PGAD Distinction
MMus Distinction
Gold Medal finalist
Euro Strings Prize winner
International performer & teacher
Harold Gordon-Smith
Biography
"International prize winning classical guitarist Harold Gordon-Smith is unique for his exciting and colourful playing, complimented by an expansive and varied repertoire."
​
Born in London 1994, Harold began as a self-taught guitarist. Later he pursued his undergraduate studies with Graham Devine, later completed a Masters Degree and Post Graduate Artist Diploma both with 1st class Honers and becoming the first Strings Player in Trinity Laban history to achieve a 100% postgraduate final performance. Harold is a multi award-winning classical guitarist, receiving the the Cleave Montague Award for guitar, The Directors Prize of Excellence, 1st place in the Alison Stephens competition and 2nd place in Sarajevo international guitar competition. Harold performed in Kings place at the Trinity Laban Gold Medal show case representing the Strings department of Trinity Laban. A tree was planted in the National Forest to Celebrate the performance and dedication to the guitar. in February 2023 Harold was nominated to perform at Wigmore hall for the Worshipful company of Musicians.
​
​
Harold's artistic personality, repertoire and programming make his concerts unique among other guitarists and have been described as "guitar music of the highest order in a recital of rare interpretive ability and talent." J.S Bach is the one composer that defines Harold. His love for Bach and arranging has lead to collaborations with the Netherlands Bach Society, Monteverdi Choir and Jazz YouTube Amiee Noltie and an Upcoming Naxos Album for guitar duo. Harold performs internationally throughout South America, Asia and Europe and has performed in public master classes with some of the world's top classical guitarists, including David Russell, Marcin Dylla, Roberto Aussel and Paula Galbraith. Harold is a guest performer and teacher at the Greenwich Guitar Festival and is often required to give concerts demonstrating the instruments of guest guitar makers. Harold has also been contacted by Early Music Direct to make videos demonstrating their high-end baroque and romantic guitars. Unfortunately an offer to play the Rodrigo Guitar concerto as a soloist with the London Symphony orchestra was lost due to covid.
​
Review:
This was a truly exceptional performance of guitar music of the highest order in a recital of rare interpretive ability and talent.
​
The arc of the performance over the two Bach works was superbly crafted and performed with incredible focus and stamina. There was an understated flamboyance throughout played with technically flawless energy with the rare ability to get under the skin of the audience. The Martin had a reflective quality that served to comment on the Bach. The following works employed a full range of emotion that were always in control showing authoritative flair with the sublime ability to engage the audience. The recital was interpretatively assured showing strong technical command. Sense of pulse and poise consistently seamless fluency and control demonstrating a potent artistic voice.
​
It would be churlish to comment on the individual works. The panel agree that this performance was of the highest order showing exceptional command, interpretation and artistic curation.
Bravo!
​
Nick Pendlebury - Joe Townsend - Mark Eden
