Regarded by The Guardian as ‘’impressively expert” and by Classical Guitar Magazine as ‘’a highly talented player’’, Albanian-born Jon Gjylaci is in increasing demand as a performer due to his wide ranging repertoire, “brilliant interpretations”, “compelling quality to his guitar playing” and his ability to connect with the audience.
Jon has performed in concerts and recitals across the UK as a soloist and chamber musician. Recent performances include venues such as St Martin-in-the-Fields, Cadogan Hall, The Bridgewater Hall and Newcastle Cathedral to name but a few. Jon was invited to Manchester Guitar Circle’s 70th Anniversary Concert where he performed alongside the celebrated Chinese guitarist Xuefei Yang. He has also given solo recitals and master classes in Greece and Albania.
Jon’s busy schedule this year included several world premiere performances of new guitar works written especially for him such as Ray Kohn’s ‘Dances in the Dark’ and Mark Houghton’s ‘Sonatine’ for solo guitar. During this season he has performed Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ and ‘Fantasia para un Gentilhombre’ with RTSH Symphony Orchestra of Albania and Bolton Chamber Orchestra.
Jon has released two critically acclaimed solo guitar albums and Classical Guitar Magazine has commented on his “…very impressive technical ability, which enables him to flash around the fingerboard in an apparent effortless manner."
The Guardian wrote ‘’…when in the impressively expert hands of Greek-Albanian Jon Gjylaci, [the guitar’s] versatility is immediately apparent.’’
He was recently selected by the BBC Radio 3 as one of their ‘BBC Classical Introducing Artists’ and has been interviewed and performed live on Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’. Jon was also a leading feature in Classical Guitar Magazine Spring 2017 issue.
Jon was awarded the Edward Boyle Scholarship and Musicians' Benevolent Funds Award to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. He studied under the internationally acclaimed guitarist Craig Ogden, gaining his Bachelor of Music degree and his Postgraduate Diploma in Performance with distinction. Jon plays a 2007 Greg Smallman and he is currently a tutor in guitar at the JRNCM and Bolton School.
Programme:
Mauro Giuliani – Grande Ouverture Op.61
Isaac Albeniz – Asturias (Leyenda), from ‘Suite Espanola’ Op.47, No.5
Rumores de la Caleta, from ‘Recuerdos de Viaje, Op.71, No.6
Mark Houghton – Sonatine, for solo guitar
Django Reinhardt – Nuages (arr. Roland Dyens)
Gary Ryan – Hot Club Français
INTERVAL
Helen Walker – Five Divertissements
Roland Dyens - Libra Sonatine:
· India
· Largo
· Fuoco
Antonio Jobim/Vinicious de Moraes – Felicidade (arr Roland Dyens)
Gary Ryan – Benga Beat
