Of Dreams and Fantasy - CD Launch
 
August 21st, 2010
 

You are warmly invited to attend the official CD launch of acclaimed guitarist Duncan Gardiner.

His album contains a selection of evocative pieces that conjure up dreams, fantasies, memories and images.

Gardiner’s album, Of Dreams and Fantasy, features a selection of fantastical music comprising of a host of his original works as well as music composed by his friends. The album also contains some 19^th century gems arranged for guitar. Coupled with violin and atmospheric effects, Gardiner’s guitar creates soundscapes that carry emotion to the listener.

The CD was voted ‘CD of the Week’ in The West Australian and it was showcased on local radio station RTR FM. It currently receives frequent air-play on Australia’s most respected classical music station, ABC Classic FM.

The concert will feature live performances of highlights from the CD along with exciting new works. Duncan will be joined in the concert by fellow musicians performing on instruments such as violin, flute, bass, percussion, piano and vocals.

The launch will take place on August 21^st with doors opening at 7:00PM. It will be held at the charming Camelot Theatre in Mosman Park. Tickets for the event are $15 and $10 concession. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 0402 305 409.

The CD will be available for sale on the night for $20. The bar will be open for refreshments throughout the evening. For more information visit www.duncangardiner.com

Let the music take you on a journey that will engage your senses, your heart and your soul.

    

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 anddynamic 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.”

“Impeccablepresentation andprogram notes. [Duncan] met the challenges of the Houghton well, a masterfultechnique, 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 quicknote to thank you for thebeautiful music today.  If your goal was to leaveus wanting more, thenMission 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 thenplayed two works on guitar,which were delicate and exquisite.”