Rupert Boyd: from Canberra to Carnegie Hall

Acclaimed New York based classical guitarist Rupert Boyd will return to where his love of music began as he rounds off his Australian tour with a concert in Canberra on Sunday May 22.

 

The talented soloist and graduate of the ANU School of Music said that while he now travels the world performing, the influence of Canberra can still be heard in his music.

 

"I've had masterclasses with a who's who of the classical guitar world and they've been very good, but I've always come back to the teachings that I got here," he said.

 

"Where ever I am in the world that training is always front of mind. It was absolutely world class."

 

Making a career in the notoriously tough New York music scene, Boyd's career hit a high point in 2010 when he was invited to perform at Manhattan's iconic Carnegie Hall following an outstanding review in the Washington Post newspaper.

 

"Everybody talks about Carnegie Hall," he said.

 

"I don't want to say it's the highlight because hopefully I'm still moving on to bigger and better things, but it was just such a thrill to play there."

 

Despite his success, Boyd admits that life as a musician in New York can be tough.

 

"New York's not a place to just sit in the sun and enjoy yourself. It's a very, very tough city," he said.

 

"It's incredibly competitive and a very expensive place to live, but there are also opportunities to be working as a musician."

 

Boyd is about to conclude a tour of Australia to promote his new album Fantasias which he describes as a collection of classical guitar from the past 400 years and across four continents.

 

Further information on Rupert Boyd's music and tickets to the 22 May concert can be found on his website.