Gerard Cousins plays ‘Music for Artists’ by Philip Glass and more.
This innovative guitarist known for his ingenious arrangements, performs the music of Philip Glass, Ólafur Arnalds and his own compositions.
Doors 7:30 | music 8pm | entry £TBC
Advance tickets HERE : eventbrite.co.uk/e/gerard-cousins
It is the 1960’s in New York city and a young composer (called Philip Glass) realises that his artist friends are not listening to ‘classical’ music. He vows to write a new style of Music for Artists and WOW did he succeed!
To celebrate the release of his second Philip Glass Album, Gerard will feature some of his latest transcriptions including the wonderful Piano Etudes of Philip Glass. We will also hear Gerard’s guitar versions of some beautiful melancholic piano miniatures by Icelandic composer Olafur Arnalds and Gerard’s own compositions and arrangements of Welsh folk songs. All in all a varied and enjoyable programme full of expressive power and beauty.
Gerard Cousins is a true innovator in the world of classical guitar, pushing the boundaries of his instrument to create beautiful music that appeals to a wide audience. From his unique interpretations of Philip Glass’s piano music to his transcriptions of Grammy-winning choral composer Eric Whitacre, Gerard’s recordings have garnered millions of streams and landed on the front page of Apple Music.
But Gerard’s music is not just confined to the studio. His live performances are a true experience, featuring a repertoire that combines imaginative guitar arrangements with his own compositions. Gerard’s improvisational skills and interaction with the audience make every concert a one-of-a-kind event.
Gerard’s passion for music began early in life, absorbing the recordings of his guitar heroes John Williams and Julian Bream, as well as exploring the worlds of jazz, rock, electronic, Indian classical, flamenco, and minimalist music. It was a concert by the legendary Joe Pass that convinced him of the power of a single guitar to captivate an audience.
Gerard’s journey to create the music he wanted to hear was not easy, but his perseverance paid off. His albums show an artist who started with traditional Spanish repertoire and evolved to incorporate his diverse influences. With his most 2014 album, “The First Beat is the Last Sound,” Gerard found his unique voice, blending his past influences with his own original compositions.
Gerard’s ambition and risk-taking paid off with his latest projects, transcribing and developing the techniques needed to play Philip Glass’s music on a single guitar. The resulting album caught the attention of Glass himself, leading to a release on Glass’s own record label, Orange Mountain Music, and millions of streams worldwide.
With his “technical prowess and acute artistic skills”, Gerard Cousins has truly “broken free from the bounds of classical guitar training” to create music that is beautiful, captivating, and unique. It’s no wonder that he has received critical acclaim from publications and radio programs around the world.
A graduate of the University of Leeds and Enschede Conservatorium (Netherlands), He has performed in many festivals and concert halls around the world, from the Purcell Room and Milton Court in London to Europe, South America and the Middle East. He has released 7 albums, each one focusing on a different area of music from traditional Spanish repertoire to his original compositions and unique re-imaginings of traditional Welsh music.
Gerard was chosen to be the first ‘Composer in Residence’ at the 2019 Cardiff Guitar Festival and his compositions have featured in films and TV. His arrangements of choral works by grammy award winning composer Eric Whitacre are published by Hal Leonard.
“An unexpected rediscovery of a universe…We can only salute Gerard Cousins’ prowess for having been able to intensify Glass’s music with a new flame.” Classica (France)
“Brings the music to life.” BBC Music
“It’s a fresh recording, a really wonderful take on Eric Whitacre’s Seal Lullaby.” Classic FM
“One of the world’s finest classical guitarists” Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales
“It is obvious that Cousins is a formidable player…hair raisingly difficult arpeggio patterns…hypnotic arrays of patterns and harmonies…beautiful and different…wonderful creations…yet the music sounds effortless which proves what an excellent musician Cousins is. ” Classical Guitar USA
Gerard Cousins is a rare beast, a classical player who has broken free from the bounds of his training to make new music. He is technically remarkable… His nylon strings are played with precision and verve…the beauty of the tune and the playing are all that matters. HiFI+
“we were intrigued…impeccable technique….a unique edge” Guitarist
“beautifully played with a clean and fluid technique…this whole album is very calming and extremely fulfilling listen” Guitar Techniques
“expertly played and unlike some unfamiliar music, instantly appealing.” Chester Guitar Circle
“Gerard Cousins displays his acute artistic and technical prowess…passionate, profound…with a great range of tone from his instrument” Classical Guitar UK
