In this world premiere performance, the internationally renowned Tommy Emmanuel will be joined on stage by friends Pedro Javier Gonzalez (Spain) and Richard Smith (USA) in a performance for guitar enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The concert, Tommy Emmanuel and Friends, will showcase this powerhouse trio as they push the boundaries of what is possible on an acoustic guitar and take the audience on an unforgettable musical experience.
Adelaide Guitar Festival Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan said he is honoured to have one of the world’s most gifted and versatile guitarists headlining at Adelaide Festival Centre’s 2018 Adelaide Guitar Festival.
“Tommy is an iconic figure and a household name in Australia, but he has also become very well known internationally, and audiences worldwide are learning about his genius,” he says.
“Tommy has always been a musical chameleon in the way he does so many things so well and is very comfortable in different musical worlds. Audiences can expect what you get at any Tommy shows – fireworks and incredible energy and virtuosic playing which is what he stands for.
“But you will also see so much musical colour at this performance thanks to the different musical language that Pedro and Richard will bring to it. It will be amazing watching Tommy adapt to the others playing styles.”
Emmanuel’s greatest honour was being named by his childhood idol Chet Atkins as a ‘Certified Guitar Player’ (CGP). The legendary US guitarist and producer Atkins gave this designation to only five players in history.
Famous for his technical gifts and innate sense of melody, Emmanuel’s signature sound threads up to three different parts together as a kind of one man band.
Emmanuel said he can’t wait to perform at the 2018 Adelaide Guitar Festival: “I’m honoured to be asked back to Adelaide Guitar Festival, which has become known all around the world,” Tommy explained.
“I’m really excited to be sharing the show with two of my favourite guitar players, Richard Smith and Pedro Javier Gonzales. Richard is a master of many styles and Pedro is one of the greatest flamenco players that I’ve ever heard.”
Adelaide Festival Centre Artistic Director and CEO Douglas Gautier said this world premiere concert showcasing Tommy Emmanuel and Friends was the perfect way to kick start the 2018 Adelaide Guitar Festival: “We are delighted to host Tommy Emmanuel, who is one of the world’s most respected and acclaimed musicians. Adelaide Festival Centre’s Adelaide Guitar Festival is recognised worldwide and having Tommy as our opening night performer, along with Pedro Javier Gonzalez and Richard Smith, will further strengthen this Festival’s prestigious reputation. It is exactly performances of this calibre that reflect why Adelaide was named a UNESCO City of Music.”
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: August 9, 2018
Performance Times: 7.30pm
Tickets: Prices begin from $39.90
Tickets are on sale now at bass or call 131 246 for Tommy Emmanuel and Friends. Adelaide Festival Centre’s Adelaide Guitar Festival runs from August 9-12, 2018, for more info check out their website here.
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