Graham Sims
History - Teaching - Other Work - Repertoire - Works - Contact - Press
Here is an opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful and exciting music for classical guitar. Graham Sims’ repertoire encompasses a wide range of eras and compositional styles: from the Renaissance period and the beautiful work of Luis de Narvaez through a portfolio of the most innovative contemporary styles, such as the minimalism of Leo Brouwer and music of new complexity by Giles Swayne and Philip Cashian. He is dedicated to bringing new music to the concert platform having premiered works by Lawrence Reed, David Hunt and Kevin Byrne.
As well as formal recitals Graham performs at weddings, functions and charity events. His repertoire includes well-known classics such as Bach’s Air on a G-String, Stanley Myer’s Cavatina (The Deer Hunter) and Spanish and South American works. Inspiration and musical insight combine to create a highly informed and unique performance.
Graham came to the classical guitar at the relatively late age of eighteen. He progressed at an astonishing rate securing a place to study classical guitar with Tom Kerstens at Bath Spa University. He supplemented his studies with tuition from Gary Ryan and Hayley Savage. His five years at university culminated in a first class MA. He has played in masterclasses with, amongst others, Nigel North, Scott Tennant, Roland Dyens and Carlos Bonnell. His solid technique combined with sympathetic interpretation won him a prestigious scholarship to study at the Bath International Guitar Festival. Subsequently, he has been invited back to perform on two occasions. He has performed numerous well-received recitals throughout the U.K, including radio appearances on BBC Radio Bristol and Bath FM.
“A player of excellent technique producing a wide variety of tones and colours, a truly musical performance.”
Bath Chronicle
“A fine guitarist”
BBC Radio Bristol
"Graham's warmth of personality is conducted through his music with ease, and this is particularly so with the guitar. His sensitivity is balanced with a controlled energy and knife-edge accuracy that allows the music to speak clearly through the instrument in an expressive, personal way. His versatility as a musician is focused and finely-tuned lending an intimate yet well-informed sound to each performance that he gives."
Hayley Savage
Graham is also a well respected and much sought after teacher of guitar with a thriving teaching practice. He has secured teaching contracts with Berkshire Young Musicians Trust and Bath International Guitar Festival. Most notably Graham has been heavily involved in the festival’s Outreach Program, a project involving schools, and organizations, dedicated to helping disadvantaged children. Graham is also a key member of the Bath International Guitar Festival’s Guitar Circus, a guitar school touring the UK featuring some of the most reputable teachers of guitar in the country. Subsequent to his work on the Outreach Program and Guitar Circus he has been invited to participate on the reputable Summer School teaching program at next year’s Guitar Festival.
In the summer of 2000 Graham was invited to play on Derek Piece’s debut album, soon to be released on Beat System records. This led to other session work in Bristol and the Midlands.
As Production Manager of BGS IGF’s record and publishing label, Graham has co-ordinated all the BGS releases for the past two years gaining massive insight into the record industry. The latest offering “Follow The Star”, the music of Stephen Dodgson, was Editor’s Choice in the March edition of Gramophone magazine.
As Liaison Officer for the Bath International Guitar Festival, Graham has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names on the guitar scene. This has encompassed both stars from the classical scene, such as John Williams, through to blues artists such as Gary Moore.
Click Here for a complete list of Graham's solo repertoire.
Samples of Graham's work can be found below. Select your preferred format and size:
Sir William Walton - Bagatelle No. III
|
Radio quality |
|
|
Leo Brouwer - Cuban Landscape with sadness
|
Radio quality |
|
|
Lawrence Reed - Fanarria II
|
Radio quality |
|
|
Kevin Byrne - Las Cintas
|
Radio quality |
|
|
Our launch concert was filmed by leading film maker Ian Singleton and a clips of Lawrence Reed's Fanfaria played by Graham Sims is available. You will need Quicktime to view this video.
|
Small |
Large |
To contact Graham you can email him at grahamsims811@btinternet.com.
Click on the above thumbnail (or right click and select "save target as") to download a high quality image of Graham for press and promotional usage
(more to follow shortly!)
