RICHARD DURRANT, one of the leading concert guitarists of his generation, visits Peebles next month with a brand new show for 2013.
Local music fans can see the 50-year-old maestro in action at Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre on Friday February 1, at 7.30pm.
And a special treat for the young-at-heart everywhere will be Durrant’s nostalgic 10th anniversary tribute to the late, great Freddie Phillips.
Phillips died in 2003, but his guitar music lives on in the accompaniment to the much-loved BBC TV trilogy of programmes – Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley.
“Richard Durrant is a world-class virtuoso with an imaginative flair for presentation and a warm and easy rapport that has endeared him to audiences not only across the UK, but also in Europe and South America,” writes Durrant’s publicist Frank Horsley.
“The Sussex-based musician’s 2013 UK tour unveils a new show packed with stories and music from a lifetime of playing the guitar.
”Using the most intriguing musical stepping stones, Durrant is a cross between Marco Polo and Dr Who as he strides across continents and centuries with breathtaking agility.
“His guitar playing is richly romantic, truly virtuosic and crosses all musical boundaries. In recent years Durrant has won a devoted audience who have warmed to his relaxed, easy-going manner, his obsession with innovative presentation and unpredictable choice of music.”
Besides the Freddie Phillips tribute, he also pays musical homage to J.S. Bach, Django Reinhardt and Paraguayan composer Agustín Barrios, an abiding musical presence that led to Richard’s own adventures in South America and the release of his latest album, Hijo de Hombre.
And no Richard Durrant concert would be complete without his interpretation of another national treasure, Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells.
The tickets for Durrant’s Peebles gig cost £14 for adults and £5 for under-16s, and are available in advance on 01721 725777 or online at www.eastgatearts.com