Biggest musical influences - Allan Neave, Julian Bream, Alfred Brendel, Karl Bohm, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (and many more); composers (in chronological order) Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Schumman, Brahms, Elgar, Mahler, R Strauss, Vaughan Williams, Britten (and many, many more!).
Ian Watt, who has been described as “one of Scotland’s foremost young guitarists”, made is recital debut at the North of East Scotland Classical Guitar Society’s inaugural concert in November 2005. Since then, he has given many recitals and solo appearances throughout the United Kingdom, in venues such as St John’s, Smith Square (London), the Queen Elizabeth Hall (South Bank Centre, London) and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, as well as major cultural festivals including the Dundee International Guitar Festival and the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. Outside the United Kingdom, Ian has performed in France, Belgium and Norway, and he is looking forward to extending this list to Holland and Italy in 2009.
Regularly appearing as a soloist with UK Orchestras, Ian has recently performed in concert with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez) – which was described as “a revelation” in The Herald, Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra (Malcolm Arnold Guitar Concerto) and the City of London Sinfonia (Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez). In May 2009, Ian performed with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in the final of the world's preeminent guitar competition, the Parkening International Guitar Competition, at which, being the competition's youngest competitor, he received the Silver Medal.
As well as his solo performances, Ian retains a keen interest in chamber music, regularly performing with fellow guitarist Sean Shibe. Ian is also a keen advocate of contemporary music, collaborating with composers such as John Mcleod, Rory Boyle and John Maxwell Geddes. He is currently working with John Mcleod on the composer’s first guitar concerto, which he will premier in the spring of 2010.
Ian Watt is presently a student at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he studies with renowned performer and teacher, Allan Neave. In addition to this, he has performed in master classes with, among others, Pavel Steidl, Scott Tennant (of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet), David Leisner, Anniello Desiderio, David Tanenbaum and Graham Anthony Devine.
For any enquiries, please feel free to e mail Ian directly at wattian@btinternet.com or call him on 07904124035.
Thanks for adding me Ian! I had Classical Star lying around for nearly a year and I finally watched it this weekend. You were absolutely amazing and I was pulling for you to win.
Hey Ian, All is well here! Just on my Spring Break and relaxing back home in Pitcaple. Will you be in Aberdeen any time this week? Would be cool to meet up!
Hey Ian! Thanks for the add! Hows things going with your guitar playing? Saw you on classical Star and thought you were awsum! Hope you like my songs Steffan
Thanks, Ian. Deeply appreciate the good wishes. I'll be in London in March, for another premiere. Any chance to cross paths? What are your plans for the rest of the season? Cheers, Geoffrey
