Alan Banks

Classical Guitar Magazine describes Alan Banks as "a guitarist of truly outstanding ability...breathtaking… without a doubt a distinguished new talent" (October 2001). In critical reviews his playing has been described as "Flawless" and displaying "unsurpassed musicianship" (SIM News March 2000) and critic Clive Parnell described how Alan's playing drew "audible gasps of amazement from the audience".

A former student of the WA Conservatorium Alan has gone on to study under a number of well-known International artists including Carlo Barone (Italy) and Carlos Bonell (UK). He has made a name for himself in the highly competitive Australian classical music scene as both a soloist and participant in a variety of chamber music projects.

Alan has performed Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" and "Fantasia for a Gentleman" with the WA Symphony orchestra. He has also recorded for ABC Classic FM Radio and has made several TV appearances including the lifestyle programme "Postcards" aired on TVW 9. In 1999 Alan, along with the WA Guitar Quartet, was a featured guest in the Young Australia Series, part of the Darwin International Guitar Festival. As part of the festival Alan performed solo for world renowned classical guitarist John Williams who labelled his playing "Fantastic".

In September 2000 Alan was awarded a grant by the Australia Council for the Arts enabling him to move to the UK to pursue his career. Since undertaking post graduate studies with Carlos Bonell at the Royal College of Music, Alan has given performances in Italy, Portugal and across the UK culminating in a stunning London debut at St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square where he was called back to the stage an amazing six times! In June 2001 Alan was a winner of the Croydon Symphony Orchestra Soloist Award and was invited to perform for the orchestra's 2002 season. Performances in 2002 included debut recitals in Paris as well as recitals across the south west of England, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and an Ethiopian Famine appeal at Australia House London with legendary Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.

In 2003 Alan was invited by BBC Northern Ireland to present a concerto performance with the Ulster Orchestra, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Whilst in the UK Alan performed at the Sonorities Contemporary Music Festival in Belfast where he performed works by Australian composers as well as a composition written specifically for the festival by well known guitarist/composer Richard Charlton.

Future engagements include performances in NSW, Victoria and Queensland as well as a 2004 tour of the UK and Republic of Ireland.