Footsteps Through Time

You are invited to a special solo recital by internationally acclaimed 19th-century guitar specialist Claire Angel Bonner presented by the Sydney Bach Society.

Originally from Lutruwita/Tasmania and now based in Italy, Claire has earned international recognition for her captivating performances and deep expertise in the guitar music of the Classical and Romantic eras. Performing on an authentic 1870s Viennese Franz Charwath guitar, she will present a program of masterpieces by Sor, Giuliani, Regondi, Mertz and Coste, showcasing the expressive beauty and rich colours of the 19th-century guitar.

In the nineteenth century, the guitar was often described as an orchestra in miniature. Through imaginative writing and performance, composers such as Sor and Giuliani evoked the colours and textures of entire orchestral sections, from singing operatic melodies to the sounds of winds, brass and strings. Claire’s performances reveal this remarkable sound world, bringing to life the artistry and imagination that made the guitar one of the most beloved instruments of the Romantic era.

“I want to transport audiences to both another time and soundworld, of the 19th century guitar and the epoch in which it flourished, and an inner world of intimacy and reflection transcending time, genre and instrument.” – Claire Angel Bonner. 

It is her first Australian visit since 2023, and Claire will perform in seven cities, across five states. As part of her concert tour, she will conduct masterclasses and presentations on the orchestral nature of the 19th-century guitar, not-to-be-missed events for music lovers and guitarists alike. She will appear as a guest soloist with Mandolins in Brisbane, for a special performance of Carulli’s elegant A major guitar concerto op 8. 

Details and tour dates may be found here: https://www.claireangelbonner.com/

'Her playing is so intense - so utterly captivating. Each and every note is carefully crafted and executed in such a way that the music doesn't so much reach out to the audience as it does draw them in. A rare quality indeed.' - Duncan Gardiner (Australia) 

'Just by the sound of the guitar, they were transfigured from the stage noise proper to opera into the atmosphere of a musical salon, a truly intimate, beautiful and luminous world, by this young but already great musician.' - Vita Guillot (France) 

‘Claire Angel Bonner wears her heart on her sleeve and it is impossible to escape the passion and conviction of her practice as an artist.’ - Bruce Davies, Director & Curator of BasementArtsProject (UK)