Gary Ryan

Gary Ryan is widely considered to be one of the world’s finest classical guitarists. He made his London recital debut at the Purcell Room for the Park Lane Group in 1994 to exceptional critical acclaim and was subsequently invited to perform a series of recitals for the Kirckman Concert Society, winning universal praise for his formidable technique and high class musicianship In addition to a busy schedule giving recitals, concertos and masterclasses at music societies and festivals throughout the UK, Gary has a fast growing international reputation with performances in the USA, Greece, Cyprus, Sweden, Romania and Hungary over the past few years.

Gary studied with David Miller at the Guildhall School of Music and later with Timothy Walker at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won a scholarship to study in 1987. In 1991 he graduated with first class honours and a host of awards including the Julian Bream Prize, the John Mundy String Prize and an award for the most outstanding all-round student.

In 1997 he was made an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, in recognition of his achievements.

Gary is involved in a wide range of educational work. At the age of 27 he was appointed one of the youngest ever professors at the Royal College of Music, London and has gained a strong reputation as one of the UK’s most sought after guitar teachers. He currently helps to run the guitar programme at the Royal College of Music, where he also takes improvisation, aural and keyboard musicianship classes. He has been an examiner for Trinity Guildhall since 1992 and has been extensively involved with the development of their guitar examinations syllabus. Acting as Principal Examiner in Guitar from 2000 – 2004, he has travelled internationally to promote Trinity Guildhall exams. Gary is also in great demand as an adjudicator, performer and tutor at guitar festivals throughout the world.

Gary has recorded three very popular CDs, The Magic of the Guitar (1996), Latin Temperament (2000) and Worlds Apart (2003) and is also an accomplished composer and pianist. His latest CD, Worlds Apart, includes his own highly acclaimed work for guitar, Scenes from The Wild West. Other engagements have included performing Sir Michael Tippett’s The Blue Guitar at the composer’s funeral in 1998, performances with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and recording sessions for Sony and EMI. He also performs with the British Guitar Quartet, Tetra

His website is www.garyryan.co.uk

The Independent

…I sat up for a guitarist of outstanding musicality called Gary Ryan… impeccable but pliant strength that handsomely defined the contours of the writing.

The Daily Telegraph

…jewel-like precision… a stylish, thoughtful and rhythmically vital impression… technical prowess and insight… such fluency and musicality.

The Observer

…a high point was Gary Ryan’s playing… Ryan showed his sheer prowess…

Musical Opinion

…here is a player who knows what magical sounds can be coaxed from the guitar. His technique is formidable and his programme planning quite excellent… the whole recital was a delight… high-class musicianship.

Classical Guitar Magazine

…a tour de force, Gary Ryan’s first rate technique and strongly rhythmic instincts achieved a forceful clarity.

Wayne Lines – Southampton Classical Guitar Society

…as close to perfection as I've seen from a classical guitar concert in terms of the technique, programming, musicality, and entertainment.

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