On 21 and 22 of this month Noosa residents will be privileged to have a superb classical guitarist, Owen Thomson, performing here with our own virtuoso clarinettist Sacha Gibbs McPhee. Many local lovers of classical music will already be familiar with Sacha’s superb performances. He has teamed up for concerts here with several of our finest musicians, and believes we are very fortunate to have such a gifted guitarist to perform here.
Owen is an extraordinary player, capable of performing superb melodies and exhilarating improvisation. He is a master of the guitar and a gifted natural as well as being classically trained with his Masters in Music.
Recognized as one of Australia’s top young classical guitarists, Owen Thomson was the winner of the 2000 Adelaide Guitar Competition, and has often been a finalist in major competitions. His musical background is extremely varied, ranging from heavy metal to Latin jazz and blues. He is also a composer and prolific arranger. Most of his works are for the solo guitar and have been premiered by himself and other guitarists such as Ken Murray in Australia, and Patrick Karlsson in Sweden. In 2001 Owen toured Europe, performing in Italy, and in London with singer Narelle Gillie. Most recently Owen has become one of an elite group of artists to perform the complete set of J.S. Bach Sonatas BWV 1001-1006 (arranged from the solo violin) from memory in two consecutive concerts, a rare feat of memory and concentration.
Owen has been the recipient of numerous awards, among them the Gwen Nisbet Memorial Award, the Murray Sharp Chamber Music Prize and the Lady Stephen Scholarship. He graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with an Honours Degree, and the received his Masters from the University of Melbourne. He is also a Fellow of Trinity College London. Noosa Chamber Music is presenting its most intimate program to date.
For the first time, Artistic Director Sacha Gibbs-McPhee has invited Owen to join him on stage in a concert featuring works spanning distant continents and eras, beginning with Bach, Schubert, and the Spaniard Scarlatti, before taking a Trans-Atlantic flight to the land of Chôros, Tango, and Mambo.
This special Autumn concert will be held at 4pm on 21 March, at Noosaville’s Good Shepherd Hall, or 4pm on 22 March at the Caloundra Uniting Church.
