10 Facts About Christopher Parkening

Christopher William Parkening was born on December 14,1947 and is an American classical guitarist.

Christopher Parkening holds the Chair of Classical Guitar at Pepperdine University under the title Distinguished Professor of Music.

At age 30, Parkening withdrew from public performances and recording seeking a respite from the demands of a professional career and a chance to pursue his hobby of flyfishing.

Christopher Parkening then released Simple Gifts, an album of traditional Christian hymns arranged for classical guitar.

Christopher Parkening has recorded over 20 albums for Angel and EMI Classics.

Christopher Parkening has been nominated twice for a Grammy Award.

Notable recordings include Christopher Parkening Plays Vivaldi featuring a selection of Baroque concertos, Pleasures of Their Company with soprano Kathleen Battle, produced by Patti Laursen and nominated for the 1986 Classical Record of the Year Grammy Award as well as the world premiere recording of Peter Warlock's Capriol Suite with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Christopher Parkening created the guitar department at the University of Southern California in 1969, when he was only 22, and he was serving as the head of the department when he first retired from public performance at age 30.

Christopher Parkening was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music from Montana State University in 1983.

Christopher Parkening is currently Distinguished Professor of Music and Chair in Classical Guitar at Pepperdine University, where, in addition to his work with guitar majors, he teaches a public master class.