The guitar is woven into the fabric of Spanish life and culture, from the streets of Seville to the grand palaces of Madrid. Its role throughout Spain’s diverse cultural heritage is an achievement that few other instruments can match.

At the end of the 19th Century, with musical nationalism on the rise, Issac Albéniz sought to use the sound of the guitar as inspiration for his piano playing. In doing so, he created music that, on many occasions, feels more at home on the guitar.

At the same time, Francisco Tárrega, the self-styled ‘Chopin of the guitar’, aimed to elevate the guitar from mere street instrument to an expressive vehicle of music making. Through his arrangements, technical innovations and memorable original works, he succeeded. He paved the way for the guitar’s admittance into the world’s important concert halls.

Since then, many composers have taken up the mantel left by these pioneers. Contemporary composers such as Salvador Brotons, Vicente Acensio, Juan Erena, and Joaquín Rodrigo have reinvented the Spanish guitar. They have pushed to new frontiers and in doing so, have reached a truly international audience.

Jonathan Parkin is described as ‘an immensely gifted and talented musician’ by BBC Radio 3. He has won many national and international guitar competitions. His expressive playing, combined with his intimate knowledge of Spanish music and culture, makes this an unmissable evening.

Javier Salvador Al sostener la luna, Escenas sobre el Castillo de Mula
Marco Smaili obscura, íntima
Salvador Brotons 2 Suggestions, Op 23, Balada, Tocatta
Vicente Asencio from Col·lectici íntim: La Serenor, La Calma, La Joia
Interval
Manuel de Falla Homenaje a Debussy
Joaquín Rodrigo Junto al Generalife
Issac Albéniz Capricho Catalan, Sevilla
Francisco Tárrega Recuerdos de la Alhambra, La Gran Jota Aragonés

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Presented by Southampton Classical Guitar Society in association with Turner Sims