Lunchtime Concert – Thursday 25th June 2026 at 1 pm

Ian Watt (Guitar).

We are delighted that Ian is returning to St Mary’s to perform for us in June.

Ian Watt is an internationally renowned classical guitarist, having played around the world in both solo recitals and also with orchestras such as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra. He has produced 3 solo albums which have been described as ‘sublime’ (BBC Music Magazine), ‘superb’ (Classical Guitar) and ‘outstanding’ (Music Web International). He has taken part in some notable competitions worldwide, including 1st prize at the Heinsberg International Guitar Competition, 1st prize at the Westphalian Guitar Spring Competition, and 2nd prize at the Parkening International Guitar Competition, USA (often described as the world’s most prestigious).

Watt collaborates regularly with a variety of musicians and groups, including Scottish Opera, Welsh National Opera, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and the Hebrides Ensemble. He has worked closely with several prominent contemporary composers, including Edward McGuire, Rory Boyle and JohnMcLeod (†2022), editing and premiering all the latter’s works for guitar.

A respected teacher, Watt was a lecturer in guitar at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland from 2013-2022 and has given classes in South Korea, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and, more recently, the Royal College of Music in London, where he has lived since 2020.

Ian’s programme will include pieces by Spanish composers Fernando Sor, Francisco Tárrega, Miguel Llobet and Emilio Pujol, as well as Giulio Regondi, Stephen Goss and Fleetwood Mac.

Booking is not required – there will be a retiring collection at the end of the concert.