Craig Ogden
An evening of guitar classics
Monday, 30th November 2026 – 7.30pm
Great Hall, Hexham Abbey
Craig Ogden: Photo – Evan Dawson
The artistry of a great guitarist
Something new for our society – a concert for solo guitar. And who better to give it than one of today’s greatest classical guitarists, Craig Ogden?
With a career spanning over three decades that includes several best-selling albums and appearances with the world’s leading orchestras, Craig is one of the most exciting artists of his generation.
This evening is a rare opportunity to experience him as a soloist up close in the intimacy of the Great Hall. Prepare to be wowed by his brilliance and charmed by his warmth!
Introducing Craig Ogden
Born in Perth, Australia, Craig Ogden began studying the guitar at the age of seven before moving to the UK, where he has built an international career as both a soloist and chamber musician.
He is one of the UK’s most recorded classical guitarists and has inspired and premiered numerous new works written for him, including William Lovelady’s Music in Country Churches which he first performed in the presence of HM The King.
Craig is known for his lyrical playing, relaxed stage manner, wide-ranging repertoire and exceptional virtuosity, all of which have made him a firm favourite with audiences.
Praise and recognition for Craig Ogden:
‘This recording has confirmed your position among the greatest guitarists.’ Cecilia Rodrigo (daughter of Joaquín Rodrigo, the Spanish composer).
‘A worthy successor to Julian Bream’ BBC Music Magazine
‘Dazzlingly skilful and approachably genial’ Bachtrack
‘This is the real thing: a hugely enjoyable potpourri of pieces that…have not only been firm recital favourites of Ogden’s over the years but of lovers of classical guitar everywhere.’ Gramophone Magazine
Programme
An evening of classical guitar music spanning several centuries and showcasing the versatility of the instrument. The programme ranges from the baroque works of Rameau, J S Bach and Vivaldi to an 18th-century Scottish lament and Spanish masterpieces by Rodrigo and Tórroba.
It also features tango music by Piazzolla, jazz-inspired arrangements by George Shearing and Django Reinhardt, and contemporary guitar music by Nikita Koshkin and Roland Dyens.
This is a richly varied journey through the history and evolution of the classical guitar.
Federico Moreno Tórroba Sonatina for Guitar, First movt. – Allegretto
Federico Moreno Tórroba Madroños
Nikita Koshkin The Usher Waltz
Rameau Les tendres Plaintes
J S Bach Sarabande (Lute Suite no. 2)
Piazzolla Invierno Porteño (‘Winter’ from Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)
Roland Dyens Fuoco (Libre Sonatina)
Vivaldi (arr. John Williams) Concerto, op. 3 no. 9
Niel Gow (arr. David Russell) Niel Gow’s Lament for the Death of His Second Wife
Django Reinhardt (arr. Dyens) Nuages
George Shearing (arr. Lovelady) Lullaby of Birdland
Rodrigo Tres Piezas Españolas (Fandango; Passacaglia; Zapateado)
Watch a recent performance
Django Reinhardt’s ‘Nuages’ (arr. Roland Dyens)
George Shearing’s ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ (arr. William Lovelady)
‘Le Départ’ by Napoléon Coste
Book your tickets
A rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s leading classical guitarists live in Hexham.
As space is limited in the Great Hall at Hexham Abbey, we recommend booking early.
Book direct with Hexham & District Music Society for the best ticket price.
Event details
Venue: Great Hall, Hexham Abbey, Northumberland
Date: Monday, 30th November 2026
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Online through the Hexham and District Music Society website – £20.
Also available from the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – £23 plus booking fee.
