Legendary classical guitarist, Carlos Bonell return to the Purbeck Guitar Festival for a third year!
The internationally renowned classical guitarist Carlos Bonell returns to the Purbeck Guitar Festival for his third year!
Carlos embodies the bridge between the musical traditions of Spain and traditional classical guitar.
A ‘master of poetic gifts’
Carlos Bonell was described by The New York Times as “a player of superb poetic gifts.”
Carlos studied under the great John Williams at the Royal College of Music—where he became the youngest-ever professor at the age of 22!
He has recorded over 20 albums and has played in concerts all over the world.
While his pedigree is firmly rooted in the classical elite, Carlos is perhaps most beloved for his ability to bring the guitar into the mainstream. Millions will know his work through the iconic, haunting theme of Inspector Morse (voted the nation’s favourite theme by Classic FM in 2021)
Carlos’ interest in bringing the classical guitar into the mainstream led in 2008 to his album release Queen Guitar Rhapsodies, in concerto-style arrangements of music by the group Queen for solo guitar and symphony orchestra. It was widely praised, including by Queen’s Brian May who described it as “Absolutely exquisite”.
His album Magical Mystery Guitar Tour, inspired by his association with Sir Paul McCartney is dedicated to the music of the Beatles in Carlos’ own arrangements for solo guitar. It went to number one on the UK iTunes classical album charts in May 2012. In fact Carlos played guitar on the 1984 McCartney Album ‘Give My Regards to Broadstreet’
It is this versatility that makes him the perfect cornerstone for a festival that celebrates the guitar in all its diverse forms.
This year Carlos is going to bring us a special Spanish themed performance for our Spanish Sunday at the Purbeck Guitar Festival on the 24th May.
A tribute to Lorca: poetry in motion
For this year’s festival, Carlos moves beyond a traditional recital. His performance is a tribute to the great Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. Carlos will intersperse music with poetry and visuals, creating an immersive journey through the Spanish soul.
The program is a “greatest hits” of Spanish heritage. From the evocative themes of Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ to the rhythmic fire of Albéniz’s ‘Asturias’ and ‘Malagueña’, the setlist is designed to transport the audience to Spain!
Listeners can also expect the delicate beauty of Tárrega’s ‘Capricho Árabe’ and the spirited ‘Miller’s Dance’ by Falla.
Most poignant, however, will be the songs and dances directly associated with Lorca, such as ‘Los Cuatro Muleros’ and ‘Las Morillas de Jaén’, which capture the folk essence of the poet’s beloved Andalucia.
Find out more about Carlos Bonell on his official website.
The Spanish Sunday experience
While Bonell provides the poetic heart of the day, he is part of a wider tapestry of talent that defines the Spanish Sunday experience. The festival lineup reads like a “who’s who” of guitar mastery:
- Juan Martín: The world-renowned flamenco virtuoso returns, bringing the fiery passion of his native Málaga.
- Flamenco from Spain: A breathtaking fusion of internationally acclaimed dance, vocal and guitar that captures the raw energy of traditional flamenco.
- Flamenca, Flamenco Meets Maqam & Miki Cruz: These acts broaden the horizon further, blending flamenco with jazz, Arabic, and Latin rhythms, ensuring the energy never wanes.
Tapas and Spanish music in a walled garden in Poole
The Purbeck Guitar Festival has evolved from its 2024 debut into a cornerstone of the Dorset cultural calendar. Now centered in the Walled Garden at Upton Country Park, the event offers more than just music. Between sets, attendees can wander to the cobbled stable yard to enjoy a specially curated Spanish menu.
From patatas bravas and pil-pil prawns to albondigas and croquetas, the culinary experience mirrors the music on stage.
With 20% of all profits supporting the Dorset Wildlife Trust, the festival is as much a celebration of the local environment as it is of international culture.
Rock-it Saturday!
23 MAY: 11:00 AM – 10.00 PM
Rock-it Saturday features the legendary Donovan, The Story of Guitar Heroes, Gary Cain, Galaxy Thief, Chris Cocoran, Laura Snowden and Callum Buckley.
Spanish Sunday!
23 MAY: 11:00 AM – 8.00 PM
Immerse yourself in Spanish and Latino rhythms, and fiery Flamenco dancing. Featuring the world-renowned master of Spanish guitar Juan Martin, Rebeca y Ramon, Flamenco meets Maqan, Carlos Bonell, Flamenca!, and Miki Cruz.