About

Michael Partington is one of the most engaging concert players of his generation. Praised by Classical Guitar Magazine for his “lyricism, intensity and clear technical command,” this award-winning British guitarist has performed to unanimous critical praise. Audiences are put at ease by his charming stage manner and captivated by his interpretations. An innate rhythmic understanding and sense for tonal colour combine to form some of the most memorable phrasing to be heard on the guitar.

He began playing guitar at age 6 while growing up in Wales, gave his first public performance at age 7 and won his first competition at age 9. He has trained with many of the world’s greatest guitarists, including Oscar Ghiglia, Eliot Fisk, Eduardo Fernandez, Manuel Barrueco and David Russell, who commented on his “exquisite good taste and fluid perfection.”

Partington has appeared throughout North America, Europe, Russia and Scandinavia as a soloist and with ensembles. He has performed live on radio in the US and UK including BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, BBC Wales, and St. Paul Sunday on National Public Radio. An advocate of new music he has commissioned and premiered works by Stephen Goss, Bryan Johanson, Toshio Hosokawa, Angelo Gilardino, Tom Baker, Kevin Callahan and others. He released eight solo CDs for Rosewood Recordings, and can be heard on the Cadenza and Present Sounds labels. He is currently Artist in Residence and director of the guitar program at the University of Washington in Seattle.

"There is much praise that one can offer to a performer such as Partington, but he is one of those artists who possess a magic combination of a fluid technique with a wealth of musicianship. The refined manner of his sound, and his sense of phrase, articulation and dynamic were all conveyed with extraordinary attention to detail."
Guy Traviss, Classical Guitar Magazine

"Nimble, mercurial, subtle, and emotionally engaging, Partington’s playing consistently beguiles the ear, whether he is probing classics of the repertoire or brand-new pieces composed for him. He draws a spectacular array of effects and shades from his instrument."
Melinda Bargreen, Seattle Times

"He presented a huge cross range of music played with a physical virtuosity that it’s a pleasure to watch as well as listen to. Partington, for all his modesty, is a genius and I would encourage you to catch him while you can. The audience were enchanted by this performance and by him too."
Eric Page, G-Scene Magazine

http://michaelpartington.com

Music

Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary, Latin American

Videos

Photos

Past groupmuses (27)