Professional Concert Gary Ryan
West Sussex Guitar Club would like to invite all music enthusiasts to our forthcoming recital by Gary Ryan. Gary is a leading exponent of the classical guitar, as a performer, educator, adjudicator, arranger and innovative composer. He is currently Professor of Guitar Studies and Assistant Head of Strings at the RoyaI College of Music. In recognition of his contribution to the instrument, he was awarded a fellowship of the Royal College of Music in 2013, following on in the footsteps of Andres Segovia, Julian Bream and John Williams.
His own compositions reach out to a new generation of classical guitarists, irrespective of age or experience. They are often based on traditional songs or hymns from all corners of the world, but with unexpected and unusual musical ideas and playing styles.
Compositions from all four corners of the British Isles include 'Scarborough Fair', 'Skye Boat Song', and 'The Ash Grove'. 'Down by the Salley Gardens' and 'Lough Caragh' are a reflection of Gary's own Irish family history, childhood memories and travels to his homeland.
The sounds and songs of America are represented in 'Shenandoah', 'Rondo Rodeo', the Shaker song 'Simple Gifts' and the hymn 'Wayfaring Stranger'. The rhythms of Africa resonate in 'Benga Beat' and 'Banaha' where every square inch of the guitar is either strummed, plucked, or struck percussively with remarkable co-ordination and an impressive technique.
He recently performed his own transcription of J S Bach's Cello Suite no.1 BWV 1007, along with 'Mallorca' (Isaac Albeniz) and 'Felicidade' (Antonia Carlos Jobim) at the West Dean Guitar Festival 2022.
Gary will also be adjudicating at the West Sussex Guitar Festival on the 4th and 5th of November where his pearls of guitar wisdom as always, will be delivered constructively, kindly and always with a good sense of humour.
Please do join us!
£15 non members, £10 WSGC members, full time students half price, under 18s free
Free glass of juice, or wine for over 18's
For tickets please see our Ticket Hotline
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