With the fire flowing through his ferocious flamenco fingers, the Highlands is set to be ablaze with the Matthew Fagan concert, ‘España El Vito - The Spirit of Spain.’
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Affectionately known as ‘the lord of the strings’ his passion for the guitar began at the age of seven after seeing The Beatles film, A Hard Days Night while at the drive in.
The love for Spanish guitar began after seeing John Williams and Paco Pena.
“I wanted to be George Harrison,” Fagan said. As time went by and Fagan’s talent grew, so did his influences outside of flamenco music. “I enjoy Beethoven's Symphonies for his great expression of humanity in music,” Fagan said.
“It was an inspiration to meet Bluegrass Fingerstyle guitarist Leo Kottke when he toured Australia.
“[I was inspired] by Mark Knopfler for his great melodies, feel, sound and guitar playing, along with Pink Floyd for the great Orchestral rock writing and arrangements.”
Over his musical career, Matthew has toured with the likes of Natalie Cole, The Original Buena Vista Social Club, Shirley Bassey and Michael Crawford.
Fagan has ticked off iconic concert halls that many musicians could only dream to play, performing at Melbourne Concert Hall, Adelaide Festival Centre and Sydney Opera House.
Touring with Billy Connolly saw Matthew having the opportunity to jam with the comedy legend and talk to him for hours each night after performing.
“Billy gave me his liberty banjo at the end of the tour,” Fagan said.
“It’s the equivalent to a sports trophy for me.”
Fagan’s vinyl album “El Vito” will be the first new full vinyl Spanish Guitar album in Australia and internationally in more than 20 years.
It will be available for purchase online and also on streaming services.
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Highland attendees to Fagan’s show, ‘España El Vito - The Spirit of Spain’ which will be held at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Bowral can expect a show full of ‘El Vito’ highlights.
“This will be a celebration of Spanish repertoire from classical to flamenco and modern jazz,” Fagan said.
“Along with a unique combination of fiery, passionate flamenco guitar and virtuosic piano by Internationally acclaimed, award winning concert pianist, ‘Young Steinway Artist’ Nicholas Young.”
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Matthew Fagan will perform at St Jude’s Anglican Church on October 21. Tickets are available from humantix.com and doors are from 2pm.
The “El Vito” EP is available from matthew-fagan.com and available on streaming services.