About

  

Jonathan Prag Classical Guitar

'Beautiful sound, exquisite tone.' Ontario Arts Review 

'Wonderful... the combination of melody, rhythm and harmony is truly satisfying.' The Scotsman

Photo: Joe Twigg Photography

                        Jonathan balances baroque favourites like J S Bach with thrilling and evocative contemporary music like the songs of Mikis Theodorakis. He includes beguiling tunes by Cole Porter or George Gershwin and sometimes blues arrangements. A classic from West Side Story might be followed by a haunting Eastern European folk tune or a Russian lament. Spain and South America feature, bringing the warmth and energy of flamenco and tango to complement the drama of pieces by Villa Lobos or Fernando Sor. He has an affinity with the folk roots of the classical guitar's origins and in this show, classical masters like Schubert and Scarlatti rub shoulders with Turlough O'Carolan and his jaunty Irish airs. Jonathan skillfully introduces each piece with well-chosen snippets of information and humour. This lends an element of storytelling so that the audience always feels part of the performance, as if they are traveling on a musical journey. 

  

 

 

 

Audience Feedback

‘Absolutely loved it. Varied programme of beautiful music played brilliantly. Thank you so much!’

Elaine Weir, audience member

 ‘We have followed you for many years on our visits to the Fringe – from Café Royal, C Soco and St Cuthbert’s to C Too, St Columba’s… thoroughly entertaining.’ Brian and Jane Keary

 'Excellent - a lovely way to travel the world.' Robert Davidson, audience member

 ‘Wonderful – terrific range of offerings from Bach to Billie Holiday.’ Mike Matthews, audience member

'I come every year. Outstanding.' Serge Richard, Edinburgh Fringe audience member

‘We come every year. We are always very pleased with the choice of pieces and the performance. The Bach Chaconne was spellbinding but all the pieces were masterly and riveting. Jonathan knocks all the other classical guitarists in the Fringe into a cocked hat.’ Andrew and Sue Russell, Edinburgh Fringe audience members

 'Beautiful, interesting, enchanting.' Mallory Goring, audience member

 

Press Reviews

‘Absolutely recommended.’ The Herald

‘An intimate setting and superb classical guitarist, filling the room with music that at times carried me away. It was bliss… a guitar alive with warmth and seemingly a part of the musician’s body – it was a privilege to be a part of such an exquisite experience.’  Heather-Jean Moyes, Kryztoff RAW-Adelaide

‘...Entertaining and exciting’ Classical Guitar

‘…the quality of his performances mark him out as one the Fringe’s finest musicians.’ Alex Wood, Lothian Life

‘Deftly handling the complex arrangements, he renders Irish folk songs richly emotional, explores crisp classical movements and closes this intimate set with a fiery and frankly brilliant flamenco. Like the composers he admires, Prag draws on deep traditions and diverse styles to make exquisite, intricate music.’  Dave Fargnoli, Three Weeks

Jonathan was born in Bolton but brought up in Luxembourg until he was 12. As an actor/musician with various companies, Jonathan toured in the UK, Canada, Poland, Italy and France. He worked with several recognised performers like Eartha Kitt, Pip Utton and Scotland’s Poet Laureate, Edwin Morgan. 

His work evolved into a dedication to classical guitar and he began performing at festivals, notably the Edinburgh Fringe. This led to collaborations such as his duo work with fellow classical guitarists Adrian Neville, UK classical guitar maestro, Carlos Bonell, and, recently, the folk singer, Dom Prag.

He played classical guitar in chamber music group, the Ruskin Ensemble, with whom he toured throughout the UK.

Photo: Joe Twigg Photography

 He is a a passionate believer in the power of music to uplift people and bring joy and he is a regular performer for the charity, Music in Hospitals and Care.

Jonathan has taught classical guitar since the mid-90s and many of his pupils achieve their grade 8. Two are in successful rock bands.

 

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