Gerard Cousins

Gerard Cousins is enjoying a growing reputation as one of Britain's most exciting classical guitar talents. He has performed around the world, throughout Europe, Saudi Arabia, Peru, and Turkmenistan. His UK performances have included London's Purcell Room, Cardiff City Hall and the beautiful Dulwich Picture gallery. He has released two CDs, his debut of Spanish guitar repertoire - UNA LEYENDA has received excellent reviews and has featured both BBC Radio and Classic FM.

His follow-up CD 'A Gift' explored more eclectic repertoire including Gerard's own compositions and arrangements as well as pieces by Leo Brouwer, John Tavener and Takashi Yoshimatsu.

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Born in Brecon, Wales, Gerard was brought up in a musical family. Encouraged by his parents (both keen amateur pianists) he began piano lessons when he was five but was later inspired to pick up the guitar by his brother. Gerard's first guitar teacher was Jeremy Herbert- an inspiring teacher who encouraged creativity in his pupils. - Gerard completed his grade exams gaining a distinction for his Grade 8 and then went on to do a Music Degree at the University of Leeds.

At University, Gerard studied guitar with Graham Wade and won a scholarship. He was selected for further study at the Enschede Conservatorium (Netherlands) where he could focus on performance under the tutelage of Louis I Gall. During his time there Gerard attended many festivals and masterclasses with leading teachers from all over Europe. Soon after Gerard entered his first international guitar competition in Savona (Italy) where he won a Special Prize.

After graduating, Gerard moved to London and began teaching at the renowned Spanish Guitar Centre, established in 1953 by Len Williams, father of the great guitarist John Williams. He also took the opportunity to study with leading guitarists including Carlos Bonell, Graham Devine and Flamenco guitarist Francisco Antonio.

After meeting master arranger Peter Rueffer, Gerard was invited to join his Dillington Festival Ensemble - a flexible ensemble performing a diverse repertoire from Chavez's Symphonia India, Villa-Lobos Bachinias Brasilieras to the Songs of Burt Bacharach and Jazz masterpieces of Miles Davis and Pat Metheny. Gerard performed at London's Purcell Room on London's South Bank with the Ensemble.

Since then Gerard has performed all over the world, duetting with French Guitarist Sebastien Lemarchand in Turkmenistan, fellow Welsh guitarist Adam Khan in tours of Wales and Peru and even accompanying the Operababes in Portugal. After his first visit to Pakistan last year Gerard hopes to play even more concerts abroad. At the moment he is planning tours of Wales and South Africa.