The programme reflected the depth and diversity of our society’s talent:

• Cari and Thorben performed 5 short South American pieces arranged by Yvon Rivoall, and Carolan’s Concert by Turlough Carolan (Arr. Gerald Garcia).
• Tim and Tony L gave a lively set: Scherzo Sobre la Sonrise de un Niño (Arr. Barbosa/Rojas), Fantasia for 2 Lutes (Thomas Robinson), and Tango No.2/Suite España (Albeniz).
• Katherine D played Canarios by Gaspar Sanz
• Paul H brought us Ernest Shand’s Il Pensieroso.
• Andy W closed the first half with Philippe Drogoz’s Prélude à la Mise à Mort – a hugely entertaining and theatrical percussion piece that, remarkably, calls for the use of 12 knitting needles!
• Lewis T played Antonio Lauro’s El Niño
• Vince and Tony M delivered Milan Tesar’s Suita Karrusel.
• Steve W presented Recitativo from Mompou’s Suite Compostelana.
• Tony E played his own evocative composition, Bu Farw Cathod.
• The BCGS Ensemble, under the direction of Francisco, delighted the audience with Valenciana (Arr. Helen James) and Ostinato from St Paul’s Suite by Gustav Holst (arr. Alan Rinehart).

Here are some photos from the night:

Here’s the programme and quiz from the night:

Each performance brought its own character, from Renaissance lute duets to contemporary compositions, from vibrant ensemble playing to intimate solo pieces. The range of styles – classical, romantic, folk-inspired, and modern – showcased just how much richness there is within the guitar repertoire.

A special thank you goes to Francisco for directing the ensemble with such energy and skill, and to all our members who contributed their music to the evening. The concert was not only a celebration of classical guitar but also of community – proof again of how much joy shared music-making can bring.

We wish everyone a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you all again at our autumn meetings and events.

NOTE: Our next meeting will be September.

Tip: Remember to add info@bristolclassicalguitarsociety.org to your contact in your email so that these won’t go to your spam folder!

Anthony Mulholland
Meditation from Thais – J Massenet (arr. B Mermikides)

Steve Moran
Suite Antigua – B. Cataluyud

Robert Gough
The Frog Galliard – John Dowland

WAGO
Hiking Boot Blues – Ivan Andrews

Francisco Correa
Pasillo Uno – Daniel Saboya

Tony Lewis and Tim Rigley
Après Un Reve – G. Fauré (arr. Steve Erquiaga)
Bajo La Palmera – Isaac Albeniz
Shenandoah – Trad. (arr. Duo Canella Dubes)

INTERVAL

Kurt Tipler
The Fair-Haired Boy – Trad. (arr. David Russell)
Three Little Drummers – Trad. (arr. David Russell)

The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond – Murray Neil (arr. David Russell)

Alan Montague
Manzanares del Real – Torroba

Paul Bradshaw
Julia Florida – A. Barrios Mangore

Thorben Louw
Prelude and Gavotte en Rondeau from the Lute Suite in E Major BWV 1006a – J.S. Bach

BCGS Ensemble
The Earl of Essex, His Galliard – J. Dowland (arr. H. James)
Adagio from Folguedo – Celso Machado
Cancion – Manuel de Falla (arr. Julian Masters)