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Scottish guitarist Ian Watt, described by Classical Guitar Magazine as "a guitarist of outstanding skill and originality", will be performing a solo recital at The New Space as part of this term's Wanderlust concert series.

He has performed worldwide, including solo recitals across the USA, China, South Korea, Brazil, and mainland Europe, as well as concerto performances with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia and Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra.  

A winner of major international prizes, Watt has picked up accolades at international guitar competitions in Germany, the USA, and Austria, including at the Parkening International Guitar Competition – arguably the world’s most prestigious.

His playing has received much praise: he has been broadcast on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Scotland, Classic FM, NDR Radio (Germany) and WSMC Radio (USA). His solo recordings for Nimbus Alliance have been described by the press as “sublime” (BBC Music Magazine), “astoundingly atmospheric” (The Herald) and “dazzlingly virtuosic” (The Herald), exhibiting an ​"exceptional range of timbre" (BBC Music Magazine).

Watt will play his arrangements of famous pieces by Grieg, Debussy and film music genius Ennio Morricone, as well as virtuoso guitar music by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, John McLeod, and more.

This concert is part of this term's Wanderlust series at The New Space, a captivating journey featuring solo recitals and ensembles that delves into the themes of nature, travel, folk traditions, song, and myth.

PROGRAMME

Lyric Pieces Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)

Book 1, Op.12
No. 1, Arietta
No. 6, Norsk (Norwegian Melody)

Book 2, Op.47
No. 3, Melodie

Book 3, Op.43
No. 2, Ensom Vandrer ('The Solitary Traveller')
No. 4, Liden Fugl (Little Bird)
(transcriptions: Watt)

Three Mythical Pieces John McLeod (1934-2022)

Amphion's Lyre
Salamander
Ariadne's Thread

Préludes, Book 1 Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

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

Capricio Diabolico, Op. 85 Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968)

C'era una volta il west Ennio Morricone (1928-2020)
(transcription: Watt)

Danza Española No. 5, 'Andaluza' Enrique Granados

Danza del Molinero ('The Miller's Dance', from "El Sombrero de Tres Picos") Manuel de Falla

Photo credit: Chris Brown.