St Philip & St James, Hucclecote

Nicolas provided a sanctuary of sound for those who attended his recent classical guitar recital at St Philip and St James church. He played a delightful selection of pieces from his extensive repertoire, with music from the 16th to the 20th century including pieces originally written for the lute and vihuela; Baroque, Spanish and Latin American.

Since retiring from his day job as a part time judge Nicolas has been able to devote more time to pursuing his passion for classical guitar, extending his repertoire and undertaking more frequent performances. He feels that the church environment adds something to the sound of the guitar and creates a unique atmosphere. He kindly agreed to play in our church free of charge, which enabled us to raise funds, through the retiring collection, for our OMF mission partners in Japan, David and Manuela Pawson.

Prior to the concert I put a few questions to Nicolas to explore further his passion for classical guitar and his personal connection to the music he plays.

When and why did you first start to play the guitar?

‘At the age of about 15. Grandmother got me a 3/4 Spanish guitar when I was 10, but it gathered dust until by chance I was laid up with mumps and a decorator called Norman came to measure up. He immediately started playing ‘Raunchy’ or some such and I was hooked. This led to the electric guitar, it was of course the sixties, and I was in a few groups.

Which composers or guitarists have inspired you most, and why?

‘One Christmas my father gave me an LP of Julian Bream playing Bach. This was a life changing moment, and I tried to pick out some of the pieces by ear. Unfortunately, I couldn’t read music. So eventually I got a classical guitar and lessons. Since then, I have played in my spare time but apart from a few occasions I didn’t start playing in public until the 90s when I had some tuition from Ray Burley who very soon invited me to take part in his recitals as a duo. This has in turn led me to put on some recitals as a soloist especially since my retirement a few years ago.’

What motivates you to play for others and what is the greatest personal reward that you get from performing?

‘I enjoy playing to audiences because it seems to make them happy, and, in turn, me. There is also a discipline in selecting and preparing a programme and trying to get the music as perfect as I can.’

What is your most memorable performance and why?

‘Probably my most memorable performance was my first solo recital at Cirencester Parish Church a couple of years ago when my family including my little twin grandsons came. Surprisingly it went pretty well, and I have now done three recitals there, with a fourth on 7th February. ’

How has playing classical guitar enriched your life outside of music?

‘Playing the guitar does enhance one’s life generally, it leads to calmness and also a determination which I have found to be an asset in what was a slightly stressful career!’

Based on the conversations held during the fellowship after the concert, Nicolas’s recital certainly made the audience very happy and created a precious time of peace and calm. We are thankful to Nicolas and all those who attended his recital for helping us to support David and Manuela in the work that they do in sharing God’s love through community and friendship.

St Philip & St James, Hucclecote

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