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.
History
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
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Teaching
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.
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Other Work
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.
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Repertoire
Click
Here for a complete list of Graham's
solo repertoire.
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Works
Samples of Graham's work can be found below. Select your
preferred format and size:
Sir William Walton - Bagatelle No. III
Leo Brouwer - Cuban Landscape with sadness
Lawrence Reed - Fanarria II
Kevin Byrne - Las Cintas
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.
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Contact details
To contact Graham you can email him at grahamsims811@btinternet.com.
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Press
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!)
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