Perth (W.A.) based, award-winning guitarist/composer, Duncan Gardiner, is a truly international artist, having performed across Scotland, England, Germany and Prague, in addition to concerts within his homeland of Australia. His playing is often described as exciting, dynamic, romantic - even atmospheric and full of nuance - yet it is always breathtaking. Duncan has both performed for, and been interviewed by, national radio stations (ABC Classic FM), as well as local stations. His compositions are honest and heartfelt, and of such a high quality that they have attracted the attention of many local and international musicians.

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 appears often as a guest soloist at several prestigious venues and with many established music organisations around Perth in addition to concert activities in rural and country settings. Together with violinist, Dora Piekart, in 2007 the duo embarked on a successful 11-concert tour of Western Australia. Collectively known as Duo Diavolo, the pair remains dedicated to the exploration of new and neglected repertoire for guitar and violin.

In much demand as a concerto soloist, Duncan took part in a four-concert tour with the Hills Symphony Orchestra performing Rodrigo’s much loved Concierto de Aranjuez and favourite movie themes arranged for guitar and orchestra himself. Other concerto highlights include numerous Perth-premiere performances of concerti with the Allegri Chamber Orchestra, Fremantle Symphony Orchestra, WAYO Collegium string orchestra, Guitarstrophe! and the W.A. Mandolin Orchestra.

Recently exploring the world of contemporary music, in mid-2007 the group August Third was formed with fellow musicians Hayley Wiegmink and Ben Kossenberg.August Third boasts a fresh acoustic sound and unique blend of classical guitar, African percussion, keyboards, vocals, violin and flute. While they each contribute a unique style of composition creating a varied and diverse repertoire, their performances bring original music with sounds derived from Latin, Jazz, Classical, African and World Music. 

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.”