Pop music didn't kill classical music, classical music just evolved into different forms. The term ‘classical crossover,' is now used to note when classical forms of music are mixed with popularized styles that would reach a wider audience. The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet has staked its turf on this ground and is coming to Buffalo State College to show how it's properly done.

Part of Rockwell Hall's 2003-04 Great Performers Series, the quartet returns once again to deliver its eclectic brand of chamber music from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. March 12.

Hailed by critics from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Washington Post, the LAGQ has been together since the early '90s blending technically elaborate arrangements with whimsical flourishes. Comprised of Andrew York, Willian Kanengiser, John Dearman and Scott Tennant, the group has released eight albums to wide acclaim. Consider:

• “They'll blow you away,” raves Guitar Player magazine.
• “It's clear by now that the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is one of the wonders of chamber music scene rooted in the West,” adds another review from the Los Angeles Times.
• The group's last album, “LAGQ: Latin,” was nominated for the 46 th Annual Grammy Awards in the “Best Classical Crossover Album” category.
• Albums such as “L.A.G.Q” and “Air and Ground” have both found success on Billboard's classical crossover chart and remained there for several months at a time.

“They're really talented ,” said Al Szymanski, a music composition major at Fredonia State College. “I don't really buy the whole classical crossover thing, but they're good at what they do.”

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet last appeared at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall during the 2002 Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival. This time around, they're the solo act.

“It was an amazing show,” says Paul Jourgensen in regards to the LAGQ in 2002. “I've never seen anything like it. These guys are incredible musicians. Everyone that loves music should see them!”

Admission to general public is $29.50; tickets for senior citizens, staff and faculty are $24.50; and students pay $15. More info is located here.

The concert at Rockwell Hall is just the beginning of a six-month U.S. tour that will eventually lead into Japan. The tour is to promote the quartet's ninth album, “LAGQ's Greatest Heroes,” which is scheduled for a June release. For more information on the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet go to: www.lagq.com