope to have him play more benefit concerts this season
and in the future. We highly recommend him as a concert artist to other organizations and
societies.
Very Truly Yours,
Richard L. Matteson, Jr.
President
Piedmont Classic Guitar Society
Piedmont Classic Guitar Society
P. O. Box 2611
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27102
September 24, 1996
The Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society
Box 3037
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 4E5
May 11, 1996
Dear Ed,
Just a note to thank you for the concert you presented for the
Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society in March.
Members of our society who had heard you in concert before told us to
expect an excellent program from you. This you certainly delivered!
Your technical mastery of the guitar combined with your musical
expression gave us an evening to remember.
For many of the audience your concert was the musical highlight of the
season, and possibly the last several seasons.
Thanks again, and we look forward to having you return to Winnipeg.
Sincerely,
Larry Reid
Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society President
Meredith guitarist Ed Stephenson played a commendable program before a SRO audience at the Sertoma Center. Two days later, bringing to live scores by musicians such as Tarrega, Barrios, Granados, and the violinist/composer Paganini. Stephenson’s playing seemed thoroughly idiomatic, and he was very well-received.
John W. Lambert
For the most part, First Night’s “classical” events tended toward “pops.” Members of the Capital Area
Community Chorus, accompanied by an electric piano, sang Gershwin in the House Chamber of the
Capitol; this followed on the heels of a group from the Sir Walter Chorus, whose barbershop renditions
were more lively than polished. In the First Union lobby, Suzuki violinists filled the air with sound that
was musical at frequent intervals. Later, flutist Pamela Whitlow and keyboardist (yep, it was Electric
Piano No. 2) Brenda Bruce led a sophisticated sing-along in which the public was invited to read music
(!) for some rarely encountered settings of fairly familiar seasonal tunes; this was an intriguing idea, but
the realization was no more than a qualified success, if that. Classical guitarist Ed Stephenson had a better
idea: He played well-known, catchy transcriptions and received considerable acclaim for his efforts.
SPECTATOR MAGAZINE,
JANUARY 9, 1992
Raleigh, NC 27605
We had the pleasure of working with Ed Stephenson for our 2019 Company Retreat. Ed and his accompanying musicians were outstanding! The trio elevated our evening to the next level, making our event so special and memorable. We would highly recommend Ed and would be thrilled to have him back at future events!
Timothy A. Mann
NC Subway Group, Inc.
Ed and his dancers really elevated our fall programming series. Not only are they world-class performers, they also intersperses the music with background on the history and artistic evolution of flamenco. Wonderful experience, highly recommend.
David Sumerlin
Adult Services Librarian
Wake County Library, Raleigh, North Carolina
Ed Stephenson and The Paco Band wer phenomenal, as always! The 200+ students in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the performance–and Ed’s ability to talk about the music and the culture surrounding it was helpful to their understanding. As I sorted through the students’ written comments after the show, two stood out for really summing up what everyone was writing: “Absolutely LOVED it” and “You guys were so good!!! I loved watching you do what you love!” It is true–the audience loved it and it’s also clear Ed and the band love what they do and their passion shows through. An incredibly talented group who beautifully highlight the complexity of the music–and the dancer was a wonderful addition.
Ken Johnson
Associate Director, University Scholars Program
Co-Director, History and Italian Studies in Florence Program
Division of Academic and Student Affairs, NC State University
Ed is a phenomenally talented artist with a flair for tapping in to the emotions that you never even realized you had, all with a strum of his guitar. His music is as smooth as it can be, and will both invigorate and soothe you. All of this is made more remarkable by his soft humility and understated way of engaging a crowd. If you have not heard the magic of Ed Stephenson and The Paco Band, you want to find out where they’re performing next and make it a priority to be there!!
Jené Swan
Sommelier, Niche Wine Lounge
It was such a pleasure working with you. It was the perfect addition to our festival line-up. Our guests were thrilled with the performances. I, for one, felt transported to another place.
Fidias Reyes
Artist Services and Residency Manager
Office of the Arts, University of North Carolina-Wilmington
On behalf of Activate Good, THANK YOU for sharing your time and wonderful talents with us at Couture for a Cause! You truly elevated our event and brought beauty to our guests!
Amber Smith
Executive Director of Activate Good
Over the years, I have hired Ed Stephenson and The Paco Band for many corporate events. Ed is my “go to” entertainer because I know when I hire him, the group will be on time, perform professionally, and play exceptional music that guests will notice and remember. The Paco Band sound is unlike anything else I have heard at corporate events. They create a unique world-beat atmosphere and their music sets a tone that is head and shoulders above your typical background music.
Elizabeth Davis Peeler
D-P Planning Meetings & Events
Ed was OUTSTANDING!!! Everyone was so impressed! We can’t wait to work with him again!
Lauren Barry
Director of Marketing at McConnell Golf
Thank you and your bandmates, and your beautiful dancer, for putting on a tremendous performance yesterday! And thank you, too, for bringing interactive materials for people to play and touch for the post-show discussion – that was a big hit, too! We received a lot of positive feedback from the performance as well – people who wished the program could have lasted longer, and others who said how fantastic the show was. Best wishes for your future endeavors, and we look forward to other opportunities to work with you in the future.
Jamie Katz Court
Communications & Programs Manager
PineCone – Piedmont Council of Traditional Music
Ed Stephenson is the perfect performer for any occasion. I have had the pleasure of enjoying this music in a small intimate setting and during a large 300 person event! Ed is always professional, kind, and courteous. He never disappoints! We can’t wait to work with him and the whole band again soon.
It was such a pleasure working with you. It was the perfect addition to our festival line-up. Our guests were thrilled with the performances. I, for one, felt transported to another place.
Melissa Sayre
Industrious
Ed and the Gang,
Kim Moore
I just wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you once again for playing at our party! The music was great and the evening a huge success!
Thanks again!
Promotions and Events Coordinator at the Carolina Hurricanes
Thank you for doing a great job and making me look good!
Michelle King
Triangle Entertainment Agency
For three of our last four conferences we had, Ed and his group performed for our sit down dinner at various locations throughout the Triangle. He has tailored his music to our specific requests and has provided the perfect background music for our customers to enjoy the evening. He and his group show up in plenty of time to set up and be ready to perform prior to our event. It is my intention to book him again for our conference dinner next May.
Wendy Peterson
Office Manager at FM: Systems, Inc.
You provided our students an opportunity to strengthen our community by learning more about those in it and the world around them. Thank you for giving your time, knowledge, and energy – you educated and inspired our students.
Sara Mizelle
Cary Academy
The performances were fabulous! The musicians were incredible and our visitors loved every minute. We were thrilled to have a full theater for all of the shows!
Jessica Kay Ruhle
Associate Curator of Education at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
For many years I’ve been coming to these Cherry Hill concerts and have heard almost every single one. But this one was the very best, or at least one of the best, we’ve had! It was wonderful!
Cherry Hill Historical Foundation
As an Event Planner/Producer, I’m always on the hunt for great talent to provide my clients. I’ve worked with Ed Stephenson on many wedding events and now have the pleasure of working with him on an annual non-profit art show. Ed is professional, talented, flexible, and knows how to draw in a crowd. Our art show attendees applauded Ed’s duo after each song and that spoke volumes about how well received his style of music was. I highly recommend Ed’s duo for any social or corporate event, and know they will not disappoint.
Tracy L. Adams
Owner/Lead Consultant at Adams & Events
We thoroughly enjoyed Ed Stephenson and his trio at our Awards event! Ed and his group sounded great, were completely professional, and worked with us to make the evening very special.
Julie Paul
Executive Director at ULI Triangle
Ed recently played at our monthly program for the National Association for Catering and Evnets. His beautiful music guided our guests to the South Lawn of the NC Executive Mansion and provided such a cool vibe to kick off our event. Ed came highly recommended by many of our NACE members. He was amenable, professional, and responsive during the planning process, arrived on time, and delivered a perfect set. I look forward to working with him again for some of my corporate, non-profit, and wedding events.
Amy Greene
Lead Consultant at Going Greene Events LLC
Our residents are still talking about how great the band was!
Mark Johnson
Wellness Director at SearStone Retirement Community
April 28, 1993
Dear Ed,
Thank you again for providing our students with “background music” for their special
dinner during Fine Arts Festival Week. I certainly appreciate your willingness to arrange
your schedule so that you could perform on such short notice. I heard a number of fine
compliments on your playing.
Thank you again.
Best Wishes,
Jenny Thompson
Saint Mary’s College
Dear Ed:
Thank you for your performance with the Paco Band at our Pullen Society event on Friday evening.
We received many good comments about you, and we were delighted to have you there. For some
reason, our guests did not mingle in the gallery as we had planned (I think the term “feeding frenzy”
applies), and it was obviously not the best setup to showcase your talents. We do organize a few
events each year, and I hope you would be interested in performing for us again.
Sincerely,
Nicole G. Brancato
Assistant Director of Major Giving Programs
North Carolina State University
October 4, 1999
AWARDS
1995: University of North Carolina School of the Arts. 1995 Commencement. Special Award Outstanding Pedagogy, Edward Stephenson, Music.
Reviews
Guitarist Ed Stephenson Shines in Concierto de Aranjuez
Posted by Tom Moore | May 5, 2013 | Orchestral Music, Reviews, Uncategorized
“Cultural Voice of North Carolina”
The Raleigh Symphony Orchestra occupies a slightly different niche than that of its neighbor in Raleigh, the NC Symphony, which plays to larger audiences in a larger hall. The RSO presents its programs in the intimate and attractive surroundings of Jones Auditorium at Meredith College, with popular works at popular prices. The magnet for the spring concert was the familiar Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo…(Read More)
Raleigh Symphony Brings the Sun with Italian String Favorites
Posted by Alana Bleimann | Sep 15, 2023 | Orchestral Music, Reviews
“Cultural Voice of North Carolina”
Amid dark skies and thundering storms, Raleigh Symphony Orchestra gave an outstanding performance of a collection of chamber music by Italian composers, which transported patrons to the sunny streets of Florence and the rolling hills of Tuscany. Meredith College hosted the RSO’s season-opening program, Italian String Favorites with Ed Stephenson, inside the historic Jones Chapel. (Read More)
Ed Stephenson’s Esencia: Eons of Spirit and Passion
Posted by Roger Cope | Mar 8, 2012 | Band, Media Reviews, Recital, Uncategorized, World Music
“Cultural Voice of North Carolina”
Esencia. Ed Stephenson, guitar, with Iños Flamenca: Craig Hilton, guitar, Ryan Johnson, bass, Sara Ramweber, percussion, Pee Wee Watson, bass, Teresa Fernandez, vocals, & Rodney Marsh, flute. Liscio Recordings, Inc. LCD-00731 © 2011, PO Box 248, Wilmington, NC 28402 (910-452-5323); ten tracks – six with ensemble and four solo; TT 40.5 minutes, available as download via iTunes and from the artist’s web site as a CD.
This program is a mix of flamenco-pop and quasi affettuoso classical guitar, all bearing down heavily on the improvisational side of Spanish music. (Read More)
Eduardo de Rosamaría’s Remarkable Sept. 20th
Concert, Classical & Flamenco: A Fusion of
Elegance & Passion, Was High Octane!
Eduardo de Rosamaría’s Sept. 20th concert, Classical & Flamenco: A Fusion of Elegance & Passion, is not my usual cup of tea; but once I tasted it, I proceeded to drink deep. (Read More)
Ed Stephenson: The Triangle’s Guitar Virtuoso
(Boom Magazine) November 2015 by Rhiannon Bell
The Triangle’s growth as an economic center is well known, but its cultural growth and development of the Arts is equally as impressive. A testament to this baby boomer guitarist Ed Stephenson, Raleigh’s own world-class Nuevo Flamenco and classical guitar virtuoso, whose TV and radio appearances and competition awards establish him as one of the most talented guitarists in North America. (Read full article)
Guitarist Adds Contentment to Pleasant Evening
by Thyra Plass
Bryan-College Station Eagle
What does one do on a pleasant October night besides go to a football game . or the movies?
‘
One alternative wculd have been to hear a classical guitar recital over in Canterbury House just south of campus. It
was not as exciting as a football game nor as bewitching, sensuous, or full of horrors as a movie might have been.
However, Edward Stephenson did play his guitar (Read More)….
Old Bach: The NC Bach Festival Soldiers On
by John W. Lambert
Cultural Voice North Carolina
October 15, 2006Raleigh, NC
The North Carolina Bach Festival was launched in 1979 with a performance of The Passion According to St. John in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic
Church. For a number of years it found a home in Christ Church, where a superior pipe organ provided aural comfort… (Read More)
Paco Band Beats the Heat with Burning Coal
by Paul D. Williams
“Classical Voice of North Carolina”
July 25, 2010
Raleigh, NC: Seldom has a venue been more ironically named. The
“Burning Coal Theatre”at Murphey School in downtown Raleigh provided cool music and
cool surroundings for many hardy and enthusiastic fans for the finest music that the
Spanish genre has to offer. That rustic old haven hosted Ed Stephenson and the Paco Band for the latest edition in the “MusiCoal at Burning Coal”senes. (Read More)
