Dietmar Kres

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

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

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.

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

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, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 a series of tutor books 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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