MICHAL GEORGE

Based in Johannesburg

With over 20 years of performing experience, and numerous awards in classical music competitions including the 2002 Web Concert Hall 4th International Competition, guitarist Michal George is renowned for his artistry and inspired performances. George’s playing has been hailed by 21st Century Music magazine (January 2004 - San Francisco, California, USA) as “sensitive and virtuosic”, and he has received the highest praise from audiences and critics alike. A sought after soloist, Michal expresses his intimate knowledge of the repertoire through his commentary about the composers and the works. These include compositions from the standard repertoire and numerous others from his native South Africa.

After commencing his classical guitar studies at the University of Cape Town, George went on to study at the University of the Witwatersrand, School of Music in Johannesburg as well as at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the USA. Studying under leading classical guitar pedagogues David Hewitt and Fritz Buss, as well as composer Carl Van Wyk, Michal earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1996. During his tenure at the university, Michal was the recipient of the Pierre du Toit Guitar Prize, and was prize winner in several music competitions. Among these was First Prize at the 1994 National Classical Guitar Competition of the Classical Guitar Society of South Africa, as well as Silver Medal at the prestigious Forte Competition in Pretoria. Michal George made his orchestral debut in 1994 performing with the Transvaal Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of American conductor Leslie Dunner, and went on to perform Rodrigo's 'Fantasia para un Gentilhombre' with the Wits Symphony Orchestra in 1996. The performance prompted the following remark from the conductor Walter Mony: "Michal George evinces and projects an infectious enthusiasm for the ethos of the guitar."

In 1997 Michal moved to the USA to begin work towards a Master of Music degree (under American virtuoso John Holmquist), at the Cleveland Institute of Music in Ohio, USA, where he graduated in May 1999 receiving the Rosilia Ablan Memorial Prize in guitar, as well as the Alumni Association Valedictory Prize.
Michal George has recorded two solo CDs and other chamber and orchestral projects. His 2001 release 'Umzwangedwa' was hailed as containing “a wealth of wonderful new music,” and George’s performance as “impressive and remarkable.” In 2003 Michal George recorded for the German label Daminus Records. The CD, 'He who walks freely, taking big steps...' features a number of George’s own compositions which have been published by Edition Daminus.

Michal performs solo, with the Johannesburg Guitar Quartet, and with other chamber ensembles including flute and guitar, and guitar duo.