Described by Classical Guitar Magazine as ‘a guitarist of outstanding skill and originality’, Scottish guitarist Ian Watt has appeared throughout the world, giving solo recitals in the USA, China, South Korea, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine and Denmark. He has performed concertos with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia and Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra and his playing has been broadcast on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Scotland, Classic FM, NDR Radio (Germany) and WSMC Radio (USA). Additionally, he has made three solo recordings for Nimbus Alliance and his playing has been described by the press as ‘sublime’ (BBC Music Magazine), ‘astoundingly atmospheric’ (The Herald) and ‘dazzlingly virtuosic’ (The Herald).

Noted for his ‘exceptional range of timbre’ (BBC Music Magazine), Watt’s international prizes include 1st prize at the Heinsberg International Guitar Competition (2011), Germany, 1st prize at the Westphalian Guitar Spring Competition (2010), Germany, 2nd prize at the Parkening International Guitar Competition (2009), USA (often described as the world’s most prestigious) and 2nd prize at the Vienna ‘Homage to Karl Scheit’ International Competition, 2010. In addition to performing, he is a committed teacher who has given masterclasses throughout the world and is at present a lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

PROGRAMME

Four Italian Pieces                                                                      Anon. (16th c.) tr. O. Chilesotti

I. Vaghe bellezze e bionde treccie d’oro vedi che per te moro 

II. Gagliarde di Diomede 

III. Se io m’accorgo ben mio d’un altro amante 

IV. Danza

Fantasia No. 30                                                                           Francesco da Milano (1497-1543)                                                                                               

Fantasia No. 34, ‘La Compagna’                                              

Three Mythical Pieces (2012)                                                John McLeod (1934-2022)

I. Amphion’s Lyre

II. Salamander

III. Ariadne’s Thread

Pais de Abanico                                                                           Agustín Barrios (1885-1944)

La Catedral

I. Preludio saudade

II. Andante Religioso

III. Allegro Solemne

Interval

Sonata para guitarra (1933)                                                     Antonio José (1902-1936)

I. Allegro moderato

II. Minueto 

III. Pavana triste - Lento

IV. Final - Allegro con brio

La fille aux cheveux de lin (Preludes Book 1, No. 8)    Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

La Morena (Caprice Espagnol), Op. 67                             Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944)

                                                                                                                                   tr. Ian Watt

‘Danza del Molinero’, from El Sombrero de tres picos   Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)