Described as “an excellent ambassador for the classical guitar”, Duncan Gardiner is emerging as a gifted musician with talents in both performance and composition fields. His playing is often described as exciting, dynamic, romantic - even atmospheric and full of nuance - yet it is always breathtaking. Similarly, his compositions are honest and heartfelt - inspired by life and dreams. Duncan is a truly international artist, having performed across Scotland, England, Germany and the Czech Republic, in addition to concerts within his homeland of Australia. Additionally, he has both performed for, and been interviewed by, national radio stations (ABC Classic FM), as well as local stations.

Duncan released his debut album titled ‘Of Dreams and Fantasy’ in mid 2009. With critics exclaiming, “Duncan Gardiner’s extraordinarily attractive music is not only a pleasure to listen to but a delight to play”, it is no wonder that it was voted ‘CD of the Week’ in the West Australian newspaper (Nov 5, 2009). The long-awaited album is a culmination of years of hard work, inspired thought and artistic maturity. The disc features many of Duncan’s original compositions and arrangements for guitar. He has also published a book of music sharing the same name as the album. It serves as a companion to the album and features in print all of the original compositions and arrangements that appear on the recording.

Duncan holds a First Class Honours degree in Music Performance from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. During his time at the WAAPA, he was the recipient of both the Helen Court Scholarship and the Faculty Medal - an award given for outstanding scholarship within the Faculty of Education and Arts at Edith Cowan University. Duncan has also received the Licentiate of Music Diploma (with distinction) from the Australian Music Examinations Board, and won the J.B. Vincent Memorial Prize for being the most outstanding candidate.

Duncan maintains an interest in performing in a wide range of musical settings. As such, he continues to enjoy “taking his audience along a captivating musical journey" with violinist, Dora Maria, in the guitar and violin duo, Duo Diavolo. Recently exploring the world of contemporary music, the group August Third was formed with fellow musicians Hayley Wiegmink and Ben Kossenberg.

 

Reviews

A little of what the critics have to say, plus some testimonials.

“A most exciting and dynamic presentation… A heartfelt performance and technically well controlled. A delightful presentation full of nuance and colour… Overall a breathtaking performance.”  

“Tremendously poised, extremely accomplished, clearly very, very well prepared, and [his] interpretations demonstrated the fact that musically, he’s very well informed… I was most impressed by this performance of the Baden Jazz Suite.”

“Duncan played a delightful selection of modern pieces of either his own compositions or by is friends and fellow countrymen. His concert had a theme of Dreams and the pieces chosen fitted well into that, evoking modern harmonies and rhythms. Duncan developed an excellent rapport with his audience and gave interesting insights into his pieces. He mingled easily with the audience after the concert and his natural friendliness shone through. He played in a clear and crisp manner and produced a lovely tone from his Australian guitar, to the enjoyment of all. Duncan is an excellent ambassador for the classical guitar.”

“Impeccable presentation and program notes. [Duncan] met the challenges of the Houghton well, a masterful technique, an excellent range, and very controlled, excellent tuning…A real talent for the more contemporary works. [He] can really make the guitar sing.”

“This was followed by a concerto for 2 solo guitars and guitar orchestra by Gerald Garcia. The soloists, [including] Duncan Gardiner, performed with panache and a great sense of musicianship, they and the ensemble, gave a compelling rendition of the whole work.”

"Well, what can I say? First on the programme, the only one to perform his own music, with a gorgeous duet partner, playing splendid music with superb style!"

"Just a quick note to thank you for the beautiful music today.  If your goal was to leave us wanting more, then Mission Accomplished! I am an ardent admirer of your compositions.  I loved Blue Works, and the pieces today were even more breathtaking.  Seriously, I believed I stopped breathing several times.   The works were incandescent, romantic, atmospheric - made even more beautiful by your shimmery tone.  Just wonderful!"                                                                                                                   
“Duncan then played two works on guitar, which were delicate and exquisite.”