Ealing Guitar Society

Concordia Guitar Duo, Martin Byatt, Alex Lewis

2012-02-05T14:15:00.002Z

Dennis Cooke and Nick Hartley have been performing as the Concordia Guitar Duo for about twenty years now. Both had much previous experience of ensemble playing, notably: Nick with Gilbert Biberian's ‘Omega Players’; and Dennis with Ian Cross, based in Scotland, and giving performances that included television and radio. Recently Nick and Dennis have given more time to their other breadwinning activities but have continued playing at various events in London and the South of England.

Their programmes have always included a mix of standard guitar duo repertoire and their own arrangements, which tend to push at the limits of the combination's possibilities, sometimes even stretching this with requinto and ten-string guitars (giving greater pitch range).

For this concert they play music from Europe and the Americas using two standard guitars. They will tell you a little something about the pieces during the recital.

Martin Byatt is a Scottish guitarist and composer based in London whose playing style draws on many influences.

His background in classical guitar, jazz and rock styles is evident in his compositions, and his arrangements of some of the hits of the 70’s ( Dire Straits, Steely Dan, Allman Bros etc. ) hark back to a mis-spent youth!

In 1995 he wrote and arranged music for Radio 3’s production of Sharman MacDonalds play The Sea Urchins – reminiscences of her father’s obsession with blues and steel guitar playing. Apart from his solo work Martin performs with his Latin-Jazz trio - Zaramba – performing Spanish, South American and Latin Jazz music.

Alex Lewis recently played guitar for Ruth Ojadi on the BBC documentary 'I swear I can sing', and also recorded with Radio one DJ Reggie Yates. Alex enjoys playing a wide range of styles, including many of his own compositions. He performs regularly at Lauderdale House, Highgate, and has also played in many different settings, including musicals and clubs. He studies with the Head of Guitar Studies at Trinity college, Graham Devine.

Johan Lofving

2011-12-04T22:39:00.001Z

Johan Löfving was born in Sweden in 1989 and started to play the guitar at the age of nine at the local Music School with Lars Eriksson. Three years later he started to study privately with the distinguished Norwegian Guitar Professor Sven Lundestad and between 2005 and 2008 he attended Södra Latin´s Upper Secondary School in Stockholm, were Bo Hansson was his guitar teacher. At Södra Latin he also studied conducting with Jan Risberg. He is currently studying with Gary Ryan at the Royal College of Music in London were he also studies theorbo with Jakob Lindberg. In the autumn of 2010 he studied with Eliot Fisk at the Mozarteum in Salzburg as a part of the Erasmus Exchange Programme.

In October 2011 Johan was awarded the First Prize in the Young Talent Concert at the Uppsala Guitar Festival in Sweden with the following motivation: "Despite of demanding programme he did the best performance. Good control and tone. Mature playing with great expression."

Johan was also awarded the First Prize in the National Swedish Competition for young guitarists in 2006 and one year later he received the Jörgen Rörby Scholarship from the Swedish Guitar and Lute Society. At the Royal College of Music he has been awarded both the Guitar Prize and the Hilda Anderson Dean Prize. Johan has also participated in numerous masterclasses with guitarists such as Eduardo Fernandez, Zoran Dukic and Paul Galbraith.

Since 2008, he performs regularly with the flautist Yu-Wei Hu under the name Duo Flauguissimo and together they have performed in London venues such as King's Place and V&A Museum as well as in the Cadogan Hall Lunchtime Concert Series. He has also performed in venues such as the Amaryllis Flemming Concert Hall, The Forges and the Pump Room in Bath.

His passion for new music has resulted in several world premieres of both solo and chamber works, notably by the highly acclaimed British composer and guitarist Sam Cave.

Johan plays on a guitar made by the Norwegian Luthier Yngvar Thomassen.

Morgan Szymanski

2011-11-06T10:33:00.000Z

Described as ‘a player destined for future glories’ (Classical Guitar Magazine) over the last year Morgan Szymanski was selected as ‘one to watch’ by Gramophone Magazine and the BBC Music Magazine, was featured artist on the cover of Classical Guitar Magazine and was a finalist in the ‘2008 Outstanding Young Artist Award’ (MIDEM Classique/IAMA).

Born in Mexico City in 1979, Morgan Szymanski started playing the guitar at the age of six. Early studies at the National Music School (Mexico) and the Edinburgh Music School led to a scholarship to study under Carlos Bonell and Gary Ryan and the Royal College of Music in London, graduating in 2004 with first class honours. During his studies he won all guitar prizes from the RCM as well as scholarships from the Tillett Trust, Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Leverhulme Trust, Wall Trust, FONCA and a scholarship to study at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. He immediately went on to become the first solo guitarist to be selected by YCAT and was the first guitarist to be awarded a Junior Fellowship at the RCM, where he completed his Masters with distinction.

A top prize-winner at international competitions, in 2002 Morgan won first prize at the National Guitar Competition in Mexico. Abroad, performances as a soloist and with orchestras have taken him concert halls and festivals in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, China, Chile, France, Germany, Guatemala, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Macedonia, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Scotland, U.S.A, Wales and Zimbabwe.

Over the last year Morgan has given recitals at major UK venues and festivals including Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Bridgwater Hall, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, King’s Place, the Sage Gateshead, Royal Opera House and London International Guitar Festival. In May 2007 he made his debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing Joaquin Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’. He has broadcast live on TV and radio worldwide, highlights including BBC World Service and Radio 3. Abroad he has performed at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre, Luxembourg Philharmonie, Vienna Konzerhaus and Mexico’s Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Described as ‘top class in every respect’ (Classical Guitar Magazine, 2005), Morgan’s previous CD ‘The Unicorn in the Garden’, was released in 2005 including works by Iannarelli, Ritter, Ponce and Barrios as well as works especially written for him by Alec Roth. His recordings with His ensemble ‘Machaca’ Mano a Mano and Los Ambulantes on Sarabande Records have been qualified as ‘a jewel’ by Gramophone Magazine.

Morgan’s interest in chamber music has led to collaborations with artists such as John Williams and Carlos Bonell (guitar), Mark Padmore (tenor), Alison Balsom (trumpet), Priya Mitchell (violin), Marcelo Nisinman (bandoneon), the Sacconi Quartet, Phuong Nguyen (accordion), Adam Walker (flute) and Clara Mouriz (mezzo-soprano) amongst others.

He has appeared as a soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Ocrhestra, Hallé, Orchestra of the Swan, Southbank Sinfonia, the Welsh Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Sinfonia, the Cervantes Choir and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

For more details please visit www.morganszymanski.co.uk and www.sarabanderecords.com

Ben Kearsley

2011-10-02T02:27:00.000Z

Ben Kearsley was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He began classical guitar with Norman Quinney and later with Ian Smith. During his time at school Ben won The Young Musician Of The Year 1993 at James Gillepies High School and the Norman Quinney Prize for Classical Guitar. Performances at the Usher Hall and Queens Hall in Edinburgh took place during this time.
After 5 years of full time study in music (one year at Napier University and four years at Birmingham Conservatoire ) Ben graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire in 1998 with a BMus (Hons) 2:1

During this time Ben performed in masterclasses for Alirio Diaz, Jose Tomas, David Russell, Roland Dyens, Nigel North and Carlos Bonell. Performances at the Adrian Bolt Hall, Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall took place during this time. During the 1990’s Ben attended many summer schools in Scotland, England, France and Belguim.

After studing Ben lived in La Paz, Bolivia and then Madrid, Spain. He taught guitar at the Conservatoirio De La Paz and performed at the British Embassy, Palacio Chico and Theatre Municipal.

Flavio Cucchi

2011-09-04T10:00:00.001Z

"One of the most reknown and admired Italian guitarists" (Il Fronimo), Flavio Cucchi has given hundreds of recitals in Europe, America, Asia and Australia in addition to participating in radio and TV shows for the some of the biggest world-wide broadcasting corporations (the BBC, RAI, ZDF, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Televisa Mexico, Television Corporation of Singapore, Radio Praga, and others).

As a soloist, he has played in over then 30 European cities and he is regularly invited by the major festivals all over the world.

Winner of international competitions he started his international career as a contemporary music specialist: he has played the world premiere of Sestina d'Autunno by Petrassi and many modern masterpieces as Boulez “Marteau sains maitre” (at the Scala di Milano), Henze's “Cimarron” etc.. He has also participated in several operas by Bussotti, Berio etc.

He is one of the first Italian guitarists to popularize the compositions of Leo Brouwer, who wrote: "Flavio Cucchi's perfect tone and virtuoso approach is serving marvellously to a panorama of my music"

Many composers have been inspired to write for Flavio including the famous pianist Chick Corea who wrote: "Ever since I first heard Flavio play the guitar I've been a big fan. His playing is simply filled with Beauty. I want to play the guitar like this."

He is a professor at the Istituto Superiore di Studi Musicali "Pietro Mascagni" of Livorno since 1985 and held also Masterclasses in USA, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Russia etc. for the most important music societies.

The Poet Yusef Komunyakaa (Pulitzer prize 1994), dedicated to him “Ode to the guitar” presented at Genova International Festival of Poetry

He has recorded over 15 CDs and he is Artistic Director of Guitar Media Collection

Neil Smith

2011-07-03T00:04:00.001Z

Neil Smith is among Britain’s best-known guitarists whose reputation is world-wide. He started life as an engineer for the MoD but soon went on to play for the Mecca and Top Rank organizations in major ballrooms across the UK. There and on television, he worked alongside many stars including George Melly, Freddie Star, The Comedians and Fivepenny Piece, Bob Monkhouse, Edward Fox, Robert Hardy, Jim Bowen, Patty Boulaye, etc, etc. He studied classical guitar with Madame Adele Kramer (friend of Adolf Hitler and pupil of the great Miguel Llobet) of the Guildhall School of Music in London and the composer John Duarte and theory with the pianist Robert Marsh and he gained a scholarship to study in in Canada with Leo Brouwer and Alirio Diaz at Toronto University in 1975.His successful debut in 1979 led to tours and BBC broadcasts and a first LP record whichwas Pick of The Month in two journals. He toured Europe and the USSR under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, appeared at the Scottish Proms directed by Sir Alexander Gibson and later at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Royal Festival Hall, and then the new Barbican Hall in a Royal Gala Weekend along with Rostropovich and Andres Segovia.His US debut drew a standing ovation and he returned coast-to-coast and he went beyond the Iron Curtain to play in massive festivals and also for the Red Army in Transylvania. He has recorded for seven labels and has given classes globally. In 2000, he was honoured to play for Her Majesty The Queen Mother’s 100th birthday at her home in Glamis, Scotland.His travels have become widely known in the music world via his book; HAVE GUITAR, WILL TRAVEL where he documents his life on the road; a Molotov-Cocktail exploded near his taxi in the Belfast Troubles, a killer escaping the Police threatened him with a knife and in the USSR, he found Security Police on his trail due to his former MoD connections. At one crucial meeting, he was faced by none other than the dreaded Soviet KGB and was placed under city-arrest and threatened with a fine of $12,000. In Rome, he played for the film stars Elizabeth Taylor and also Geraldine Chaplin by request. In Dubai, he played for His Highness General Sheikh Mahktoum. His book is available via the Website known as authorsonline, his CDs from www.thespanglishstore.com. From Western Canada, across the USA, the Atlantic, Europe and Siberia to Japan, his tours have taken him literally round the world.He is a Fellow of the London College of Music and has been an Examiner for the University of Wales, the University of Huddersfield and a Visiting Tutor and Assessor for the Royal Northern College of Music. For a number of years he was the British representative at the great Cup of The North Festival in North Russia and in 1990 he directed Holland’s main guitar festival in Zwolle. Last season he played on Orkney and gave classes in Perugia in Italy and also in Austria and Southern Ireland and recently, he visited Denmark and Norway. He also writes for Europe’s largest classical guitar magazine Classical Guitar.

Fabriccio Mattos

2011-06-05T20:39:00.000Z

Fabricio Mattos was born in Curitiba, Brazil. He began his musical studies at the age of six, learning musical theory with his father. When he was fourteen years old, he was introduced to the guitar and was fascinated by the possibilities of this instrument, eventually deciding to study with Dirceu Saggin, at Paidéia Music School, in Curitiba.
He graduated in 2006 Bachelor of Music School of Music and Fine Arts of Paraná (EMBAP), taking classes with Professor Luiz Cláudio Ferreira. He acts as a performer since he was 16 years old, and nowadays plays solo and chamber music concerts in various places in Brazil and Europe. He has launched in 2007 his first CD, "España", with original works by Spanish composers of the twentieth century, in a national tour of concerts in ten Brazilian states. From September to December 2009 Fabrício toured in Brazil as part of the project "SESC-Sonora Brazil", being invited to perform, along with guitarist Salomão Habib, 80 concerts throughout Brazil, which is considered the biggest guitar tour ever realized in Brazil.
He has participated, along with ten other Brazilian guitarists, of the "Brazilian Guitar" project, for which he recorded a track for a CD and a solo program to be broadcasted by the Brazilian television. He has also served as producer of the series "Guitar in the Chamber” and artistic producer of the series "Music and Spirituality ", in Curitiba, in addition to exerting an intense didactic activity with the guitar, giving lectures and masterclasses in many places in Brazil and the United Kingdom. He has played in several international festivals and competitions in various European countries, at events globally recognized for its high musical level.
He has participated of the Armando Prazeres Prize for Young Soloists of Petrobras (2003), in which he won first place. He was awarded in more than ten national and international competitions, and has also received honors as "Ivor Mairants Guitar Award” (Worshipful Company of Musicians, London),"Picker Trust Award” (Royal Academy of Music, London) and "Webshow Video Award”. Recently Fabricio was the first Brazilian musician in history to be elected a finalist for the prestigious "Alexander Tansman Competition of Musical Personalities," in Łódź, Poland, where he performed a solo recital in November 2008. In 2009, Fabricio was awarded one of the greatest honors received by a Brazilian guitarist abroad: the “Julian Bream Award”, an award for artistic excellence and distinction given in London by the legendary guitarist Julian Bream, who personally chose the Brazilian guitarist to join the select rank of winners of this prestigious award.
Fabricio Mattos currently resides in London, where he conducts his studies in Master's in music performance at the Royal Academy of Music, one of the best music institutions in the world, and has received a partial scholarship in recognition for his high artistic level. In this institution, he has as mentors musicians like Michael Lewin, Timothy Walker, Fábio Zanon, John Williams and Julian Bream. He constantly collaborates with composers from various musical languages, such as Harry Crowl, Mario Ferraro, Paul Hart, Salomão Habib, among others, by dedicating himself to a development and refinement of the musical approach on the guitar, through contact with various ways of expression in music. Fabricio acts as a scholar on guitar performance, performing constantly, both as soloist and chamber musician, always looking for a difference of interpretation that values the artistic personality and sound and phrasing quality.

Three Guitars and a Harp - France Ellul (Harp), David Artus, Richard Clark, Steve Dell

2011-04-03T20:51:00.009Z

Tonight's colourful programme presents music from Avalon to Paraguay.

France Ennul - Celtic Harp.
France was a founder member of Vitae, the seminal band and ensemble of musicians who set up and ran the ‘Winterdrum’ festival in High Wycombe for many years.

France’s band ‘Harps of Avalon’ made their debut appearance at the 2001 Winterdrum Festival. They performed, individually and collectively, at a wide range of events from festivals, including Womad, to the British Diversity Awards.

His current band, Anwen, plays a fusion of original compositions and a mix of folk / traditional pieces from various parts of the world, including Celtic, Indian and classical influences. Tonight, France will play solo songs, from the mists of Avalon.

David Artus - Folk Guitar.
David has been studying Classical Guitar with Steve Dell for the last 4 years, but his first love is singing songs in folk and acoustic music clubs. Currently he sings regularly at the Uxbridge and Chesham folk clubs. He repertoire ranges from Al Stewart's songs about the perils of invading Russia to Ralph McTell's sweet sorrow of children leaving home. Tonight he will be singing of families and trains.

Richard Clark - Classical Guitar.
Richard learnt classical guitar in his teens, going on to obtain the ALCM diploma. He has performed many times at Ealing and will be performing at a festival in July in Kingston. In addition to playing classical pieces he has also worked with singer David Jennings. They have recently releasd a single called 'Beautiful Sea of Yesterday' which was produced by Australian composer and producer Cliff Bradley. This has been played on Resonance FM in Central London. Richard has arranged an acoustic version of this song, especially for tonight's concert.

Steve Dell - Spanish Guitar.
To celebrate 35 years of playing the guitar, Steve is looking forward to presenting a mix of his own arrangements tonight, and provide accompaniment to EGS regular Patrick Smart, who will sing one of John Dowland's songs.

Carlos Bonell

2011-03-06T12:49:00.001Z

Carlos Bonell was born in London of Spanish parents and he studied at the Royal College of Music with John Williams. He gained prominence through his Decca recording of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and Charles Dutoit. It has been repeatedly singled out as the finest version available.

His discography includes more than 20 CD and DVD recordings ranging from the music of Queen and the Beatles to the Bach lute suites.

Since 2006 Carlos has been helping Sir Paul McCartney in editing, notating and recording a concerto he is composing for guitar and orchestra.

Carlos last played for the Ealing Guitar Society in 1971 - four decades ago! His concert was attended by his teacher, the famous John Williams.

To cover the costs of this celebrity concert, the admission is £10 / £8 concessions.

Haydn Lute Trio

2011-02-06T17:07:00.000Z

The Haydn Lute Trio was formed in 2000 and has been delighting audiences since with its widely varied programmes featuring the 18th century lute and theorbo in ensemble. Following the critically acclaimed ‘Lute music for a Princess’ CD (for ASV Gaudeamus) the trio have regularly featured in arts festival, music society and educational programmes contrasting rarely heard early classical Lute trios by Haydn and his contemporaries with the great violin sonatas of Bach, Handel and Corelli, using the theorbo as continuo. The Trio also include French 18th century repertoire in their concerts, with the pièces de théorbe en partition taken from the 1716 publication of Louis 14th’s court theorbist, Robert de Visée.

David Parsons - Baroque Lute
David studied at the Royal College of Music as a pupil of Diana Poulton. Since his Wigmore Hall debut he has performed at many of the principal European musical events as well as touring the USA and Scandinavia.
He has an extensive discography both as a continuo player and soloist, recording repertoire ranging from the early 16th century to specially commissioned 20th century works. He has made many radio broadcasts in the U.K and abroad, particularly in Spain where he has toured widely, and presented recitals of lute music for National Television.

Eleanor Harrison – Baroque violin
Eleanor completed her postgraduate diploma in Historical Performance with distinction at the Royal Academy of Music in 2006, where she studied baroque and classical violin with Nicolette Moonen and Simon Standage. She was leader and soloist with both the Royal Academy of Music Baroque Orchestra and Becket Ensemble under such distinguished directors as William Christie, Laurence Cummings, Margaret Faultless and Monica Huggett.

Miguel Calvo – Baroque cello
Miguel is from Pamplona in Northern Spain studied cello baroque cello with Alison McGillivray at the Guildhall school of music and drama in London. In addition he has participated in master classes with Jenny Ward-Clarke and Susan Sheppard and received his master’s degree in 2003. Miguel is now much in demand on the London early Music Scene working in chamber groups and teaching in addition to performing regularly in Spain.

Dimitris Dekavallas

2010-12-05T02:11:00.000Z

Multiple award winner Dimitris Dekavallas has already won a significant number of prizes in major competitions and is considered to be one of the most talented guitarists of his age.
Dimitris was born in Athens and began learning the guitar at the age of six. He was first taught at the National Conservatory of Athens and continued his studies at the Hellenic Conservatory. He graduated from the conservatory in 2002 with 1st Prize and was honoured with the Haralambos Ekmetzoglou music award at his graduation. He won 1st Prize in the IKY National Scholarship Foundation in Greece in 2004, which enabled him to come to London to the Royal Academy of Music. He studied under Micheal Lewin, Timothy Walker and John Mills. While there he won the Tebutt ExhibitionScholarship and in 2007 he received his Diploma of Postgraduate Performance (Distinction) and was given the Blyth Watson Award at his graduation. More recently, Dimitris was selected for the Barry Holmes Award by the Worshipful Company of Musicians.
From the age of nine Dimitris has given solo performances all over Greece, including in the National Concert Hall in Athens. Since graduating from the Academy he has given recitals throughout the UK, Asia, USA, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Romania, Hungary and has been invited to perform as a soloist and give master-classes in international festivals such as Ripon International Music Festival, Abu Dhabi International Music and Arts Festival, Bolivar Hall International Festival, London International guitar festival, Volos International Guitar festival, Veria Guitar Festival, Tirgu Mures International Guitar Festival and many others. He has appeared as soloist with the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie Orchestra in Germany, the Romanian Philharmonia, and in the UK the HCMC orchestra in Oxford and the Hertfordshire Philharmonia. Future plans include appearances at the Wigmore Hall and South Bank Centre in London. He released a new recording Music for Oboe and Guitar in 2009 with the oboist Marios Argiros.
He has taken part in many international festival and competitions and has won more than 13 international and national prizes.
Dimitris has played in masterclasses with John Williams, Pepe Romero, David Russell, Eliot Fisk, Hubert Kppel, George Hatzinikos, Carlos Marchione, Fabio Zanon, Kostas Kotsiolis and Carlo Domeniconi. He has also played in workshops with Sir Richard Rodney Bennett and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.
Dimitris is sponsored by D’ADDARIO using D’addario J46 strings on his G. Smallman guitar and he currently lives in London.
www.dimitrisdekavallas.com

Ten String Fever

2010-11-07T22:20:00.001Z

TenStringFever was established in 2005 by experienced musicians Jane Miller (violin) and Terry Spooner (guitar). They have since been performing in a wide variety of venues in the UK.

Their performances feature a very wide range of music with many influences- classical, jazz, world, celtic, film.

The duo’s first album ‘Jigs & Jazz’ was issued in 2007.

Their second album 'Chase the Sun' has just been favourably reviewed in 'The Musician ' magazine in September. As well as featuring music by Piazzolla, Morricone, Reinhardt/Grappelli and Sibelius, five of the tracks are new original compositions by Terry and Jane, including the title track.

This recital will feature music from ‘Chase the Sun’ plus music by Faure, more new Piazzolla pieces and two new original pieces by themselves.

Sample tracks from both albums, plus photos, live dates etc can be found on their website www.tenstringfever.com

Peter Martin - lute

2010-10-03T23:53:00.000Z

My first instrument was classical guitar, which I started playing as a child in Spain. I developed a strong interest in early music while studying Music at Cambridge University, and I now mainly play renaissance lute, theorbo and baroque guitar. I work as a soloist, accompanist, and as continuo player in baroque chamber music and in large-scale works such as the Monteverdi Vespers or Purcell's King Arthur.

I've always been interested in the widest range of classical music, and in making unexpected connections. For example, in my solo concerts for the Lute Society in the UK and the Sociedad de la Vihuela in Córdoba, I set music for renaissance lute by Spinacino, Holborne and Dowland alongside Benjamin Britten's Nocturnal after John Dowland for classical guitar. My most recent solo project was in May 2010, when I played a programme of music from the greatest English lute manuscript, Matthew Holmes's lute book, in a series of concerts in the UK and at the 2nd International Lute Festival in Fuessen, Germany. I'm touring the programme again in 8 concerts in England and Wales in October 2010.

There's a lot of repertoire for voice and lute, and I work regularly with singers. Since 2009 I've been working with the Toulouse-based vocal group Antiphona playing lute, baroque guitar and theorbo in programmes of renaissance and baroque music from France, Italy and Spain.

Looking back, my duo Sambuca with recorder/flute player Michael Copley has performed throughout Europe. Venues have included the Barbican Centre, Göttingen Handel Festival and Kloster Michaelstein (Germany), Zagreb Summer Evenings (Croatia), Salisbury festival, Mulhouse baroque festival (France), Sir Jack Lyons concert hall in York, and many universities and music societies. Our two CDs, Sambuca and There and Back Again, featuring our characteristic mix of baroque, classical and world music on a multitude of instruments, have been heard on BBC Radio 3's Late Junction. Sambuca has appeared live on Radio 3's In Tune and on Croatian breakfast television.

The most unusual strand of my musical career has been playing with The Chuckerbutty Ocarina Quartet. Following its Wigmore Hall debut with the Academy of Ancient Music, the quartet has played in the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican Centre, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, family concerts throughout Catalonia, and the Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo as part of our 2009 Japan tour. The quartet directed an ocarina workshop and performed at Dartington Summer School in 2002, and played for the British Flute Society with special guest Sir James Galway. Our CD I Love my Ocarina appeared in 2009 and has also been heard on Late Junction.

I'm an active member of the Lute Society, and was proud to be a member of their University Challenge team on BBC2 TV in 2008. My booklet 'Playing lute music on your guitar' is published by the Lute Society, and has been reprinted by the Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Argentina, and by Classical Guitar magazine. My writings about the lute and its music can be found at eatslutes.blogspot.com, and you can hear me playing at myspace.com/absolute81.

Tnnight's programme features music for solo lute drawn from the most important collection of English lute music, housed in Cambridge University Library. Dating from the golden age of English lute music at the end of the 16th century, the repertoire covers the major English composers of the time including John Dowland, Anthony Holborne and John Johnson, plus some continental music that made it across the channel, including pieces by Francesco da Milano and Philip van Wilder. This varied selection of music covers a wide range of styles, from sober pavans through to exuberant jigs and dumps.

The Lute Society will be publishing a major new facsimile edition of the manuscript in 2010.

www.silvius.co.uk

Tomás Jiménez and María José García

2010-09-05T10:57:00.000Z

Tomás and María José met in their home town, Cartagena, in the region of Murcia on the South East Mediterranean Coast of Spain. Tonight, they will present a recital of solo flamenco guitar compositions and duets with castanets.

Tomás Jiménez

Tomás Jiménez learnt to play flamenco guitar from his father whose teaching instilled in Tomás a respect for flamenco together with the understanding that his playing should communicate the true meaning of each piece without using unnecessary superfluous effects.
Much later Tomás attended master classes with Gerardo Núñez and Paco Cruz.
Tomás has performed as a soloist in Spain at the prestigious flamenco festival: Festival Nacional del Cante de Las Minas, La Unión, Catedral de Santander, Centro Cultural Ramón Alonso Luzzy, Festival Nacional del Cante por Cartageneras, Teatro Circo, Cartagena.
In Britain he has performed at The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Purcell Room, The Fairfield Halls, Croydon, The Brighton Festival, Dundee International Guitar Festival, Northumberland International Guitar Festival, Durham University, Sunderland University, Surrey University, Embassy Theatre Swiss Cottage, London, South Hill Park, Bracknell and for many guitar societies as well as Paris, France and Damascus, Syria.

María José García

María José studied flamenco dance in Cartagena and took all her dance exams in the Conservatorio de Danza in Murcia, Spain. She studied Flamenco and Classical Spanish Dance and gained the title of Bailarina Profesional (Professional dancer) from the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Madrid.
She later bought the academy where she had studied and ran it for several years.
María José has attended classes with several renowned flamenco dancers such as Ángel Muñoz, Rafaela Carrasco, Alicia Márquez and Virginia Dominguez among others.

Tomás Jiménez and María José have given sell out concerts at Royal Albert Hall, Norwich Castle Museum Francis Cheetham O.B.E Memorial Concert, Canning House (Latin American and Spanish Cultural Centre) Chelsea, London, Dorchester Festival, Dumfries and Galloway Festival, Arts Depot and the Buckingham Festival.

David Parsons - lute

2010-07-04T14:12:00.004Z

David Parsons studied the lute at the Royal College of Music as a pupil of Diana Poulton. Following a successful Wigmore Hall debut in 1981 he has toured widely in Europe, Scandanavia and the United States.

He has broadcast in London, Los Angeles, Oslo and Munich and presented a recital of lute music for Spanish television. He has recorded as a soloist, accompanist and continuo player working with ensembles including the Consorte of Musicke (with Emma Kirkby), the Musicians of the Globe, Glynbourne Opera and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

In addition to solo and trio concerts, David offers engaging recitals of English lute songs with the tenor Paul Robinson. Their programmes include songs and lute music by Dowland, Rosseter, Purcell and Blow.

Dietmar Kres

2010-06-06T23:59:00.001Z

Dietmar Kreš was born in I963 and has been playing guitar since the age of 9. He was a student at the university of music and performing arts in Graz/Austria, was a student of Eliot Fisk in Köln/Germany and of Cacho Tirao in Buenos Aires/Argentina. He was prizewinner of several contests (Radio France/Paris, Fernando Sor/Rom, Franzico Tarrega/Benicassim, Manuel M. Ponce/Mexico City). Beside his teaching profession, he is always preparing for concerts at various festivals, mostly solo (Jeunesse musicales, Styrian autumn, Lucerne Festival, Austrian cultural forums in Turkey, Poland, Croatia, Czech Republic), sometimes in chambermusic (Staatsorchester Hannover with Garth Knox, Orchestra recreation in Graz).

Since the beginning of his involvement with music Dietmar Kreš has shown interest also in modern composers. So he started his discography with H.W. Henzes “Royal Winter Music”. The composer showed himself absolutely happy with this interpretation, observing that he had never heard his pieces so well understood and so technically mastered as by Dietmar Kreš: “One heard almost exclusively the music and the musical ideas. By musical means, he presented the characters as if he were a story-teller.”

A couple of visits to Buenos Aires, Argentina, inspired the artist to record his second CD with a compilation of Tangos and rhythms from the past. With this background he played many concerts in several formations, for instance with the Bandoneon-master Victor Villena.

The topical program offers an extensive repertory. The main part is formed of finds of musical collections of Gaspar Sanz and Igor Strawinsky, completed with some Tangos and pieces of Scarlatti and Mozart.

Jeff Rodriguez

2010-03-07T00:40:00.004Z

Combined with his career as a concert recitalist in possession of an extensive musical repertoire spanning five centuries from the Renaissance through to the 20th century, Jeff also enjoys the reputation of being a fine flamenco and jazz guitarist making him without doubt one of the most versatile guitarists in the UK.

Aside from his solo activity, Jeff performs in a variety of ensemble settings from guitar with voice/violin to various guitar duos/trios. As a flamenco guitarist, he regularly performs with Steve Homes in the DeCasas Duo/Trio and has many original flamenco compositions to his name. He is also very interested in early music and plays vihuela de mano.

Jeff has recorded two CDs to date. His first, “20th Century Guitar” (2005) was received to high acclaim and features some of the finest repertoire of the 20th century. His second solo release ´Iberian & Latin American Guitar Music´ was released in 2008. Future recordings soon to be released include a CD of Jeff’s original flamenco compositions and one of 16th century Spanish music performed on the vihuela.

Born in Canada to Portuguese parents, Jeff Rodrigues studied guitar with renowned guitarists Norbert Kraft and Jeff McFadden and received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto. He studied jazz and flamenco guitar with Rob Bulger and Pepe Haro and also holds an FRSM in Performance. Upon completing his studies, Jeff moved to Europe and has been based in the London since 1998. As well as giving recitals throughout the UK, Jeff has also performed in Canada, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Tonight's programme:

Two Mazurkas - FRANCISCO TARREGA / Three Etudes - H. VILLA LOBOS / Ciacona BWV 1004 - J.S. BACH (the famous Chaconne in Dm arranged from the original violin) / Reverie Op.9 - GIULIO REGONDI / Homanaje a Toulouse-Lautrec - E. SAINZ DE LA MAZA / Fandanguillo & Sevillana - JOAQUIN TURINA

Fabricio Mattos

2010-02-07T22:37:00.001Z

He graduated in 2006 Bachelor of Music School of Music and Fine Arts of Paraná (EMBAP), taking classes with Professor Luiz Cláudio Ferreira. He acts as a performer since he was 16 years old, and nowadays plays solo and chamber music concerts in various places in Brazil and Europe. He has launched in 2007 his first CD, "España", with original works by Spanish composers of the twentieth century, in a national tour of concerts in ten Brazilian states. From September to December 2009 Fabrício toured in Brazil as part of the project "SESC-Sonora Brazil", being invited to perform, along with guitarist Salomão Habib, 80 concerts throughout Brazil, which is considered the biggest guitar tour ever realized in Brazil.

He has participated, along with ten other Brazilian guitarists, of the "Brazilian Guitar" project, for which he recorded a track for a CD and a solo program to be broadcasted by the Brazilian television. He has also served as producer of the series "Guitar in the Chamber” and artistic producer of the series "Music and Spirituality ", in Curitiba, in addition to exerting an intense didactic activity with the guitar, giving lectures and masterclasses in many places in Brazil and the United Kingdom. He has played in several international festivals and competitions in various European countries, at events globally recognized for its high musical level.

He has participated of the Armando Prazeres Prize for Young Soloists of Petrobras (2003), in which he won first place. He was awarded in more than ten national and international competitions, and has also received honors as "Ivor Mairants Guitar Award” (Worshipful Company of Musicians, London),"Picker Trust Award” (Royal Academy of Music, London) and "Webshow Video Award”. Recently Fabricio was the first Brazilian musician in history to be elected a finalist for the prestigious "Alexander Tansman Competition of Musical Personalities," in Łódź, Poland, where he performed a solo recital in November 2008. In 2009, Fabricio was awarded one of the greatest honors received by a Brazilian guitarist abroad: the “Julian Bream Award”, an award for artistic excellence and distinction given in London by the legendary guitarist Julian Bream, who personally chose the Brazilian guitarist to join the select rank of winners of this prestigious award.

Fabricio Mattos currently resides in London, where he conducts his studies in Master's in music performance at the Royal Academy of Music, one of the best music institutions in the world, and has received a partial scholarship in recognition for his high artistic level. In this institution, he has as mentors musicians like Michael Lewin, Timothy Walker, Fábio Zanon, John Williams and Julian Bream. He constantly collaborates with composers from various musical languages, such as Harry Crowl, Mario Ferraro, Paul Hart, Salomão Habib, among others, by dedicating himself to a development and refinement of the musical approach on the guitar, through contact with various ways of expression in music. Fabricio acts as a scholar on guitar performance, performing constantly, both as soloist and chamber musician, always looking for a difference of interpretation that values the artistic personality and sound and phrasing quality.

What the press say:

“Fabricio Mattos delighted he public playing Villa-Lobos concerto, with Petrobras Orchestra…”

Noticias da OPPM – 27/03/2003

“López-Chávarri’s Sonata has been recorded just a few times through the history, and has received in cd ‘España’ an interpretation worthy of its grandeur. Fabricio Mattos was well succeeded with his premiere in recording field.”

Violão Pro Magazine – 04/2007

“Fabricio Mattos can extract the exact musical expression from the guitar…”

André Egg – Blog “O Melômano” - 2008

“Fabricio has a remarkable personality, and combines an impeccable technique to an outstanding interpretative personality, fanciful.”

Petros Andreou, Richard Clarke & Steve Dell

2010-01-03T08:38:00.004Z

Tonight's concert will be shared by the above 3 guitarists, all of whom have been members of Ealing Guitar Society for many years.

Petros will play Giuliani's Variations on the famous 'Harmonious Blacksmith' theme, and some of the well-known preludes by Villa-Lobos. Richard will play favourites from the guitar repertoire including 'The Cathedral' by Agustin Barrios, and Steve will play a mix of Dowland, Bach and pieces by contemporary Spanish composers.

Ajmal Singh, one of Steve's students, who will shortly be taking Grade eight. Tonight will also present one of the pieces he has prepared for this exam, accompanied by various tunes from Grade Seven.

We hope you will brave the cold weather to come and see us play!

Gerard Cousins

2009-12-06T12:59:00.029Z

This summer has been busy time for Gerard who, as well as touring the
UK and Saudi Arabia has been busy preparing and recording a new CD
of Welsh music soon to be released. He will perform some of these new
unique arrangements of traditional Welsh folksongs at tonight’s concert
as well as some classics from the guitar repertoire.

Gerard Cousins’ expressive performances hold audiences spellbound.
He transports his listeners with his evocative playing, from silence to
the quietest sweetest sounds, or mimicking the sounds of nature, the
wind and the sea, a whole range of emotions pour forth from his guitar
as if he is truly singing through those strings.  His interpretations,
compositions and arrangements all show an un-compromising artist
unafraid to push the boundaries of so called ‘classical music’ whilst
constantly maintaining a joyful communication with whomever makes the
effort to listen.

"Gerard really exploits the classical guitar's sonority to full effect
and truly establishes himself as one of the rising young British
classical guitarists around today."
Classical Guitar News

Guitar magic...he has a beautiful touch"
Frank Hennesey, Celtic Heartbeat Show, BBC Radio Wales

"beautiful playing and subtle phrasing"
Musical Opinion

Martin Byatt & Dominic Grant

2009-11-01T12:53:00.000Z

The Duo:
Martin Byatt is a versatile and experienced guitarist who is comfortable with a variety of musical styles – anything from Eric Clapton, The Eagles and U2 to the Buena Vista Social Club, Bossa Nova and Ragtime classics. Together with Dominic Grant – a guitarist well known on the London Jazz scene for his brilliant rhythmic work with top singers and bands – they form a guitar duo that encompasses popular music in all its various forms. Using electro-acoustic nylon and steel string guitars they deliver an entertaining and exciting recital.

Martin Byatt is a Scottish exile who has made London his home, having taught and performed in the capital since 1980. He has had several original works published, including four graded pieces for Chanterelle’s Modern Times series. He has been the founder member of various ensembles, most notably The Janimar Trio ( Guitar/Flute/Mandolin ) and Zaramba ( two Guitars and Percussion ). In 1996 he arranged and performed the music for the prize-winning Radio 3 production of “The Sea Urchins” by Sharman MacDonald ( mother of Keira Knightley ). His solo CD New Horizon comprises original material and arrangements of classic rock tunes by Dire Straits, Steely Dan and others. He was deputy for two of the guitarists in the hit musical Zorro at the Garrick Theatre. He has performed with Dominic Grant extensively over the past ten years.

Dominic Grant has worked extensively on the West Coast of America, particularly in Los Angeles and Las Vegas with various bands playing variety of musical styles Jazz, Latin, Pop. Toured for 2 years with the Gary Pucket Band. Concert and club work with famous jazz musicians: Albert Tootie Heath, Bill Henderson, Herman Reily, Phil Upchurch. Band work with Soca Tremor (with Phil Chen and Robert Greenwich), Joe Higgs, Pato Banton, Stranger Cole,, Macaw, Rebel Rockers. Session works include: Native’s album “No Boundary”, Harry Belafonte “Christmas Album”, commercial and soundtracks. Before moving to America in 1981, Dominic worked with his father “Cy Grant” on radio and cabaret, led his own band “Out to Lunch”, played one year at the Park Lane Hilton with resident band, and played the London pub circuit with Latin jazz bands Night Flight and Manyana. Since returning to London in 1995, he has done session works, performed as a Solo resident guitarist at many top London’s Hotels And clubs, various Band and Duo work in Europe mainly with Eduardo Niebla,Martin Byatt, Kathy Wilson, Nina Ferro, Victoria Newton, Kelly Dickson, Karen Lane, Elsa Chapman, Liz Cass, lance Ellington, Monique, Natalie Williams & Inner Swing as well as keeping busy in London’s club and function circuit. He has also released a new CD with his world jazz group “Festivo”.

Ben Kearsley

2009-10-04T09:29:00.000Z

Ben Kearsley was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He began classical guitar with Norman Qinney and later with Ian Smith.

Ben graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire in 1998 with a BMus ( Hons ) After living in La Paz, Bolivia and Madrid, Spain Ben returned to live in the U.K In 2004 Ben undertook his first tour – 20 concerts in Scotland.

2005 40 date U.K tour and debut c.d ‘SUNBURST’ : 2006 40 date U.K tour and ‘KOYUNBABA’ c.d : 2007 40 date U.K tour and ‘SAKURA’ c.d : 2008 40 date U.K tour and ‘MILWAUKEE’ c.d

In 2008 Ben was signed to Shore Sounds Music record label.

Ben has also been teaching guitar for 11 years, teaching for Fife Council, Conservatoiro De La Paz, Loretto School, Mansfield School of Music and Edinburgh University.

Concordia

2009-09-06T17:55:00.001Z

Dennis Cooke and Nick Hartley are (or should be!) familiar names to audiences at Ealing. For almost twenty years now they have been performing as the Duo Concordia. Both had much previous experience of ensemble playing, notably: Nick with Biberian's Omega Players; and Dennis with Ian Cross, giving performances that included television and radio. Recently they have played for various events in the South of England.

Their programmes have always included a mix of standard duo repertoire and their own transcriptions, which tend to push at the limits of the combination's possibilities, at one time stretching this with requinto and ten-string. For this concert they play music from Bach to Rodrigo with two standard guitars.

TenStringFever

2009-07-05T23:50:00.001Z

Violinist Jane Miller and guitarist Terry Spooner formed TenStringFever in the late summer of 2005, although both musicians had played together in various ensembles prior to that time. They have since been performing gigs and concerts in various venues in the UK.

Between them they encompass a very wide musical spectrum, as can be heard in their live performances and on ‘Jigs and Jazz’, their debut album (issued November 2007).

In June they have been recording their second album ‘Chase the Sun’ which will include several of their own pieces as well music by Piazzolla, Morricone, Villa-Lobos and Reinhardt/Grappelly. This should be available this Autumn.

Their playing has been influenced by their vast number of performances in different fields of music. The unusual combination of guitar and violin combined with the range of music played by the duo (in their own arrangements) produces a highly individualistic sound.

This concert will include music by Villa-Lobos, Bach, Schubert, Kleynjans, Morricone, Piazzolla & Ellington.

More details, pictures, live dates, history, and album tracks can be found on their website www.tenstringfever.com

Gerard Cousins & Yusof B'layachi

2009-06-07T21:42:00.004Z

The B'layachi - Cousins Duo.

Described as “Inspired Improv” by Time Out, The B’Layachi – Cousins Duo formed during the warm summer nights of 2006. The two friends, both accomplished in their own styles came together to record a series of spontaneous improvisations inspired by their recent repeated listenings to works by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Steve Reich and Debussy. The Gathering of Opposites... Discovering the incredible variety of tones afforded by their differing instruments - Gerard Cousins and Yusuf B'layachi found this novel combination both evoked and collided the diverse worlds of music from which they were inspired. The metallic sounds of the steel strung provided a raw edge to contrast with the softer, more refined tones of the Spanish classical guitar.

Gerard Cousins.

Gerard Cousins’ expressive performances focus on sheer beauty of sound balanced with musical insight. His performances on TV and Radio have established his reputation as “one of Wales’s leading guitarists” (Western Mail) and at his Purcell Room debut, Musical Opinion noted his "beautiful playing and subtle phrasing".

An international prizewinner, Gerard has performed throughout Europe and from Turkmenistan to Peru where he was called a "Star of the Six Strings" (El Peruano). His CD’s have been described as ‘Guitar Magic’ (BBC Radio) and have been featured on Classic FM.
Gerard Cousins is also a keen composer and arranger. His compositions have been performed
by various ensembles in Europe and his film music has been broadcast on S4C and at Art
festivals around the world. His arrangements seek to expand the repertoire of the guitar and range from Baroque harpsichord compositions to contemporary minimalist piano scores.
Recent performances have included a tour of Saudi Arabia and participation in ‘The Rain Emperor’ – a theatrical performance event which was Critic’s Choice in Time Out.

Yusuf B’layachi.

The story goes that Yusuf B'layachi was born in a cave to his English mother and Berber father near the Atlas Mountains in southern Morocco. He took to the guitar at an early age after seeing his grandfather playing the Oud and quickly learnt the acoustic guitar and then also the bass, electric, and classical guitar. But it is his unique finger-picking style on the steel strung acoustic that Yusuf is most expressive and at one with. Yusuf's father took the family to the UK where he entrusted the Jazz guitarist Hugh Turner to teach his son. It was a formative time for the young teenager as Yusuf interpreted the sounds of the Jazz greats such as Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Miles Davis. It would be some 10 years before these influences would resurface again combined with the Middle Eastern and Classical worlds when Yusuf formed the 'B'layachi - Cousins Duo'. Yusuf continues to write music, ever fascinated with the crossing of stylistic boundaries. He has written many compositions for the guitar and to broaden his musical language is being tutored by Walter Fabeck the London based composer and pianist.

Tonight’s concert will be a first half of solo guitar by Gerard Cousins and for the second half he will be joined by acoustic guitarist Yusuf B’Layachi. The programme will include some old favourites and new compositions and arrangements by the performers.

Carl Herring

2009-04-05T11:22:00.005Z

Carl Herring is one of the leading British guitarists of his generation. Graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2003 with first class honours Carl has rapidly built up an international career, giving performances throughout the UK and in Cuba, Sri Lanka, Scandinavia and Europe. Whilst studying at the Royal Academy of Music Carl won the highly coveted Julian Bream Prize and the prestigious Ivor Mairants Award.

Carl very much enjoys to perform with ensembles as well as his own solo work most notably Carl is regularly found performing with master of flamenco guitar, Eduardo Neibla. Carl’s first album, Azure, which was recorded in 2004 featured music by Rodrigo, Lennox Berkeley, Bach, Turina and Tippett, was received with critical acclaim.

Carl's second album, Burnt Sienna, released in 2008 featuring more of a taste of South America was also met with equal acclaim with excellent reviews in Gramophone, Classic FM and MUSO (Star CD) magazines. February 2009 saw the realisation and release of Carl’s brand new arrangement, with talented young tenor Kevin Kyle, of Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe for guitar and voice.

Carl is very much looking forward to his performance with Ealing Guitar Society.

Hayley Savage

2009-03-01T17:55:00.000Z

Hayley has received many premieres of her own works, which are mostly commissions and range from concerti and symphonic music to choral pieces. Hayley’s concerto English Fantasia for Guitar and String Orchestra, written for John Mills, has received many performances, in the UK, Scandinavia, the US and Canada, where it was broadcast on CBC Radio in 2002. Hayley has also composed music for Poet Laureate nominee U.A. Fanthorpe.

In 1999 Hayley won the Worshipful Company of Musicians Ivor Mairants Guitar Award, London and has since worked and performed in many countries including Scandinavia, the US, Canada, Europe and Africa. As a composer, she has recently been featured in a television documentary about the arts.

As well as performing in chamber music with the Emerald Ensemble, Bristol, Hayley is a member of the Appassionata Guitar Trio, who perform extensively both at home and abroad. They have just recently released their second album – Beyond Horizons - which explores music by English composers both past and present. This and their debut album – Let Go – have received glowing reviews.

After being commissioned to compose a new guitar duo for the Long Island Guitar festival’s special 15th anniversary celebrations, Hayley was asked to make a return visit in 2008 to perform some of her own new works which appear on her brand new album – Crossed Wires and Coloured Strings – which has since been endorsed by guitarist composer Andrew York and accepted by the record label Chandos to appear on their new download site.

Forthcoming projects include a concert with legendary guitarist Gordon Giltrap, a commission to compose a major work for the great jazz saxophonist Andy Shepherd accompanied by strings, percussion and the modern vocal group “The Juice” and also a natural history project involving school children – a huge underground cave and a performance of Hayley’s orchestral odyssey “Luna Nueva.”

“Whether it be a piece for orchestra, piano, guitar or whatever, any new composition by the highly talented English guitarist composer Hayley Savage is to be eagerly anticipated.”

Steve Marsh – Classical Guitar Magazine

Branco Stoysin Trio

2009-02-01T23:48:00.000Z

Born in a university town Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and entirely self-taught, Branco began playing guitar at the age of 15 and very soon found a love of jazz and Brazilian music, influenced by Joe Pass, Charlie Parker and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Soon, Branco was being featured at a number of jazz venues and festivals in his home country and appeared at the largest festival "The Days of Jazz in Novi Sad".

At 18 he prolifically starts composing sensual music of great beauty with Sunny dispositions and gathers 100’s of tunes till the present. He is largely inspired by the Sun, and influenced by Jazz, Yugoslav traditional folk, World, Brazilian and classical music. The interest in these compositions led to recordings for radio and TV Novi Sad. Following this Branco formed his "Sad Nova Trio" whose success led to numerous concerts and broadcasts on TV.

As an avid reader of the Sherlock Holmes series, he began to hanker after a different life and wider musical opportunities. In the early nineties he set off to England with little more than his guitar and has since become a fixture on the London and UK music scene, actively composing and performing solo, in various duos and with his new trio featuring the elegant Leslee Booth on 6 string contra bass and imaginative Buster Birch on percussion. Branco composes and plays sensual music of great beauty, coloured by many world influences.

Leslee Booth became a professional musician after studying at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles (USA). The south Indian (Chennai born) bassist’s subtle Indian nuances has lent support to some very big jazz and R&B artists, touring, recording and TV shows. Les is currently free lancing and involved in certain select projects. He currently plays a six string contra bass.

Buster Birch has performed in over 30 countries since finishing his musical studies in London and New York. He has a wealth of experience in many styles of music and is in great demand as a freelance percussionist for both live and studio work. He is a professor at Trinity College of Music, where he lectures in jazz history and also a visiting lecturer at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Petros Andreou & Stephen Dell

2009-01-04T18:20:00.003Z

Petros Andreou.

Petros was born in 1960 in Cyprus, but since the age of 6 months has lived in the United Kingdom. Petros started learning the Classical Guitar at the age of 9 and then the Bouzouki at the age of 12. He started playing the Bouzouki professionally from the age of 15. He experimented with transcribing classical music for the Bouzouki and found an authentic sound. He has performed the Vivaldi guitar concerto adapted for Bouzouki and has given numerous recitals as a soloist performing classical transcriptions. He has also performed his own compositions. He has performed twice at the Purcell Room of the Royal Festival Hall in London with soprano singer Soumaya Deeb, and was then invited to perform at the Auditorium Al Bustan in Beirut Lebanon in 2005 which proved to be a great success. Petros currently teaches both the Classical Guitar and Bouzouki; and performs on both instruments.

Stephen Dell.

Stephen began learning the guitar at the age of 8, his fast progress helped by 3 extraordinarily effective tutor books that his father Chris had just written, which utilised a new method of teaching music using colour.Having attended around 200 concerts and taken part in dozens of guitar workshops hosted by his father during the 70’s and early 80’s at the Old Malthouse Music Society in Hertfordshire, Stephen realised that although he loved the guitar very much, he would never have the drive and determination to become a professional player, as he soon realised the many hours of assiduous practise it involved. Growing up reading the somewhat ruthless concert reviews within the pages of Guitar magazine also contributed to this feeling.

Tonight's programme will hopefully please those who enjoy a varied and eclectic mix of quality music, from 16th & 17th century rock’n’rollers Dowland and Bach, to a more contemporary romance by Debussy and one of Joplin's ragtimes.

David Rogers

2008-12-07T18:04:00.002Z

Recently termed, ‘a prominent guitarist,’ by the New York Times, David Rogers fuses classical, jazz, early, and world music elements into powerful, moving and virtuosic performances based on both original compositions and traditional repertoire.
The Washington Post has praised his ‘astonishingly florid’ solo improvisational passage work. He has been called a 'modern master of the classical guitar' by 20th Century Guitar. Classics today.com has praised his ‘first rate instrumental artistry,’ and the Lute Society of America Quarterly has called his technique ‘formidable.’

He is an endorsing artist for GHS Strings and his music has been featured in major guitar magazines such as Fingerstyle Guitar in the United States and Akustic Gitarre, in Germany. David is also the guitarist for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and a music faculty member at Southern Oregon University. He is lead guitarist and lutenist with the Terra Nova Consort, and made his European debut at the Tage Alter und Neuer Musik Regensburg 2000 Festival with the ensemble.

His performances have been broadcast on American National Public Radio and Bayrische Rundfunk, including both the nationally syndicated Performance Today (live performance/interview in Washington D.C. NPR studio 4A) and Harmonia programs. Mr. Rogers has recorded for Dorian, Callisto and Focus Recordings. He has given recitals and conducted master classes throughout North America, including performances and classes at the San Francisco Conservatory and the University of Southern California and The Interlochen National Arts Camp.

David has studied historical plucked strings with Hopkinson Smith and Eugen Dombois at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel, Switzerland; with Thomas Binkley at Indiana University; and with Lyle Nordstrom at Oakland University. He has studied guitar with Joseph Fava at Wayne State University.

Francisco Antonio

2008-11-02T20:55:00.000Z

Francisco Antonio has established a reputation as one of the finest concert solo flamenco guitarists in the UK and has performed extensively throughout the country.His recital work - in which he plays his own compositions within strict flamenco frameworks - demonstrates the unique harmonic and technical approach required in the mastery and performance of what is one of the most expressive, exciting and evocative musical instruments - The Flamenco Guitar.Tonight he will play a selection of flamenco styles including Soleá, Taranta, Bulería, Granaina etc. and will be accompanied for part of the recital by Eduardo Morán.

Reviews:

'Francisco combines a purist's understanding of the musical, social and cultural traditions and 'grammar' of flamenco with the ability to use this knowledge for new directions in his own compositions - herein lies the essential skill of simultaneously maintaining and developing such a vital art form. ~ Chris Kilvington.

'Francisco has successfully managed to revitalize the toques introducing many fresh and exciting ideas whilst also demonstrating a great deal of respect and knowledge of flamenco's rich heritage.' ~ Guitar International.

Ben Kearsley

2008-10-05T23:14:00.000Z

Ben Kearsley was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He began classical guitar with Norman Quinney, then later with Ian Smith. Ben studied with Simon Dinnigan at the Birmingham Conservatory where he graduated B. Mus (Hons).He has studied and lived in La Paz, Bolivia and Madrid, Spain. Performing at SIART-99 and teaching at the Conservatorio in La Paz.

Ben has performed in masterclasses for Alirio Diaz, Jose Tomas, David Russell, Elliot Fisk, Roland Dyens, Nigel North, Ben Verdery and Carlos Bonnell.

In 2004 Ben gave his first Scottish tour and in 2005 he undertook a 40 date UK tour and recorded his debut CD, ‘Sunburst’. In 2006 Ben completed a second 40 date UK tour and recorded his second CD, ‘Koyunbaba’. Ben is currently playing a third UK tour with some new pieces which he will record later in the year as his 3rd CD – ‘Sakura’.

The evening's programme will include some of the most engaging and popular music in the guitar's repertoire - classics by Albeniz and Tarrega, and contemporary works by Carlo Domeniconi, Roland Dyens, Gary Ryan, Jorge Morel, Andrew York.

Dimitris Dekavallas

2008-09-07T11:35:00.000Z

The highly acclaimed classical guitarist destined for stardom on the international concert platform.

Described by Julian Bream as a ‘very exciting’ performer, Dimitris Dekavallas has always been considered one of the most talented guitarists of his age. He was born in Athens in 1982 and began learning the guitar at the age of 6. First taught at the National Conservatory of Athens, Dimitris continued his studies at the Hellenic Conservatory of Athens and graduated from there in 2002 with 1st Prize, achieving the highest mark. In 2005 he started his 1st year of a Postgraduate Degree at the Royal Academy of Music under Micheal Lewin, Timothy Walker and John Mills, where he won the TEBUTT EXIBITION Scholarship. Dimitris continues his studies at the Royal Academy winning 1st Prize in the IKY NATIONAL Scholarship Foundation in Greece in 2004. In 2007 he received his Diploma of Postgraduate Performance (Distinction) in guitar and his L.R.A.M. Teaching Diploma (Distinction). The R.A.M. awarded him with the ‘Blyth Watson Prize’ at his graduation.

Dimitris gave his first public performance when he was 9 years old at the National Concert Hall of Athens. His prowess since has led to concert tours throughout Greece.. He has also given solo performances in Athens, Thessaloniki, Veria, Volos, Crete, Larissa, Ioannina, Syros and Lamia. His reputation as a leading classical guitarist is now well established in the UK with recently recitals at City and Guilds, London; ‘Bolivar Hall International Guitar Festival’,London; The Old Malt House, Hertfordshire; The Dorset Guitar Society; Royal Academy of Music, London; St Martin’s in the Field ,London;, Sheffield Cathedral; and St Paul’s Covent Garden. Masterclasses appearances include with John Williams, Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett.

Dimitris Dekavallas is a renowned international prize winner. He has taken part in the ‘International Festival of Volos for Classical Guitar’, ‘International Festival of Hermoupolis for Guitar’, and ‘Veria National Festival for Guitar’. Dimitris won:
· 1st prize in the ‘National Guitar Competition: ODE TO GUITAR’.
· In 2000 2nd prize in the ‘Halkida National Guitar Competition’.
· In 2003 1st prize in the ‘Veria National Guitar Competition’.
· In 2003 1st prize in the ‘Volos International Guitar Competition’.
· In 2005 1st prize in the ‘Ivor Mairants Guitar Award’ - London.
· In 2008 ‘Special Prize’ and ‘Audience Prize’ in Eduard Pamfil Guitar Competition –Bucharest 2008
· In 2008 ‘Recommended Artist status prize’ of ‘Philip & Dorothy Green’ Award - London

Dimitris Dekavallas currently lives in London and teaches the guitar at Heathside Preparatory School in Hampstead. Dimitris plays with a ‘G. Smallman’ guitar once owned by John Williams, now on loan from the Royal Academy. His website: www.dimitrisdekavalla.com

"Very exciting performer" Julian Bream; "Dimitris performed an extraordinary concert on a guitar once owned by John Williams. The young guitarist from Athens gave a masterly performance" Greenwood Guitar Society; "Spirited playing by Dimitis Dekavallas" Classical Guitar (on winning the Ivor Mairants Award); Dimitris filled the hall with the huge volume of sound he produced…..the standard of his playing is second to none… stunning performance" Dorset Guitar Society.

Repertoire Dimitris Dekavallas commands an almost limitless repertoire for both solo guitar, orchestral concerti and ensembles, including Albeniz, Bach, Barrios, Brouwer, Domeniconi, Dowland, De Falla, Frescobaldi, Giuliani, Granados, Jose, Antonio Lauro, Morel, Mudarra, Piazzola, Pipo, Ponce, Rodrigo, Satie, Tarrega, Tedesco, Turina, Villa-Lobos, Walton.

Ten String Fever

2008-07-06T21:27:00.002Z

Violinist Jane Miller and guitarist Terry Spooner formed TenStringFever in the late summer of 2005, although both musicians had played together in various ensembles prior to that time.Between them they encompass a very wide musical spectrum, as can be heard in their live performances and on ‘Jigs and Jazz’, their debut album.

Their playing has been influenced by their vast number of performances in different fields of music. Between them they have performed in orchestras, rock bands, string quartets, jazz groups, dance bands, folk groups as well as solo classical recitals.

The music performed ranges from traditional Irish and English jigs and ballads, through the classical music of Boccherini, Granados and Sibelius, to the great jazz tunes of Django Reinhardt and George Shearing, and on to the tangos of Piazzolla.

The unusual combination of guitar and violin combined with the range of music played by the duo (in their own arrangements) produces a highly individualistic sound.

Paul Saywood

2008-06-01T11:52:00.006Z

I started playing guitar twenty years ago, and have hardly put it down since. I've been teaching for the past ten years, and it gives me enormous pleasure to see my students thrive.Having spent many years studying many of the standards by Barrios, Tarrega, Albeniz and Villa-Lobos I decided that it was time for me to put something back for the guitar repertoire, so I took up composition. It is my aim to create many hours of interesting new music for solo guitar, and hopefully my music will be played by those future guitar players who want something modern and colourful to play.

I am very much inspired by nature, so most of my work to date reflects this in title and sound.I have a growing following on the Internet site YouTube where I've been posting my compositions, I've found that my music appeals to young and old, and isn't exclusive to those who play classical guitar.

Programme:

Op. 9, Twelve Months in Britain

Op. 11, Sea Creatures

Op. 8, Trees

Op. 10, Studies

No concert in May

2008-05-04T19:50:00.000Z

David Price

2008-04-06T23:01:00.003Z

David is a lifelong jazz musician, successful band leader and banjo player of universal distinction, and has many television and radio appearances to his credit. His extensive knowledge, humour and audience rapport have given his appearances and courses widespread appeal.

David became interested in jazz as a schoolboy playing clarinet, saxophone and banjo as well as brass. As a teenager, he joined a vintage style jazz band which performed in virtually all of London’s established jazz clubs. During his twenties, his mixed career included playing in a comedy band and being a successful solo cabaret entertainer in addition to studying classical guitar to diploma at the London College of Music.

Later, he won a Wavendon (John Dankworth) Allmusic Musician of the Year Award presented at the Barbican by HRH Princess in 1985, and performed the first Southbank banjo recital at the Purcell Room. He has played for numerous celebrities and royalty, and for many decades, has performed worldwide in all manner of jazz combos in every situation imaginable. For several years, David ran an entertainment agency but today, he runs a professional jazz quartet, plays solo, lectures on jazz appreciation and teaches jazz performance and banjo to a very high standard.

David will be presenting a selection of jazz standards, Latin American, rags, some unusual items and the odd surprise. Listen out for the Harry Lime Theme, Hernando's Holiday, the theme from Godfather, a touch of Bach and maybe a comedy song and some nifty natter.

You will hear banjo in its fullest splendour, as you've never heard it played before combined with David's very own nearly 'live' pre-recorded rhythm-section of piano, double-bass and percussion. A special souvenir CD of 20 tracks will be on sale at the special price of £5.00.

Jeff Rodriguez

2008-03-02T23:09:00.000Z

Born in Toronto, to Portuguese parents, Jeff Rodrigues commenced his guitar studies at the age of 15, studying classical, jazz, and flamenco guitar with Richard Summers, Rob Bulgar and Pepe Haro respectively. After receiving his RCMT grade 8 and 9 diplomas, both with first class honours, he was admitted for full time studies to the faculty of music of the University of Toronto in 1993. There he studied with renowned Canadian guitarists Norbert Kraft and Jeffrey McFadden, and in 1997, graduated with his Bachelor of Music in Performance. He has also studied privately and in master class with Alberto Ponce, Alex Garrobe, Paul Gregory and Marco Socias.Possessing a vast range of repertoire from the 16th to the 20th century, he has performed in Canada, Portugal, Spain and Italy, as well as given numerous recitals throughout the UK, where he has resided since 1998. A fine flamenco guitarist in his own right, he also performs in flamenco group DeCasas with acclaimed British flamenco guitarist, Steve Homes. Performing original compositions by Steve and Jeff, they are one of the most exciting and refreshing acts on the UK flamenco scene today.In 2005, he released his debut CD, '20th Century Guitar', a disc where Jeff performs some of the guitar`s finest modern repertoire, featuring works by Henze, Berkeley, Ohana, Bennett and Rodrigo, among others. A second CD, dedicated to Iberian and Latin American music for guitar, was released in 2006, and featured music by Ponce, Asencio, Villa-Lobos and Lopes-Graca.

Stephen Yates

2008-02-03T02:57:00.000Z

Stephen has been a regular performer at Ealing for over 15 years. He has won several awards, which include the Vicente Sanchis Guitar Challenge, and has been voted Guitarist magazine’s ‘Guitarist of the Year’. As a classical player he performs a wide-ranging repertoire from baroque through romantic to contemporary works.

Stephen Dell

2008-01-06T19:30:00.002Z

The society’s chairman will be presenting the first concert of 2008. Funds raised during the evening will help us to pay for 2008’s recitals.

Stephen began learning the guitar at the age of 8, his fast progress helped by 3 extraordinarily effective tutor books that his father Chris had just written, which utilised a new method of teaching music using colour.

Having attended around 200 concerts and taken part in dozens of guitar workshops hosted by his father during the 70’s and early 80’s at the Old Malthouse Music Society in Hertfordshire, Stephen realised that although he loved the guitar very much, he would never have the drive and determination to become a professional player, as he soon realised the many hours of assiduous practise it involved. Growing up reading the somewhat ruthless concert reviews within the pages of Guitar magazine also contributed to this feeling!

Tonight's programme will hopefully please those who enjoy a varied and eclectic mix of quality music, from 16th & 17th century rock’n’rollers Dowland and Bach, to the fiery and impassioned music of Spain’s Granados, Torroba and Albeniz, to the darkness of Chopin and the lightness of Joplin.

Please come and support the society this evening – you’re assured of a warm welcome and you’ll be fed and watered too.

the Oddfellas

2007-12-02T12:27:00.000Z

We play acoustic folk music - tunes and songs from England, Ireland, America, Scotland, France - basically wherever we find a tune we like. The main motivation for the band is the fun of creating/performing music, ie taking a tune, devising an arrangement that makes it something we like and is 'ours', and then putting it in front of an audience.

The Oddfellas are: Bob Little, mostly banjo - Glyn Hatherall, mostly recorders - Jerry Alleguen, mostly guitar - Robert Underwood, mostly mandolin - Paul McKenna, mostly guitar.

Some of the tunes we play: Liberty. An American old-time tune. Also known as 'The Reel de Ti-Jean'. Angeline The Baker. Originally a Stephen Foster song, but Bob learnt the tune from the West Virginian banjo-picker, Dwight Diller. The King of Leix. An favourite Irish tune of Glyn's. The Horses Bransle. An old French dance tune. (Although I understand the word 'bransle' has a rather rude meaning in French today). Blackberry Blossom. Originally an Irish tune, but now heard often in American old-time and bluegrass circles. Da New Rigged Ship. A tune from the Shetlands, where Robert is encouraged to speed-up. The Long Black Veil. Jerry goes to the gallows rather than revealing his (married) love.

Our website: http://www.oddfellas.co.uk/

Branco Stoysin Trio

2007-11-04T23:31:00.000Z

Branco has been composing his own music since he was 18, inspired by the Sun, Jazz, Traditional Folk music of Yugoslavia, Brazilian and classical music. The interest in these compositions led to recordings for radio and TV Novi Sad. Following this, Branco formed his "Sad Nova Trio" whose success led to numerous concerts and broadcasts on TV.

As an avid reader of the Sherlock Holmes series, he began to hanker after a different life and wider musical opportunities. in the nineties he set off to England with little more than his guitar and has since become a fixture on the London and UK music scene, actively composing and performing solo, in various duos and with his NEW trio featuring the elegant Leslee Booth on 6 string contra bass and and imaginative Buster Birch on percussion. Branco composes and plays sensual music of great beauty, coloured by many world influences.

The trio has performed at many popular venues including the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and Barbican Arts Centre. Branco has also appeared with his trio on Sky TV "Arts World", BBC Radio 3's "In Tune"programme and is regularly featured and a favourite on Sarah Ward's show on Smooth FM.

Ben Kearsley

2007-10-07T12:14:00.000Z

Ben Kearsley was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He began classical guitar with Norman Quinney, then later with Ian Smith. Ben studied with Simon Dinnigan at the Birmingham Conservatory where he graduated B. Mus (Hons). Ben has performed in masterclass for Alirio Diaz, Jose Tomas, David Russell, Elliot Fisk, Roland Dyens, Nigel North, Ben Verdery and Carlos Bonnell.

Ben has studied and lived in La Paz, Bolivia and Madrid, Spain. Performing at SIART-99 and teaching at the Conservatorio in La Paz. In 2004 Ben gave his first Scottish tour and in 2005 he undertook a 40 date UK tour and recorded his debut CD, ‘Sunburst’.

In 2006 Ben completed a second 40 date UK tour and recorded his second CD, ‘Koyunbaba’. He is currently playing a third UK tour with some new pieces which he will record later in the year as his 3rd CD – ‘Sakura’.

September - Steve Christmas

2007-09-02T21:51:00.000Z

Steve began playing the guitar at the age of 14, and quickly progressed, receiving tuition from John Mills, Raymond Burley and more recently, Craig Ogden. He attended the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to continue his studies with John Mills, graduating in 1999. In master classes, he has performed for Nigel North, Simon Dinnigan, Carlos Bonnell and Gary Ryan.

Steve performs regularly as a soloist, as one half of guitar duo Duende Guitars and as part of a guitar trio with Raymond Burley and Debbie Haeck. He has recently been working with a flautist and with baritone Stephen Willis performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Alongside his performing commitments, Steve is in demand as a guitar teacher. As well as being a regular tutor, he has co-directed on the National Youth Music Camps and writes guitar courses for primary school pupils.

Steve’s programme will include Variations on a Theme of Handel by Giuliani, Usher Waltz by Koshkin, Suite Castellana by Torroba, The Earl of Essex’s Galliard by Dowland, and La Catedral by Barrios.

August - no concert - summer vacation

2007-08-01T19:03:00.000Z

July 1st - El Moreno

2007-07-01T15:02:00.000Z

El Moreno (aka Richard Smith) continually tours the country presenting programmes that mix romantic classics with flamenco and Latin-American style pieces.

In his early career he took part in master classes with John Williams and later studied with Argentine Guitarist Jorge Morel in New York. He has performed at the West Dean International Guitar Festival and has recently written and presented the
‘Absolute Beginners Classical Guitar’DVD for publishers Music Sales Ltd.

His performances often include guest appearances with his wife, Australian Soprano - Carol Oliver.

The programme includes works by Tarrega, Beethoven, Mozart and Villa-Lobos.

http://elmoreno.co.uk/

Philip John Lee

2007-06-03T15:39:00.000Z

Philip John Lee is a genuinely exceptional Flamenco guitarist. A guitarist of the ‘old school’, he learnt in the traditional way at a time when Flamenco was generally considered the sole province of Andalusians and the Gypsies.

Philip’s debut album was released in 1969 and received wide critical acclaim selling over 250,000 copies. Since then, Philip has given many concerts in Britain and Europe including recitals at London’s world famous Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room. He has also broadcast on radio and television. During a ten year residence in Los Angeles Philip was regularly heard on KPFK Radio LA and was resident soloist and accompanying guitarist at Hollywood’s renowned El Cid restaurant. Other appearances include both the LA and Fresno Convention Centres. Philip has recently returned to England and has settled in West London where he is concentrating on teaching and recording.

May - bank holiday, no concert

2007-05-05T18:37:00.000Z

Ed Renshaw and Petros Andreou

2007-04-01T18:53:00.000Z

Edward Renshaw.

Born in London in 1981, Edward Renshaw began to play the guitar at age 10 before going on to study Jazz at Goldsmiths and Classical Music at the Guildhall and University of Sussex. Whilst Attending the Guildhall, Edward studied Classical Guitar under the direction of Antonio Albanes and graduated with the universities highest award for performance. Edward Renshaw’s repertoire embraces a wide range of styles and approaches, from the standard classical repertoire to contemporary music, jazz and flamenco.

In parallel to classical performances, Edward has developed as a jazz performer and currently works along side British Jazz par prize-winning saxophonist Tony Coe at a variety of London Jazz venues.

Granados, Enrique (1867 - 1916)-Danza española No. 5Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685-1750)Excerpts from the Lute Suite No. 4, BWV 1006a- Prelude- Loure- Gavotte En Rondeau- Bouree- GigueVilla-Lobos, Heitor (1887-1959)- Prelude No 2 in E major and Prelude No 3 AminorWalton, William (1902 - 1983)-Bagatelles No 2, Lento and 3 Alla Cubana

and ....

Petros Andreou

Greek Bouzouki player Petros Andreou will be playing music by M. Theodoratis and Greek traditonal music and Petros' own transcription for Bouzouki of J.S. Bach's Cello Suite BWV 1007.

In recent years, Petros has twice performed bouzouki at the Royal Festival Hall’s Purcell Room in London.

March 2007 - Maud LaForest

2007-03-11T18:30:00.000Z

On the SECOND sunday of the month folks .....

Maud LaForest

http://www.maudlaforest.com/maud.php

February 2007 - Michael Berk

2007-02-04T18:30:00.000Z

the very talented ....

http://www.michaelberk.com/

and

http://www.myspace.com/michaelberkacoustic

No concert in Jan 07

2007-01-07T18:30:00.000Z

Nothing in January

Jeff Rodrigues

2006-12-03T16:19:00.000Z

http://www.jeffrodrigues.co.uk/

Born in Toronto, to Portuguese parents, Jeff Rodrigues commenced his guitar studies at the age of 15, studying classical, jazz, and flamenco guitar with Richard Summers, Rob Bulgar and Pepe Haro respectively. After receiving his RCMT grade 8 and 9 diplomas, both with first class honours, he was admitted for full time studies to the faculty of music of the University of Toronto in 1993. There he studied with renowned Canadian guitarists Norbert Kraft and Jeffrey McFadden, and in 1997, graduated with his Bachelor of Music in Performance. He has also studied privately and in master class with Alberto Ponce, Alex Garrobe, Paul Gregory and Marco Socias.

Possessing a vast range of repertoire from the 16th to the 20th century, he has performed in Canada, Portugal, Spain and Italy, as well as given numerous recitals throughout the UK, where he has resided since 1998. A fine flamenco guitarist in his own right, he also performs in flamenco group DeCasas with acclaimed British flamenco guitarist, Steve Homes. Performing original compositions by Steve and Jeff, they are one of the most exciting and refreshing acts on the UK flamenco scene today.

In 2005, he released his debut CD, '20th Century Guitar', a disc where Jeff performs some of the guitar`s finest modern repertoire, featuring works by Henze, Berkeley, Ohana, Bennett and Rodrigo, among others. A second CD, dedicated to Iberian and Latin American music for guitar, is due for release in late 2006, and will feature music by Ponce, Asencio, Villa-Lobos and Lopes-Graca.

He lives in London, where he balances an active performing career with a busy teaching schedule at the Spanish Guitar Centre.

Christopher Evesham

2006-11-05T18:36:00.000Z

Christopher was born in Halton in 1982. He was given his first guitar at the age of four. At ten, he began to study with american guitarist John Dunn of the Mons conservatoire in Belgium. later he studied with Andrew Barrett as an external student of Wells Cathedral school.

In 1998 he won a DfEE scholarship to study there full time. Christopher reached the semi-finals of the BBC Young Musicians 2000 competition. In this year he became a student of Carlos Bonell at the Royal College of Music. In 2004 he graduated and he continues to live in London. Christopher performs regularly as a soloist. He has also played in various ensembles including the group 'tonic fold' and with flautist Laura Smith.

He has played in diverse venues such as the 'Spitz' in London, various arts centres around the UK including the Tacchi-Morris arts centre in Taunton and the Ritz acoustic club and a recent recital in Stuttgart, Germany. He has also performed as a soloist with orchestra in Alba, Italy performing a new work by composer Gabriele Roberto.

Christopher has performed as a soloist with orchestras in London and elsewhere in the UK. He recently performed Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Dulwich Symphony Orchestra. He performs a wide variety of music and his programmes usually include a balance of older music transcribed for guitar, such as Bach and Scarlatti, and works by 20th century and contemporary composers, such as Britten, Walton, Brouwer, Piazzolla, Barrios, Turina, and Rodrigo.

Sunday 5th November’s concert will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita BWV 996, Joaquin Rodrigo’s Tres Piezas Espanolas, and some of Barrios’ works, including his famous tremolo piece Una Limosna por el amor de Dios.

Doug Turner + The OddFellas

2006-10-01T19:33:00.000Z

Doug Turner

Doug has played the guitar since 1957. In 1961, he was in a guitar shop in Charing Cross road when he met Roger Dean, who showed Doug how to play in Chet Atkins’ style. Doug acquired some Chet Atkins records and learnt his music by ear.

Doug was given a job 2 years later with Selmers, makers of amplifiers and the distributor of the UK’s Gibson guitars. In 1964 Doug played with Housten Wells and the Marksmen, who were England’s first recording Country music group.

In 1965, Doug played with the Outlaws, who later became Chas and Dave. Doug went on to tour as a soloist, playing Chet Atkins style in folkclubs around Britain.

In 1997, Doug formed a jazz duo with Rod Davis, who was a member of John Lennon’s first group, the Quarrymen.

Programme.

Tiptoes through the tulips
China Town
St. Louis Blues
Arkansas Traveller
Oh by Jingo
Hello my Baby
Medley: Villia – Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto, Ain’t Misbehavin’
Medley: Poor People of Paris, Three Little Words, the Third Man theme
Medley: Estrelita, Let it be Me, Greensleeves, Air on a G string
Medley: Liza, Nagasaki, Johnson Rag
Medley: One Mint Julip, Frankie & Johnnie

The Oddfellas

The oddfellas will be playing:

Liberty. An American old-time tune. Also known as 'The Reel de Ti-Jean'

Angeline The Baker. Originally a Stephen Foster song, but Bob learnt the tune from the West Virginian banjo-picker, Dwight Diller.

Si Bheag Si Mhor. An Irish harp tune from O'Carolan about a battle between the big and little faeries.

The Horses Bransle. An old French dance tune. (Although I understand the word 'bransle' has a rather rude meaning in French today)

Blackberry Blossom. Originally an Irish tune, but now heard often in American old-time and bluegrass circles.

Da New Rigged Ship. A tune from the Shetlands, where Robert is encouraged to speed-up.

The Long Black Veil. Jerry goes to the gallows rather than revealing his (married) love.

The oddfellas are:

Bob Little, mostly banjo, has been playing banjo ever since he went to college and discovered how many others were playing guitars. Now smugly retired from IT and struggling to learn the fiddle. An enthusiast for American Old Time music.

Glyn Hatherall, mostly recorders. A retired academic, Glyn on recorders lives for legato and 3/4 time. Keener than Bob on jigs. As a Welshman, has been singing and involved in music longer than he can remember.

Jerry Alleguen, mostly guitarAcquired his first bass guitar overseas in order to join his (RN) ship's band. Veteran of a number of blues and rock and roll bands, has just bought a bouzouki and is not afraid to use it.

Robert Underwood, mostly mandolin. The one with the day job and irrepressible energy/enthusiasm - for badminton and the band. Started in his teens on violin and classical guitar, has recently progressed(?) to the bodhran.

Gerard Cousins

2006-09-03T19:08:00.000Z

Born in Wales, Gerard initially studied the guitar with local teacher Jeremy Herbert achieving Grade 8 with honours. Gerard then went to Leeds University to study music, where he won a scholarship for a further year of study at Enschede Conservatory in Holland

Since graduating, Gerard has won prizes in National and International competitions and performed extensively in Europe. Earlier this year he played in Portugal with the 'Operababes'.

Gerard made his Purcell Room debut last year where a reviewer for Musical Opinion wrote of his “beautiful playing and subtle phrasing”.

Cecilia Rodrigo has written "we have enjoyed hearing and congratulate you on your performances. I appreciate your kind words about my father's music and wish you continued success with his works. We will be sure to follow your career with great interest."

His debut CD of Spanish music entitled “Una Leyenda” has been played on Classic FM and BBC Radio and has received good reviews:

Gerard is currently preparing his 2nd CD and a teaching DVD.

The evening's programme include works by Brouwer, Taverner, Tarrega and Yoshimatsu, and new works by Gerard Cousins.

Hear live extracts:~

http://www.myspace.com/gerardcousins

Tomás and María José

2006-06-04T03:23:00.000Z

FLAMENCO FIESTA.

Tomás Jiménez (guitar) and María José García (castanets and dance).

An evening of flamenco guitar and duets with castanets and dance.

Admission: £10, £8 children & OAP’s. Wine and tapas included in ticket price. Book now to reserve a seat.

Flamenco is pure passion and expresses each and every human emotion. This concert of guitar solos and duets with castanets will be exceptionally varied and will cover the whole range of emotions.

Tomás and María José prefer to freely choose their programme according to the mood of the moment. Their repertoire includes sensitive, gentle and fun tunes from South America (Guajira, Colombiana, Rumbas), introspective and sorrowful: Seguiriyas, Soleares, Tientos, Farrucas & Granaínas, and pieces showcasing complex virtuosic guitar playing such as Rondeña, Zapateado, Alegrías and Bulerías.

María José may dance according to the inspiration of the moment.

REVIEWS OF TOMÁS JIMÉNEZ' CONCERTS:

These reviews are taken from Classical Guitar, Guitar International, Guitar and other specialist classical and flamenco guitar publications.

“At times unexpectedly lyrical, at times tragic and broken, with chords almost shaken from his hand.”

“In his deft hands, the guitar was able to communicate the joy and sadness, the strength and gentleness of each message”.

“Here is a flamenco guitarist of tremendous passion and virtuosity”.

“The fingers of his left hand fluttered with the delicacy of butterfly wings, spiralling descending and rising again in musical ornamentation above the insistent demands of the right”.

To hear examples of Tomás Jiménez playing visit his web site www.flamencotomas.com

Modern Guitar Trio.

2006-05-07T17:30:00.000Z

Three of the UK’s most outstanding Spanish Guitarists; Roland Chadwick, Vincent Lindsey-Clark and Roland Gallery joined forces in 2001 to form the Modern Guitar Trio. 5 years later and an impressive number of live performances under their belts they have released their new self-titled CD this year to huge critical acclaim. The CD uniquely features compositions by all three members; Roland Chadwick’s beautiful and highly emotive The Wendy House, Vincent Lindsay-Clarks epic Sonata Melodica, and Roland Gallery’s wonderfully melodic 2 Fusion Pieces.

Asked about the origins of the Modern Guitar Trio Roland Chadwick said; “In 2000 I needed a couple of guitarists for the recording of my guitar trio, "Letter From LA". I’d met Roland Gallery and as he lives just 2 blocks away from me in Ealing, is the same age and has the same first name with the same spelling - well, he had to be the man! He recommended Vincent Lindsey-Clark who turned out to be a bit good. Once the CD was released it seemed a good idea to get Roland and Vincent to do the odd concert here and there. Eventually we needed more material and I arranged Three Kisses for Jenny from my CD, The Revealing and Vincent mentioned that he'd written a piece called Cymmetry and Roland G produced 2 jazz fusion pieces. By this point we were being asked to do full concerts and so with the addition of a solo each we had a full program. It was only later that we realised that we had formed an actual trio and that something special was happening regarding the program we were currently playing and the future direction that a trio of guitarist/composers might take. There are quite a few guitar ensembles that have a resident composer but to have all three of us being composers struck us as being something quite unusual.”

Anne Lister

2006-04-02T19:34:00.000Z

Anne was born a Londoner, but the family moved several times before settling in Cardiff, South Wales when Anne was ten years old. She was given her first guitar when she was thirteen, and taught herself to play. She was an active member of the Cardiff and Newport folk club circuit for many years, until she went to the University of Warwick to study French. At Warwick she specialised in medieval French and Occitan literature - mostly the stories of King Arthur and the poetry of the troubadours, and stayed on to complete an MA in medieval studies.

Her current career includes storytelling, workshops on voice (for those who think they can't sing), creativity and storytelling (for those who lack confidence) and songwriting as well as concerts. She has finally left her full time teaching post and is hoping to tour more widely and more frequently in the US, as well as in the UK and Europe. The singing, storytelling and workshops have taken her to an enormous variety of venues and audiences, from small intimate folk clubs and house concerts to much bigger events at folk festivals and larger concert halls, and to France, Italy, Greece and Spain as well as the US.
Anne's work always attracts attention - songs which take myths and legends and weave them into a new relevance. Songs which pack a surprising emotional punch through the ancient tales. A simple, direct approach to performance, laced with liberal doses of humour and a close rapport with the audience. Entertaining and informative, with a careful blend of traditional and contemporary references. Celtic, Saxon, Norman and European plaited into one variegated braid.

Martin Byatt

2006-03-04T18:12:00.000Z

In 1974 Martin won first prize in the guitar section of the Glasgow Music Festival - though he doesn't like to dwell on this too much as he was the only entrant! In 1976 Martin attended the London College of Music where he studied with Robert Brightmore. Upon leaving college he worked with a flautist and mandolin player in the Janimar Trio, performing major classics in a mini format.

Martin has had some of his compositions published – ‘Ten Contemporary Pieces’ - by Hampton Music Publishers. He also has four pieces contained in Chanterelle's ‘Modern Times’ graded series - one of which, Reggae Sunrise, has been included in Guildhall's Guitar Syllabus. Hear some here.....

Mykl

2006-02-05T18:26:00.000Z

At an early age Mykl showed an affinity with animals, keeping a variety of pets from guinea pigs to mosquitoes. He used to frighten his mother with a large, hairy, rubber spider until she threw it away.

By the age of five he’d given up his ambition of being John Wayne. By ten he’d decided not to be an astronaut, fireman, policeman or stuntman. At sixteen he got a guitar and gave up ideas of being a graphic designer. After doing a fairly bad job of teaching himself to play, Mykl searched for teachers able to cope with his argumentative and facetious ways. At twenty Mykl gave up the idea of being a Heavy Metal guitar god. At the age of twenty-two he lost interest in becoming the first non-corrupt politician and being the first Prime Minister to do a good job of running the country, however, he’s still considering becoming a delegate for the Monster-Raving-Loony Party.

As well as performing on national television and radio he has given solo recitals at prestigious venues including the Cathedrals in Rheims, Canterbury and Ely and the French Palais du Tau. He has also played in festivals including St. Gilgen Summer Festival (Austria); Aberystwyth Music Fest (Wales); Canterbury Festival and Sounds New. Audience members have included Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Naresh Sohal, the current and previous Archbishops and Mr. and Mrs. Faldo (parents of Nick).

He occasionally gives concerts for the charity organisation Music in Hospitals. He also spends a lot of time shut in his room with only a rat for company. He considered getting a life but after observing how much hassle they cause others, he decided not to bother

Dan Evans & Lucy Green

2005-12-04T18:36:00.000Z

Dan is Britain's leading exponent of the Appalachian dulcimer, as well as a highly accomplished and original guitarist, singer and composer. His repertoire encompasses the traditional folk song, and also his own material which is often inspired by nature. His playing style is highly innovative, incorporating elements of medieval music, classical, folk and jazz resulting in a unique and personal sound.

On dulcimer, Dan is able, using the enchanting and charming sound of this fascinating instrument, to capture the authentic feel of Celtic and early music. On a specially adapted guitar, Dan also creates new Celtic-rock in a rich and resonant style, incorporating electro-acoustic and electronic sounds with effects and sampling to build up layers of sound.

Lucy Green is Professor of Music Education at the London University Institute of Education, where she has researched and published books and articles on music education and sociology of music. She has sung with a number of choirs including the English Chamber Choir and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

Together Lucy and Dan bring a fresh approach to the traditional folk song with precise, clear vocals and flowing finger-style accompaniments on dulcimer and guitar.

Capital Chorus

2005-12-02T14:11:00.000Z

Capital Chorus are the performing chorus of London’s premier Barbershop Harmony Club. Their unaccompanied singing has, over the past 18 years, become a familiar sight at theatres, clubs, fetes and parties throughout London. Their wide repertoire of songs from the 20’s to the 70’s has established their popularity with audiences of all ages.

This evening's programme was drawn from the following songs:

Wonderful Day, Let’s Get Away From It All, Yesterday, Land of Jazz, Wild Irish Rose, Georgia On My Mind, Bye Bye Blue, Gospel Medley, There’s a Meeting Here Tonight, Wonderful World, Something, Hello Mary Lou, Under the Broadwalk, Dream a Little Dream, Old St. Louis, Barbershop Song

Lorraine Lee Hammond

2005-11-06T18:39:00.000Z

Lorraine was raised in rural Northwestern Connecticut when traditional music was still a vibrant and integrated part of community life. She is a self-taught banjo player and singer, and a leading proponent of the Appalachian dulcimer. Lorraine is also an accomplished player of the Celtic harp, and a skilled songwriter.

Lorraine’s 1999 Shanachie release of West Virginia tunes with fiddler Gerry Milnes, "Hell Up Coal Holler," again breaks new ground for the dulcimer. Her newest recording, Jingalo Gypsy, with husband Bennett, was hailed by Dirty Linen Magazine as " a warm, enveloping, well-thought-out recording….a beautiful CD."
This evening Lorraine will draw from her repertoire of traditional Appalachian songs and ballads, accompanying herself with banjo and Appalachian dulcimer. She will be joined by longtime friend and recording and performance companion, Roger Nicholson, for a few traditional duets. Sarah Bauhan, American flute and whistle player who has performed and recorded with Lorraine for decades, will also join her for part of her programme.

Petros Andreou

2005-11-06T18:38:00.000Z

Petros Andreou is an Associate and Licentiate of the London College of Music (Classical Guitar) and has been teaching classical guitar in the London Borough of Barnet for over 15 years. He is a regular performer and supporter of Ealing Guitar Society. In his 6-7 concerts to date, Petros has included performances on Classical and 19th Century Romantic Guitar as well as the Greek folk instrument, the bouzouki. In recent years, Petros has twice performed bouzouki at the Royal Festival Hall’s Purcell Room in London.

Petros’ concert focused on the works of 2 key composers, Johann Sebastian Bach (Complete Cello Suite No.1 BW 1007) and Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Preludes 3,5 He will be concluding his recital with 2 movements from Lobos’ well-known Suite Populaire Bresilienne, the Mazurka Choro (1) and Gavotta Choro (4). Petros currently plays guitars by the Madrid makers Tezanos-Perez.

Michael Berk and Gerard Cousins

2005-10-02T17:40:00.000Z

This was Michael's second appearance this year. Like his appearance last month alongside Roland Chadwick, Michael delivered an inspirational display of musicianship and technique, interweaving his own compositions alongside versions of well-known compositions comprising blue-grass, jazz and folk. Michael Berk .com

Gerard Cousins began his musical studies in Brecon, Wales where he was born. He furthered his studies at the University of Leeds, studying with Graham Wade and was selected to study composition and performance for another year at the Enschede Conservatorium, Netherlands. After graduating with a B.Mus(Hons), Gerard moved to London deepening his knowledge of Spanish music by studying flamenco with Francisco Antonio. Gerard has performed widely in Europe and is an national and international competition prizewinner. In July 2005, he made his South Bank debut at the Purcell Room with the Dillington Festival Ensemble. Gerard.com

Roland Chadwick

2005-09-04T17:41:00.000Z

Roland Chadwick is a Composer, Guitarist and internationally acclaimed recording artist. A trained classical guitarist, he plays "anything with frets". Born in May 1957, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, Roland made his Sydney Opera House debut in 1988 and has since built a reputation as Australia’s master Guitarist/Composer. From 1979 to 1996 he lived and worked in Sydney as a performer and composer and in 1997 took a sabbatical in Los Angeles where he worked on developing a more personal compositional style. At the end of 1997 he moved to the UK and is now based in West London. Roland, also plays with Roland Gallery and Vincent Lindsey Clark in The Modern Guitar Trio. His website.

Antonio De Innocentis

2005-08-01T02:18:00.000Z

Antonio was born in Naples in 1961. In 1985 he was awarded ‘Summa cum Laude’ at the D. Cimarosa Conservatory in Avellino, Italy. From 1983 to 1990 he attended Master Classes by Eliot Fisk in Florence, at the Vienna Conservatory and at the Salzburg Mozarteum. He gave his first concert in 1980 and apart from playing all over Europe, he regularly holds tours in the USA. He has won first prize in several guitar competitions including Pesaro (2nd National Contest, 1981), Bardolino (4th International Contest, 1981) and Genoa(4th National Contest ‘P. Taraffo’, 1984). He was the first guitarist in the world to have performed the entire ‘24 Caprices’ by N. Paganini in one single concert (Avellino, Italy, 1992).

Mr. De Innocentis has premiered and published several works composed especially for him. Important composers who have dedicated their works to him include John W. Duarte, Larry Cooperman, John Bent, Pasquale Bifulco from the USA, Jonatas Batista-Neto from Brazil, Luigi Arbolino and Marcello Parisi from Italy, Peter Stewart from Scotland and Neil Smith from England. In addition to performing actively, he gives Master Classes (Florence and Giugliano, Italy; Frensham Heights, England; Oatridge Festival, Aberdeen and Glasgow, Scotland; San Diego and Fresno, California, USA; Turner, Maine, USA) and teaches regularly at the “A. Ruggiero” School in Caserta, Italy. He has also been juryman in International Guitar Contests. His performances are broadcasted by several US TVs and Radio Stations in California, Maine, Iowa.

His first recording “Guitar Recital” (Fiammant Records, 1997), reviewed by Classical Guitar Magazine, UK, and New Millennium Guitar Magazine, USA, contains works by Scarlatti, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Dyens and others, including Asturias by Albeniz played in its original key of G minor. His second CD “Premiere!” (Fiammant Records, 2004) features the world premiere recording of the Twelve Studies op. 140 and Prelude, Canto and Toccata op. 38 by J. Duarte as well as Four Pieces by L. Arbolino and contains also Fauré’s Pavane op. 50, Scarlatti’s Three Sonatas and Joplin’s Two Ragtimes. He has published some of his transcriptions and revisions in Italy and the USA(California, Florida). In September 1998 and October 2000 Classical Guitar Magazine’s music supplement was dedicated to his transcriptions and, in March 2003, he was also interviewed by the prestigious magazine.In October 1999, kindly invited by Mrs. Dorothy Duarte, he took part in John Duarte’s 80th birthday concert at the Bolivar Hall, Embassy of Venezuela, in London. Among his recent engagements have been several world premieres in presence of the composers: the Twelve Studies op. 140 by John Duarte, at the 6th Oatridge International Guitar Festival (Scotland, 2001), where was invited as guest artist; Bless Me, Ultima by Larry Cooperman, at the Guitar Foundation of America International Convention 2001, in La Jolla, California (please see www.newmillguitar.com); Povero Pietro! by Peter Stewart at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh (2002); Passacaglia by Marcello Parisi as well as Luigi Arbolino’s To Reminisce and Return to Glenmore (July-August 2003) in Scotland again.

He also regularly performs with the prestigious Edith Ferguson’s Ensemble in Glasgow and at Kellie Castle for the National Trust for Scotland, and appeared also at the International Guitar Festival of Great Britain (please see www.bestguitarfest.com), Wirral (Liverpool, 2001). Moreover, since 2000 he has toured the USfive times, and, so far, he has performed in California, Arizona, Iowa, Missouri, Maine. In November 2003 Antonio went again to Scotland to give the Scottish Premiere of Claude Bolling’s Picnic Suite (for guitar, flute and jazz trio) with members of the Heisenberg Ensemble at Kellie Castle, Fife. In July 2004 has been invited to play in Wales with the NYGE Orchestra under the conduction of the famous English composer Gerald Garcia and, always in July 2004, he played for the EGTA Annual Conference at Cambridge. In December 2004 he founded the “John Duarte Guitar Quintet”, the name approved by Mrs Dorothy Duarte

Brad Richter

2005-07-04T01:23:00.000Z

Brad taught himself to play guitar and compose at age 12. Six years later, with no formal musical training, he was awarded the Presidential Scholarship to the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. After graduating, he won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied with guitarist Carlos Bonell. He went on to win the Royal College of Music guitar competition before completing his Master's degree and returning to the US to continue his concert career.

Brad is well known as a soloist in North America and Europe. He regularly plays with orchestras and in duos with artists including the soprano Nancy Davis Booth and the cellist David Finkel, of the Emerson String Quartet. He is a frequent performer on radio and television in the US, and wrote the score to several episodes of a television series, The Desert Speaks.

Brad’s programmes consist mainly of his own compositions, which are inspired by the landscape of mountains and deserts in Tucson, Arizona (where he lives), and the folk stories of the Native North American Indians.

Tomás Jiménez & María José Garcia

2005-06-05T17:42:00.000Z

Tomás Jiménez learned to play flamenco guitar from his father. The love for flamenco had been in the family for generations and just as his grandfather taught his father he then passed that knowledge onto Tomás. Much later Tomás has attended master classes with prominent flamenco guitarists such as Gerardo Núñez and Paco Cruz and these have been very useful but it is his father’s teaching that is principally responsible for the direction he has taken. Tomás Jiménez chose London as the springboard for his career and was engaged to teach flamenco guitar at the Spanish Guitar Centre in Central London.

María José was born in Cartagena(Spain) which is in the region of Murcia on the South East Mediterranean coast. She studied flamenco and classical Spanish dance and gained the title of Bailarina Profesional (professional dancer) from the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Madrid. She is capable of producing fast powerful Zapateado (the flamenco footwork) but she does not overdo this. Maria uses dance to express the true sentiment of each flamenco form.
Flamenco is a music that is best expressed freely without the constraints of a set programme Tomás will choose the pieces he plays spontaneously and in collaboration with María José García. The flamenco repertoire is in fact very extensive. The compositions can be solemn, joyous, fast and forceful, gentle and lyrical etc. The whole gamut of emotions should be present in a flamenco concert. Pieces are influenced by all the cultures that have passed through Andalucía and contributed to the creation of flamenco.

Concordia Guitar Duo (Dennis Cooke, Nick Hartley)

2005-06-05T17:41:00.000Z

The Concordia Guitar Duo was formed in 1991 and has since given regular concerts in and around London for Music Societies and Guitar Societies, lunchtime concerts in city churches, and recitals for various charities. Both guitarists, Dennis Cooke and Nick Hartley, have had experience of other styles of music, ranging from Folk-Blues to Jazz and in Nick’s case this included playing clarinet and alto sax. Dennis is mostly self-taught but had short periods of study with John Williams and Tim Walker in the early 1980s and has more recently participated in master classes with David Russell and John Mills among others. Nick studied with Sue Court and John Taylor, gaining a performer’s diploma (LTCL) in 1985. As well as participating in master classes by Julian Byzantine, Gordon Crosskey and Gerald Garcia, Nick has played in various ensembles including Gilbert Biberian’s ‘Omega Players’

Doug Turner/Memphis and Gary Ormond

2005-05-01T17:43:00.000Z

Doug Turner/Memphis

Memphis has played with artists as diverse as Toots and the Maytels, The Last Poets – who were one of the early rap bands fromAmerica-Jack Radics, Jamaican recording artists, and numerous other groups and artists.Doug has played guitar professionally in many different styles since 1963: with American country singer Johnny Duncan, Houston Wells and the Marksmen (who were the first country band to record in England in 1964). Doug has also worked with Chas and Dave, and Rod Davies of John Lennon’s original Quarrymen. He plays in various jazz styles, including the Chet Atkins fingerstyle.

Gary Ormond

Gary was born in Doncaster in August 1974. He began learning the guitar at age 12, taught by his father Gordon. After 2 years, he continued his studies with Peter Wiltschinsky, of the Hill / Wiltschinsky guitar duo. Gary was awarded a place at the City of Leeds College of Music, where he studied with Graham Wade. After three years with Graham, Gary achieved his degree with honours and embarked on a career in guitar teaching. In addition to his endeavours on the classical guitar, Gary has become a proficient electric rock guitarist and bassist, and teaches these instruments as well. He lives and works in Watford.

John Duarte Guitar Quintet

2005-04-03T17:44:00.001Z

Played Concerto Le Grazie (1997) by Gerald Garcia, English Suite No. 5 (John Duarte) and Fantasia para un Gentilhombre by Joaquin Rodrigo (1999). The quintet (Antonio De Innocentis, Claudio Cecere, Paolo Mauriello, Marcello, Parisi, Ruocco Panico) were formed in December 2004, following the sad news of Maestro John Duarte’s death. John Duarte has been one of the greatest composers the guitar has ever had and being lucky to know him personally and having the high honour to be counted amongst his friends, I thought to entitle our quintet to him, who so much loved the guitar. My friends and colleagues also got the lucky chance to meet him once just in Caserta, when Jack, in 2002, came to visit us at home.

So, I informed dear Mrs Dorothy Duarte of our wish and asking her permission too and she graciously allowed us to call ourselves the “John Duarte Guitar Quintet”, also sending her best wishes for our activity. So, we all thank her so much for that. (Reproduced with kind permission of Antonio De Innocentis)

Steve Yates

2005-04-03T17:44:00.000Z

Stephen has been a regular performer at Ealing for over 10 years. He has won several awards, which include the Vicente Sanchis Guitar Challenge, and has been voted Guitarist magazine’s ‘Guitarist of the Year’. As a classical player he performs a wide-ranging repertoire from baroque through romantic to contemporary works. At the other end of the musical spectrum he also performs on the electric guitar, playing audacious and breathtaking.

John Clarke

2005-03-06T18:45:00.000Z

John has had a long association with the Ealing Guitar Society, having performed primarily classical guitar music regularly from 1972, and occasionally flamenco in the last five years. He has studied with some of most prominent teachers in the field, including Alirio Diaz, Turibio Santos and John Duarte. John teaches classical and flamenco guitar full-time. John played: Sarabande & Bouree (from lute suite no. 1)by JS Bach , 2 Sonatas by D Scarlatti, as well as 5 Blues for Guitar by Tim Royal.

Student, Robin Sheffield (classical guitar), also played a selection of pieces by Ferrer, Montreuil and duetted with John Clarke with "Ballet" by Praetorius

About us

2003-05-03T21:14:00.000Z

Ealing Guitar Society has been acting as a source of live guitar music since 1969 in the West London area, recently celebrating our 35th anniversary. We welcome both players and listeners of guitar music alike and are proud to have counted amongst our members and performers a number of well-known and aspiring players.

Since our inaugural meeting over 35 year's ago, these have included the likes of Carlos Bonnell, Antonio de Innocentis, Roland Chadwick, often looking for performance practice prior to London concert appearances at the Wigmore Hall, or Purcell Room.

There have also been several BBC young performers, as well as students of the leading UK schools of music (Royal Academy, Royal Northern College, Royal College of Music and London College of Music). Meetings are held regularly, at 7.30pm on the first Sunday of each month, at St. Matthew's Church Hall, North Common Road, Ealing, very close to Ealing Common.

The focal point for the Society has always been to promote interest in the guitar and other fretted instruments ( i.e. banjo, bouzouki, dulcimer, lute,mandolin and sitar), although the guitar has been combined with flute,piano, recorder, violin and voice

St Matthews Church, Ealing W5

2003-02-13T18:41:00.000Z