An Evening of Classical Guitar with Jonathan Prag
An Evening of Classical Guitar with Jonathan Prag Saturday 18th April
Award winning classical guitarist Jonathan Prag presents a delightful programme of music, mixing different time periods and a wealth of countries all over the world. He balances baroque favourites like a J S Bach prelude with a beguiling Gershwin blues; and a thrilling and evocative Cuban altiplano with a delicate Spanish study by Fernando Sor. He has an affinity with the folk roots of the classical guitar’s origins and in this show, a classical Argentinian master like Augustin Barrios rubs shoulders with eighteenth century Turlough O’Carolan and his jaunty Irish airs.
“ Beautiful sound, exquisite tone.” Ontario Arts Review
“ Wonderful… the combination of melody, rhythm and harmony is truly satisfying.” The Scotsman
“Absolutely recommended” [The Herald]
‘Utterly lovely guitar playing. Wonderful range of music.’ (Gerri Matthews)
‘Wonderful – terrific range of offerings from Bach to Billie Holiday.’ (Mike Matthews)
‘Fantastic! Such a varied programme. I especially liked Walton’s Bagatelle No. 2… and the Barrios…and, well, everything!’ (Anne Galbraith)
“I come every year. Outstanding.” Serge Richard, Edinburgh Fringe audience member
“If you have never heard Francisco Tárrega's masterpiece Recuerdos de la Alhambra, played live, then you must see Jonathan! (His performance is…) a masterpiece of classical guitar, each note and chord resonating with the beauty and history of the Alhambra” (Kevin Wong)
BIO
In the 80s, when he worked as an actor/musician with various companies, Jonathan toured in the UK, Canada, Poland, Italy and France. He worked with recognised performers like Eartha Kitt, Pip Utton and Scotland’s Poet Laureate, Edwin Morgan,.
His work evolved into a dedication to classical guitar during the 1990s, and he began performing at festivals, notably the Edinburgh Fringe. This led to collaborations such as his duo work with fellow classical guitarists Adrian Neville, UK classical guitar maestro, Carlos Bonell, and, recently, the folk singer, Dom Prag.
He joined the Ruskin Ensemble, with whom he toured throughout the UK. As a soloist he has performed in many venues both here and abroad. He is a a passionate believer in the power of music to uplift people and bring joy and he is a regular performer for the charity, Music in Hospitals and Care.
Jonathan has taught classical guitar since the mid-90s and many of his pupils achieve their grade 8. Two are in successful rock bands.