April 2025 Meetup and Luke Tyrell
2025-04-10 19:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme: Dance (Music inspired by dance forms like Waltz, Tango, Pavane, Sarabande, Rumba, Fandango etc.)

19:15-20:00 Solos and chamber ensembles

We have the following entries (subject to change):

Vince Smith — Partita in A Min by Johann Anton Losy(Logy) Alan Montague — Bosse Triste by Carlo Domeniconi Cari Aplin — Vals Venezolano Nos.3 by Antonio Lauro Paul Hapney — Mrs Taylor’s Galliard by Phillip Rossiter Tony Mullholland — Danza Brasilera by Jorge Morel Andy Warn — Serenades of the Unicorn by Einojuhani Rautavaara Thorben Louw — Gavotte en Rondeau by J.S Bach Thorben Louw and Francisco Correa — La Vida Breve by Manuel da Falla

20:00-20:50 Young Artists Platform

We host Luke Tyrell, of this year’s IGF Young Artist Platform winners, for a short concert. See the programme here

This concert is promoted in partnership with the International Guitar Foundation (IGF).

21:00-22:00 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal

Luke Tyrell: IGF Young Artist
2025-04-10 20:00 - 20:50 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
As part of our April Meetup, we’re delighted to host Luke Tyrell, an IGF Young Artist Platform winner, for a short concert.

Programme

Regino Sainz de la Maza (1896-1981)3 pieces from La Frontera de Dios i. Albada y Paisajeii. Meditacioniii. IdililioZapateado

Catharina Pratten (1824-1895)A Lament Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983)GuitareErrollyn Wallen (1958-)Red (Homage to Rodrigo)Miguel Llobet (1878-1938)Canco del Lladre Joaquin Turina (1882-1949)Sonata Op. 61 i. Allegroii. Andanteiii. Allegro vivoFrancisco Tarrega (1852-1909)Gran Jota

This concert is promoted in partnership with the International Guitar Foundation (IGF).

May 2025 Meetup
2025-05-08 19:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme: Not originally for guitar – transcriptions throughout the ages
19:15-20:00 Solos and chamber ensembles
20:00-20:50 Guest Artists: Mosaic Guitar Ensemble
A short concert by the Mosaic Ensemble, based in the south of England, and under the direction of Amanda Cook
21:00-22:00 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal

June 2025 Meetup and Composition Competition
2025-06-12 19:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme: Own arrangement or composition (£100 first prize, £50 second prize!), or if not participating in the competition: music from a living composer.
This month we have a special competition — play your own composition or arrangement, and be in the running to win a £100 voucher/prize for the best own composition or arrangement, as voted for by the members in attendance on the night. Terms and conditions apply!

It must be your own composition or arrangement, written or finished in 2025
You must not have used this composition as an entry for any previous competition (including outside BCGS)
You consent to a video or recording of your composition going on the BCGS website
If it’s an arrangement, it should be fairly novel, rather than just slight tweaks on a common arrangement (e.g. just a different key)
Only active playing members of the BCGS are eligible to participate
First prize £100, and £50 and a set of D’Addario strings as a prize for the runner-up!

We don’t anticipate a huge number of entries, so alternatively, just play something by a living composer — but you won’t be in line for the prizes!
19:15-19:45 Solos and chamber ensembles
19:45-20:00 Member’s Short Talk Cari Aplin: How to practice guitar
20:00-20:50 Guest Speaker: Steve Toon, Guitar Maker Steve will talk about his general approach to guitar making and his more recent excursions into double-top guitars. Also about the way he developed his ideas on this type of guitar and all being well he will bring one new guitar for a demo.
21:00-22:00 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal

BCGS Concert Series 2025 - Eden-Stell Duo
2025-06-14 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Bristol, BS3 1AS, United Kingdom
The Eden-Stell Guitar Duo, featuring Mark Eden and Christopher Stell, is one of the world’s leading classical guitar ensembles, renowned for their exceptional artistry and innovative performances. Hailing from the UK, the duo has dazzled audiences globally with their seamless interplay, virtuosic technique, and dynamic interpretations of a diverse repertoire, ranging from Renaissance to contemporary music. Their arrangements and original works have expanded the possibilities of guitar duo performance, earning acclaim for their creativity and precision. In addition to their concert career, they are dedicated educators, inspiring the next generation of musicians through masterclasses and workshops.

3-for-2 season tickets are valid for this concert. Tickets also available at the door.

Programme:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (arr. Mark Eden)Sonata no. 4 K282– Adagio– Minuet I Minuet II– Allegro

Mario Castelnuovo-TedescoPrelude and Fugues from Les Guitars bien Tempérées– Prelude and Fugue I G minor– Prelude and Fugue II D major– Prelude and Fugue III A minor– Prelude and Fugue IV E major– Prelude and Fugue V B minor– Prelude and Fugue VI F# minorIda PrestiÉtude FantastiqueINTERVALJohann Sebastian Bach (arr. Chris Stell)Concerto in D BWV 974 minor, after Marcello– I Andante e spiccato– II Adagio– III PrestoArno Babajanyan (arr. Chris Stell)Three Pieces– Prelude– Impromptu– ElegyAndré JolietSérénade pour deux guitares– I Preludio e canzona– II Allegro Trepidante– III Andante Malinconico– IV Con Allegria

2025 Members' Summer Concert
2025-07-10 19:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Come and support our members at this performance, allowing them to showcase their hard work this year! Includes solos, small chamber groups and the BCGS Ensemble.
19:00 – 19:50 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal
20:00 – 22:00 Members’ Summer Concert

September 2025 Meetup and Duo Cantelina
2025-09-11 19:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme: Cheesy classics.
Shamelessly celebrate the perennial favourites which might have drawn you to the guitar in the first place e.g. Spanish Romance, Lágrimas, Recuerdos, Cavatina, Asturias…
19:15-19:45 Solos and chamber ensembles
20:10-21:00 Young Artists Platform

We host Duo Cantelina, one of this year’s IGF Young Artist Platform winners, for a short concert. For more information, including the programme, see their event page here
This concert is promoted in partnership with the International Guitar Foundation (IGF).

21:05-22:00 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal

Duo Cantelina: IGF Young Artist Platform
2025-09-11 20:10 - 21:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
This concert is promoted in partnership with the International Guitar Foundation (IGF).

Praised as “such an amazing talent“, Duo Cantelina are a dynamic vocal and guitar duo comprising of mezzo-soprano Sophie Clarke and classical guitarist Ravi Nathwani. They have just completed their Master’s at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and have now been selected as International Guitar Foundation (IGF) Young Artists for 2024-2025.

During their time at the RNCM they received First Place in the Bessie Cronshaw/Frost Brownson Song Cycle Competition. Duo Cantelina performs at a selection of concerts all over the UK, including an invitation from the Consul of Spain to perform at the National Day of Spain celebrations in Manchester.

One of their most recent recitals took place at King’s Place in London, where they gave a performance of IGF commissioned work Self-love, specifically composed for the duo by Bobbie-Jane Gardner. Other performances include a recital for Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre and pre-concert and post-concert recitals for BBC Philharmonic and The Hallé, both at Bridgewater Hall.

Programme

JOSÉ SERRANOarr. Ravi NathwaniMarinela, Marinela

FRANZ SCHUBERTarr. Craig OgdenStändchen, D 889

MANUEL DE FALLAarr. Miguel Llobet & Emilio PujolSiete Canciones Populares Españolas i. El Paño Moruno ii. Seguidilla Murciana iii. Asturiana iv. Jota v. Nana vi. Canción vii. Polo

ROBERT BURNSarr. Ravi NathwaniAe Fond Kiss

BOBBIE-JANE GARDNER (IGF Commission)Self-love

KURT WEILLarr. Ravi NathwaniWie lange noch?

STANLEY MYERS & CLEO LAINEarr. Ravi NathwaniHe Was Beautiful

October 2025 Meetup and Fika Duo
2025-10-09 19:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme: Personally Meaningful.
Play something which has great personal meaning for you
19:15-20:00 Solos and chamber ensembles
20:10-21:00 Young Artists Platform: Duo Fika
We host Duo Fika, one of this year’s IGF Young Artist Platform winners, for a short concert. See the event page here for background and a programme.
This concert is promoted in partnership with the International Guitar Foundation (IGF).

21:00-22:00 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal

Fika Duo: IGF Young Artists Platform
2025-10-09 20:10 - 21:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
This concert is promoted in partnership with the International Guitar Foundation (IGF).

The Fika Duo was formed in September 2023 by guitarist Zoë Meadowcroft and flautist Emma Lörstad in their first year at the Royal Academy of Music, where they both hold scholarships. Since their debut performance at the Academy, they have aimed to build a unique concert repertoire through new arrangements and collaborations with composers, including new works written by Zoë, as well as highlighting under-represented areas of the existing repertoire.

The name ‘Fika Duo’ comes from the Swedish tradition of ‘fika’, to take a break in one’s day to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and something sweet – Emma and Zoë’s secret weapon for long rehearsals.

Programme

ASTOR PIAZZOLLA (1921–1992)Histoire du Tangoi. Bordel 1900

EFFY EFTHYMIOU (1980-)

Swarming (IGF Commission)

ASTOR PIAZZOLLAHistoire du Tango (ctd.)ii. Café 1930

FRANKLIN ONYESO (2005–)Cable to the Sun

ZOË MEADOWCROFT (2005–)Low Earth Orbit

ASTOR PIAZZOLLAHistoire du Tango (ctd.)iii. Nightclub 1960

STEPHEN GOSS (1964–)La Catedral Sumergida

ASTOR PIAZZOLLAHistoire du Tango (ctd.)iv. Concert d’Aujourd’hui

November 2025 Meetup
2025-11-13 19:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme:Something Old or Something New.
Old repertoire you learnt long ago, or something you just learnt!
19:15-19:45 Solos and chamber ensembles

19:45-20:00 Members’ Short Talk TBD

20:00-22:00 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal
Double session to prepare for next month’s concert!

BCGS Concert Series 2025 - Ian Watt
2025-11-15 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Bristol, BS3 1AS, United Kingdom
Ian Watt (b. 1991, Aberdeen, Scotland) is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading classical guitarists. Described by Classical Guitar Magazine as “a guitarist of outstanding skill and originality,” he came to international attention at 18 when he won 2nd prize in the prestigious Parkening International Guitar Competition (USA). His other international prizes include the 2010 Vienna “Homage to Karl Scheit” competition, 2010 Westphalian Guitar Spring Competition and 2011 Heinsberg International Guitar Competition.

Since then, Watt has built a truly international profile, performing solo recitals across Europe, East Asia and the Americas. He has appeared as concerto soloist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia and the Scottish Philharmonic, among others. His recordings on Nimbus Alliance have earned praise from BBC Music Magazine, The Herald, and others for their “exceptional range of timbre,” “sublime” interpretation and “dazzling virtuosic” command.

Alongside his performing career, Ian Watt is committed to education and the development of the classical guitar. He gives frequent masterclasses internationally and currently lectures at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His repertoire ranges from Spanish and British classics to contemporary works, including several premieres of pieces dedicated to him.

See more about Ian at https://www.ianwattguitar.com.

In this BCGS Concert Series concert on Saturday 15 November 2025, 7:30pm, Ian Watt will bring his signature blend of technical brilliance and expressive depth, promising an evening that will both engage longtime guitar lovers and enchant those new to the instrument.

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887–1959) — Five Preludes

Prelude No. 2 in E major — “Melodia capadócia”
Prelude No. 3 in A minor — “Homenagem a Bach”

Agustín Barrios Mangoré (1885–1944)

Madrigal – Gavota
Prelude in C minor
Contemplación
Vals No. 3, Op. 8
Julia Florida
La Catedral

i. Preludio (Saudade)
ii. Andante Religioso
iii. Allegro Solemne

Interval

John McLeod (1934–2022) — Three Mythical Pieces

Amphion’s Lyre
Salamander
Ariadne’s Thread

Claude Debussy (1862–1918) — Préludes, Book I

No. 8 — “La fille aux cheveux de lin” (The girl with the flaxen hair) (transcription: Watt)
No. 12 — “Minstrels” (transcription: Castelnuovo-Tedesco)

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895–1968)

Capriccio Diabolico (Omaggio a Paganini), Op. 85

Ennio Morricone (1928–2020)

C’era una Volta il West (transcription: Watt)

Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909)

Seguidillas, Op. 232/5 (transcription: Watt)

2025 Members' Winter Concert
2025-12-11 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Come and support our members at this performance, allowing them to showcase their hard work this year! Includes solos, small chamber groups and the BCGS Ensemble.
19:00 – 19:50 BCGS Ensemble Rehearsal
20:00 – 22:00 Members’ Winter Concert

January 2026 Meetup and AGM
2026-01-08 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Programme

19:15Members’ showcase (Distant Lands)Solos and chamber ensembles20:10Annual General Meeting – agenda will be shared ahead of time21:00BCGS Large Ensemble rehearsal

Theme

This month’s theme is Distant Lands: Journeys in sound – from Iberia to the Andes and the Balkans
Here’s an example of some repertoire that might fit the theme:

Beginner: Marek Pasieczny – one miniature from Travels / Easy
Miniatures
Intermediate: Vincent Lindsey-Clark – a piece from Simply Latin or Simply
Spanish
Advanced Intermediate: Gary Ryan – a piece from City Scenes or Scenes for Guitar
Advanced: Ian Krouse – Variations on a Moldavian Hora

February 2026 Meetup
2026-02-12 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme

Numbers and Patterns

Groove, symmetry, polymetre, variations

Programme

19:15SHOWCASEMember Performances20:10GUEST ARTISTEmily Andrews and Francisco Correa: From Honey To Ashes album preview21:10ENSEMBLERehearsal

March 2026 Meetup
2026-03-12 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme

Faces and Places

Musical portraits. Pieces inspired by people and specific places and scenes.

Programme

19:15SHOWCASEMember PerformancesTony Mulholland — Ave Maria — Franz SchubertMartin Allsop — Shakespeare Music — Martin AllsopRobert Gough — Ancient Stones — Jeremy SouleSteve Watson — Julia Florida — Agustín Barrios MangoréTony Eastwood — Small Dancing Pigs — Tony EastwoodLewis Tredinnick — Alba Nera — Roland DyensPaul Bradshaw — Recuerdos de la Alhambra — Francisco Tárrega19:45MEMBER TALKPeter Smith: Neuroscience of Practicing20:10GUEST ARTISTJohan Löfving: ‘God Save the Queen!‘Join celebrated guitarist and researcher Johan Löfving on a musical journey across Victorian London. Enjoy the dazzling and intimate sounds of Regondi, Pratten and their contemporaries on an original 19th century instrument!21:10ENSEMBLERehearsal

BCGS Concert Series 2026 - Jack Hancher
2026-03-14 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Bristol, BS3 1AS, United Kingdom
Jack Hancher is one of the most compelling voices in today’s classical guitar scene. Described by Gramophone as possessing “youthful intensity tempered by sophisticated musical intelligence” and by Gendai Guitar Magazine as “a poet and a painter, colouring sounds out of the guitar as if his imagination and the guitar were one,” Hancher’s artistry consistently draws critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences alike.

In 2022, he won the prestigious Gold Medal at the Royal Overseas League Competition at London’s Wigmore Hall, becoming only the third guitarist ever to achieve this distinction. His 2024 debut album, The Memory Garden, released on the Deux-Elles label, was met with high praise for its clarity, focus and expressive depth, earning a place among MusicWeb International’s Best Recordings of 2024 and positive notices on BBC Record Review.

Hancher has toured extensively across Europe, appeared live on BBC Radio 3, and performs a repertoire that spans from intimate solo works to contemporary commissions.

Don’t miss his upcoming performance in Bristol hosted by the Bristol Classical Guitar Society, where his radiant technique and poetic musicality promise an unforgettable concert experience.

www.jackhancherguitar.com

Tickets

Programme

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)From BWV 1002

SarabandeDouble

BourréeDouble

Malcolm Arnold (1921–2006)Fantasy for Guitar

PreludeScherzoArietta IFughettaArietta IIMarchPostlude

Laura Snowden (b. 1993)The Memory Garden

Interval

Claude Debussy (1862–1918)La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin

Manuel de Falla (1876–1946)Homenaje pour Le Tombeau de Claude Debussy

Claude DebussyDanse Bohémienne

Maurice Ravel (1875–1937)À la Manière de Borodin

Federico Mompou (1893–1987)Canción No. 6

Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909)Capricho Catalán

Antonio José (1902–1936)Sonata for Guitar

Allegro ModeratoMinuettoPavana TristeFinale

Gonçalo Caetano
2026-04-09 08:10 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Gonçalo Maia Caetano is a classical guitarist from Pinhel, Portugal, currently completing a Master of Arts degree at the Royal Academy of Music.

He has won over ten international competitions, including the prestigious Prince’s Prize awarded by the The Worshipful Company of Musicians.

In 2020, Gonçalo joined the Phemo Quartet as a bass player. The ensemble has performed at leading venues including Vortex Jazz Club and Kings Place. Their debut album, Anti-Revelation, is scheduled for release later this year.

This concert is presented in collaboration with the International Guitar Foundation (IGF).

Programme

Silvius Leopold Weiss (1687–1750)Overture in B-flat major

Toru Takemitsu (1930–1996)All in TwilightI. —II. DarkIII. —IV. Slightly Fast

Miguel Llobet (1878–1938)Scherzo-Vals

Agustín Barrios Mangoré (1885–1944)Mazurka Appassionata

Ashkan Layegh (b. 1997)For Solo Guitar 2 (IGF Commission, 2025)

Sérgio Assad (b. 1952)AquarelleI. DivertimentoII. ValseanaIII. Prelúdio e Toccatina

April 2026 Meetup
2026-04-09 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme

Hidden Treasures

Overlooked gems and modern miniatures that sing.

Programme

19:15SHOWCASEMember Performances20:10GUEST ARTISTIGF Young Artists Platform presents Gonçalo Caetano21:10ENSEMBLERehearsal

May 2026 Meetup
2026-05-14 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme

Study in Style (Etudes)

Studies that also make convincing concert pieces.

Programme

19:15SHOWCASEMember Performances19:45MEMBER TALKJohn Powell: Why 12 Frets to the Octave?20:10GUEST TALKGerald Garcia: Anatomy of an Etude21:10ENSEMBLERehearsal

June 2026 Meetup
2026-06-11 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, St Paul's, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme

Once Upon A Time

Narratives, scenes, character. Music with a plot.

Programme

19:15SHOWCASEMember Performances20:10GUEST TALKTim Button: The Musical AthleteLocal chiropractor Tim Button talks to us about the demands playing a musical instrument places on our bodies.21:10ENSEMBLEEnsemble Rehearsal

BCGS Concert Series 2026 - Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
2026-06-13 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Bristol, BS3 1AS, United Kingdom
Buy tickets here.

Join us for an extraordinary evening with the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, widely recognised as one of the world’s leading classical guitar ensembles. Since their formation at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1999, this award-winning quartet has captivated audiences with a unique blend of expressive artistry, rich tonal colour and seamless ensemble precision — qualities that have drawn comparisons with the finest chamber ensembles across the musical world.

Comprising outstanding musicians trained under distinguished mentors and seasoned through performance and competition success, the quartet has graced major stages including Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields and international venues across Europe and Asia. Their imaginative and wide-ranging programmes span repertoire from Renaissance and Baroque works to contemporary compositions and original quartet arrangements that highlight the guitar’s versatility and expressive power.

Aquarelle’s acclaimed recordings on Chandos Records — praised by BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone and others — reflect their adventurous musical vision and commitment to stylistic breadth. Whether you are drawn to lyrical chamber works, vibrant world music influences, or innovative new music, this performance promises an engaging and memorable experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of the most imaginative and captivating guitar chamber ensembles performing repertoire that both honours tradition and pushes artistic boundaries.

Buy tickets at https://www.goodhub.com/go/offerings/bcgs-aquarelle-guitar-quartet-2026/purchases/create

www.aquarellegq.com

Parking

There is free parking around the church, but it can be limited. If you’re struggling to find something, Asda Bedminster is a few minutes’ walk away and allows paying for parking with JustPark (you must have a valid JustPark reservation to avoid the normal Asda time restrictions). Download the app, or use the JustPark site to pay for parking.

Corinium Players "Classical Guitar Day" with Mark Ashford
2026-06-20 10:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane, Cirencester, GL7 1YE, United Kingdom
Corinium Players Guitar Ensembleare hosting a Classical Guitar Day for Ages 8–18.

Featuring Mark Ashford and students from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Technique workshopsCombined ensemblesInformation about music coursesShowcase concert

FREE EVENT!

All abilities welcome – great fun!

Register your application here:https://form.jotform.com/261472974553062

July 2026 Members' Summer Concert
2026-07-09 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Members’ Summer Concert

Solo and chamber performances and a performance by the large BCGS Ensemble for the public.

Programme

19:15EMSEMBLEPre-concert Rehearsal20:00MEMBERS’ SUMMER CONCERT

September 2026 Meetup
2026-09-10 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme

“I may be easy, but at least I’m not cheap”

Perform a piece of MAXIMUM Grade 4 difficulty to the very best of your ability

Programme

19:15SHOWCASEMember Performances20:10GUEST ARTISTIGF Young Artists Platform presents: Eva Schockmel21:10ENSEMBLERehearsal

October 2026 Meetup
2026-10-08 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Theme

Moonlit Strings

Gentle night music. Rocking, dreaming, catabile.

Programme

19:15SHOWCASEMember Performances19:45MEMBER’S SHORT CONCERTCari Aplin will give a short recital of her Grade 8 programme20:10GUEST ARTISTIGF Young Artists Platform: Artist to be announced21:10ENSEMBLERehearsal

November 2026 Meetup and Composition/Arrangement Competition
2026-11-12 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Composition Competition

Own arrangement or composition

Following the success of last year’s competition, this month we have a special composition/arrangement competition.

Judges to be announced.

From 2026, there is an Open section (accepting compositions from the general UK-based public). You may play your own composition for classical guitar / ensemble or ask a different performer to perform it.

There is still a Members-only section (active BCGS members only), judged separately.

Terms and conditions apply!

It must be your own composition or arrangement, written or finished in 2026

From 2026, AI-assisted compositions must be declared as such and accompanied with a declaration of how AI was used in the composition and your role in the creative process. Fully AI-generated compositions with no human role beyond prompting are not permitted. Compositions which are AI assisted, but which do not declare this, will be disqualified.

You must not have used this composition as an entry for any previous competition (including outside BCGS)

You consent to a video or recording of your composition going on the BCGS website

If it’s an arrangement, it should be fairly novel, rather than just slight tweaks on a common arrangement (e.g. just a different key)

For BCGS member entrants section, first prize £100, and £50 and a set of D’Addario strings as a prize for the runner-up!

For the Open section, prizes to be announced (check back soon!)

If you can’t confidently play your composition, you may ask someone else to perform it for you

The first prize winner of the previous year’s competition is excluded from winning again, but is welcome to participate again this year and receive an Honourable Mention award.

Programme

19:15COMPOSITION/ARRANGEMENT COMPETITIONPerformances and judging of the member competition entries21:10ENSEMBLEDouble Ensemble Rehearsal

BCGS Concert Series 2026 - Zoran Dukić
2026-11-14 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, Bristol, BS3 1AS, United Kingdom
Experience an unforgettable evening with Zoran Dukić, widely regarded as one of the foremost classical guitarists of his generation. Born in Zagreb and performing worldwide, Dukić’s artistry combines extraordinary technical mastery with deep musical insight, bringing programmes that span from Bach’s transcendent baroque to the rich idioms of Spanish and South American repertoire.

A consummate soloist and chamber musician, he has graced prestigious venues across five continents and is celebrated for performances that captivate audiences with clarity, expression and profound interpretive depth. His career is distinguished by an unprecedented string of international competition victories, including both of the prestigious Andrés Segovia competitions, alongside top prizes in Sor, Ponce, Falla and Tárrega contests.

In this concert, Dukić will present a compelling programme showcasing the breadth of the classical guitar tradition, revealing the instrument’s expressive depth and his own signature artistry. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness a true virtuoso who continues to shape the future of classical guitar performance.

Tickets

Aren’t available to buy yet. Check back soon!

Programme

Not available yet. Check back soon!

December 2026 Members' Winter Concert
2026-12-10 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Unitarian Meeting Hall, Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8PE, United Kingdom
Members’ Winter Concert

Solos, chamber ensembles and a performance by the BCGS large ensemble. Join us for mince pies and a glass of wine to welcome in the festive season and round off 2026!

Programme

19:15ENSEMBLEPre-concert rehearsal20:00MEMBERS’ WINTER CONCERT
