REVIEWS
If Members would like to submit a concert or event review please email it to;
webmaster@nescgs.co.uk
Pavel Steidl Concert June 6th and Masterclass/Workshop 7th June with Pavel Steidl and Allan Neave.
Pavel Steidl concert review:-
Genius. A funny word, often misused, often offered in the immediate excitement of a good performance or recording. It can also be subjective and encompassing of a whole manner of factors combining to create a complete and complex whole. I am a little apprehensive about using this word but I am sorely tempted.
Pavel Steidl captivated everyone in the Queen's Cross Church on Friday evening. His programme was varied, and the music was played with both a replica “Legnani Model” guitar and one with a modern design. Pavel's arrangement of a suite of music composed by various Bohemian Aristocrats served to illustrate the flawless technique of the performer. The period guitar got its chance to shine later in the first half during the more flamboyant performance of some of Paganini's Sonates and Ghiribizzi's. The clarity of the guitar was exceptional and if this early design guitar has a limited dynamic range then it was countered by the personality and projection of the performer. His face while performing is generally very expressive and during one of the sonates he played on this fact and animated himself to such a degree that a very respectful audience couldn't help but to laugh out loud. This had the effect of bringing the audience and performer together, in on the same joke if you like. This also served to further endear this extraordinary showman to an already impressed audience.
The second half was filled with modern music by Carlo Domeniconi, Jana Obrovska and Pavel himself, and this time the modern guitar got to shine. Domeniconi's Hendrix Hommage was remarkable in the sense that every reference to Hendrix's music and every technical reproduction of his sound was perfectly executed. I clearly heard distortion at one point. The other highlight for me was Pavel's own Hommage a Jana Obrovska. This outstanding composition was clearly respectful to the dedicatee whose piece we had just heard and was an absolute delight. A perfectly crafted balance of rich techniques and percussive devices combined with a solid structure and melodic balance. The haunting use of harmonic throat chanting over an arppeggiated accompaniment in one motif had me entranced. This was a masterclass in performance. Pavel seems to have it all. He is a masterful performer and is in possession of a technical ability and range that is second to none. As if that wasn't enough, his personality positively shines in both the music and the visual experience of his performance. It is very hard not to warm to such a charismatic performer and I think everyone left this lovely venue uplifted and inspired, I certainly did.
I can't help myself, I have to use that word… The man's a Genius.
reviewed by Andrew Bell nescgs member.
Photos coutesy of Les Stewart and Conall McKay
The Following day a wonderful workshop and masterclass took place and Pavel once again generously shared his brilliance, enthusiasm and expert knowledge with a lucky band of attendees, This was followed by a thoroughly enthralling ensemble session by our Patron Allan Neave who after a demonstration of various warm-up techniques, enlightened and conducted the group to play our own Conall McKays beautiful celtic ensemble piece 'Eilean a Cheo' much to the delight of the group.
Many thanks to all involved for making the day so special:- Pavel, Allan, Conall and especially Val Campbell who supplied us all with Tea, juice, coffee and gastronomic delights between the sessions.
Tuesday 27th May 7.00pm AGM 
Laura Husbands and Adele Neilson
As part of our society's development, we have forged links with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama (RSAMD) through our patron Allan Neave. We have introduced an opportunity for a student from the RSAMD to perform at our Annual General Meeting in the spring of every year. The AGM will occur in Aberdeen (Queens Cross Church), the award covers all travelling and accommodation expenses plus a monetary remuneration.
The successful students were selected in a competition held at the RSAMD on December 13th , 2007 and judged by the RSAMD's 'International chair', Pavel Steidl. This year, a joint prize was awarded to Laura Husbands and Adele Neilson. The society were delighted to have 'two' winners perform at the AGM.
Gordon Ferries
(baroque guitar & vihuela) 
Friday 18 April 2008 8pm at the Kemnay Church Centre. The Concert and workshop was jointly organised by Inverurie music and NESCGS
The Concert and workshop by Aberdeen's own Gordon Ferries, was a resounding success. The concert was well attended and Gordons expertise in the music of Renaissance & Baroque fretted instruments really made the music and period come alive. Gordon played works by Gaspar Sanz , Francisco Guerau and Luis de Naveraez on Baroque guitar and Vihuela.
The following day, a workshop of Early Fretted Music took place in the same venue. The workshop was divided into two sections with the first part being lessons and exercises about early tablatures and styles and a session on continuo playing on the guitar, improvising on ground basses etc. The afternoon session was an ensemble version of a piece Gordon had played the night before "Mille regreta" by Luis de Narvaez which delighted and encaptured us all. We were fortunate to have amongst us a wonderful voice "John Harle" which added another dimension to the magic of the afternoons efforts by Gordon and the ensemble players.
Thank you Gordon for such an enlightening experience.
Rob Ward NESCGS webmaster
Workshop Event Photos courtesy of Conall McKay
Andrzej Morky – March 16 th , 2008 
Sunday evening was a very special event for NESCGS for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was our first concert in our new home of Queens Cross Church. Secondly, securing Andrzej's attendance was due entirely to our patron, Allan Neave being vigilant for opportunities to support the society and the classical guitar scene in Scotland in general. Lastly, this concert did not have the financial support of any funding body; we were going it alone and it was a big success.
The Session Room had a delightful ambience and acoustic, ideally suited to our instrument and Andrzej filled the room with marvellous tones and textures. He presented a varied programme bookended by compositions from his native Poland. The opening suite comprised 6 gems from the Polish Baroque. He continued with two pieces by Fernando Sor; Fantasia op.21 No. 6 “ Farewell ” and Sonata C-Major op.15 - Allegro moderato. Next followed the sensual Torija-Elegia by Torroba and Asturias-Leyenda by Albeniz. Andrzej closed his concert with an extended work by the Polish A. Tansman entitled Cavatina (not the Deerhunter one before you ask). He encored with the hypnotic Sarabande by Bach from the Cello Suite No 5, BWV 1011.
All in all, a very pleasant evening in the company of a charming and sensitive musician. We will keep in touch with Andrzej as NESCGS broadens its circle of friends in the guitar world both in the UK and around the world.
Peter Stock NESCGS Chairman
Laura Husbands Recital at the NESCGS AGM
Laura Husbands played a short but sweet programme for us on Wednesday evening following the AGM. Given that a lot of times guitar recitals can seem long, this one left me wanting to hear more! Laura is blessed with a musical subtlety that belies her young age. She also has good, solid technique and a passion for the music that is clearly audible.
First was Lauro's Suite Venezolana. This was delicately handled throughout, Laura's smooth delivery being perfectly suited to the relatively light texture of the score.
Next up we had Ponces' Variations sur folia Espana et fuge. Again these were competently handled and Laura's honest approach was appreciated by us all I think when she told us she would be omitting three of the variations as she had yet to learn them! It turned out that quality beat quantity in the end as they were played with confidence and style, the changing nuances of each variation well contrasted. During the Fugue I felt myself drift away with melody, the music was projected so well.
Last on the programme was a waltz by Ukrainian Composer Valerj Petrenko. This was composed in the South American ‘Vals' style and performed superbly by Laura. Again I was impressed both by the competence of the performance and the projection, this unfamiliar piece brought to my attention with such grace that I found myself visiting Guitar Notes when I got home. (Again!).
Laura's encore sums up the performance as a whole, it being a great piece of music played very well indeed. The Preludio “Saudade” from Barrios' La Catedral was played with the height and gravitas that Barrios intended to convey. This piece was dedicated to his wife and was played with appropriate beauty and depth here. My appetite had been whetted though and my one complaint of the evening is that I was longing to hear the other two movements afterwards!
I am convinced that Laura has a great career ahead of her and I for one am looking forward to being able to enjoy a natural musician doing what she does best, performing great music. Let's hope that in the meantime we will see her up in Aberdeen a few more times, we really enjoyed it.
Andrew Bell (nescgs member)
Rob Johns concert and workshop May 25th - 26th
It was a classic Aberdeenshire spring evening that greeted the concert goers to the NESCGS 2nd Annual Spring Concert on Friday May 25th , 2007. The Kemnay Church Centre is the ideal venue on a night like that with the marvellous views over the village towards Bennachie and the setting sun. The sunlight streamed into the Fellowship Hall filling the room with soft light. The hall has the perfect acoustic for the classical guitar.
This year's performer and teacher was Rob Johns from Lincoln. This followed from the success of our inaugural concert and workshop in May 2006 given by Neil Smith.
Rob's concert was out of the ordinary in not having a programme, Instead Rob selected pieces from his repertoire that matched his mood and the ambience. This gave the concert an immediacy that was very special and well received by the audience. Rob played a selection of pieces selected from the 19 th & 20 th century, other than his opening pieces from the renaissance. He included several pieces by Leo Brouwer and Villa-Lobos. His introductions were informative without being dry and reflected his considerable academic knowledge of the guitar. The high point for many was his two final tangos by Piazzolla and Dyens. He and the audience seemed to enter another reality engendered by the hypnotic rhythm.
The following day, a workshop was held in the same venue. Guitarists travelled from Glasgow, Inverness, Fochabers and Arbroath to attend this very special event. Rob led the attendees through a number of left hand and right hand exercises. He directly related the problems players have to the benefits of the proposed exercises. Awareness of the basic of the guitar such as note identification and placing were also covered. The afternoon was much more a music lesson than a guitar lesson where Rob reminded us of some of the features we often lose in our efforts to ‘capture the notes'. He started the afternoon by demonstrating the almost primordial nature of rhythmic understanding. He then related this to a pre-selected piece and offered a learning process based strongly on visualisation for memorisation. Rob provided an informative and entertaining day that was accessible and of value to the beginners through to the teachers in attendance. His friendly, approachable manner, punctuated by many examples and caricatures of struggling guitarist, made the day very memorable and enjoyable.
NESCGS has made a firm friend in Rob Johns and we look forward to having him back with us in the near future. However, nearer to hand, the society is already planning the 2008 Spring Concert & Workshop.
Peter Stock NESCGS Chairman
Matt McAllister , NESCGS Classical Guitar Concert April 26 th , 2007 in Aberdeen
It was with considerable pleasure that the North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society welcomed Matt McAllister to Aberdeen. Matthew is a young player based in Glasgow and a graduate of RSAMD where he studies under our society's patron, Allen Neave. He was the subject of a young player's profile in the Classical Guitar Magazine in April 2007.
Matt's stage presence was immediately affable and relaxed which was welcomed by the audience. Matt's opening set was a blend of classical guitar favourites with a few what you might call cross-over prises from Ralph Towner. Always a sure hit with Asturias by Albeniz and Julia Florida by Barrios.The second half opened with the highlight for me, two works by John Dowland. Matt played these quite beautifully and evoked a special magic. He went on to bring new vitality to Farewell to Stromness and finished with some upbeat modern numbers, especially Andrew York's Sunburst. The audience of members and visitors were treated to a very accessible and enjoyable recital. His easy going approach was appreciated by the attendees. This was Matt's first concert for the society but it won't be his last.
Peter Stock NESCGS Chairman
Members' Night. Tuesday 20th February 2007 at 7:30pm.
Special Guest speaker Wallace Galbraith
plus a performance from three phenomenal young guitarists.....
Wallace Galbraith, Scottish development Officer for Trinity Guildhall, spoke to us about the launch of the new Music Examination Syllabuses following the merger of Trinity College and Guildhall Examination Boards. The Trinity exams have long been the staple grade examinations for most instruments and his talk was of interest to teachers and players alike, especially those involved in the examinations at the moment.
If that wasn't enough, after Wallace's chat and a short break, we were entertained by three wonderful and extremely talented young guitarists from the Aberdeen City Music School based at Dyce Academy;
Alastair Inglis, Sean Shibe & Ian Watt.
The set was mature, diverse and would be the envy of many a seasoned performer, and was greatly appreciated by the audience.
Allan Neave concert at the Northern Hotel, Sunday 4th February 2007 at 3pm
This was a very exciting opportunity for the public and society members to see Allan play again. The Guitar Society are very happy to have helped with the promotion of this event. Allan played brilliantly with introductions based on his about to be released CD 'Guitar International', followed by a meeting with the audience and signing CD's
Allan Neave Guitar Workshop Saturday 16th September 2006
Allan Neave Concert and Workshop Friday 15th September 2006
Allan Neave's Concert and Workshop featured a world premier of a new work by Peter Stewart. Allan is director of the Dundee Guitar Festival and senior lecturer of guitar at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Concert jointly with Inverurie Music at Kemnay Church Centre, Kemnay, Aberdeenshire.
Programme:
| Fernando Sor | Variations on O cara armonia by W. A. Mozart, op.9 |
| Leo Brouwer | Elogio de la Danza |
| Don Paterson | The Lavender Truck |
| Manuel Ponce | Sonatina Meridional |
| Antonio Lauro | Suite Venezolano |
| Peter Stewart | Three songs of she |
| Toru Takemitsu | Folios |
| Heitor Villa-Lobos | Suite Populaire Brésilienne: Mazurka-Chôro; Schottish-Chôro |
| Augustin Barrios | La Catedral |
The DVD Night of Thursday 18th May 2006
This was a big success as a format for an evening's meeting. Those in attendance found it surprising engrossing, much more so than if you watched it on your own at home. Someone suggested that it is similar to watching football in a pub. We only had time to watch one DVD of the LA Guitar Quartet, what with beer breaks and the like. The DVD was excellent and all enjoyed themselves.
Neil Smith Concert & Workshop – 12th and 13th May 2006
The Kemnay Church Centre, Aberdeenshire, was the venue for the inaugural concert and workshop by Neil Smith
for the North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society (NESCGS). Neil Smith is a pillar of the classical guitar world in the UK and around the world and the NESCGS feels very fortunate to attract this highly respected and influential player for his first ever visit to Aberdeenshire.
Neil gave a stunning concert on Friday night to a packed Church Centre. Anyone who was anyone in the Aberdeenshire classical guitar scene was there for this unique event, including one guest who had travelled down from Inverness . It was especially good to see so many young people in attendance. Neil played a variety of music from around the world, both old and modern. His set included flamenco pieces, his own composition of Scottish tunes (Niel Gow's Shadow), much loved favourites by Albeniz and Tarrega, as well as pieces composed for him by Rak. He punctuated his concert with technique descriptions, insights, stories and personal experiences that brought the music to life. Two encores and a sell-out of CDs brought a very special concert to an end.
The following day nine guitarists met at the same venue for a day in Neil's company. Neil 
led the assembled players through a programme of exercises and techniques to develop their abilities. Again, his vast experience from around the world gave insight and depth to the discussion. A number of attendees played pieces for Neil and he was able to offer positive encouragement and advice without being critical. He was very generous with his coaching and comments and often brought out the underlying musical structure in pieces.
The workshop was viewed by all as a very enjoyable and memorable event on knowledge, experience and social fronts.
The Kemnay Church Centre provided an excellent venue for both the concert and workshop and the staff of the centre provided excellent assistance and catering to both events. NESCGS is also indebted to Gordon Forum for the Arts for their generous funding that has made these events possible.
NESCGS consider the weekend a big success and plan to make a Spring Concert & Workshop an annual event.
Peter Stock, Chairman (NESCGS)
Neil's Concert Programme (full programme)
Colin Morison
one of Scotlands foremost guitar makers informed a well-attended Members' Night on Thursday 23rd February 2006. Review by Peter Stock
Ian Watt one of Scotland's foremost young classical guitarists, 
was the highlight of our inaugural meeting at the Aberdeen Northern Hotel on Tuesday 15th November 2005. Thirty people enjoyed a scintillating performance. A good number also joined the Society there and then.