Wonders of Wood & Wire

Event information

Somerset musician / composer / performer / instrument designer and teacher, Jon Pickard offers a rare glimpse into the wonderful world of ‘Harp-Guitars’. Like guitars but with extra added banks of strings to extend the range and textures, HarpGuitars represent the pinnacle of plucked strings evolution.

Jon Pickard is recognised internationally as one of the most unique and versatile artists in this genre. He is often invited to perform at international festivals and recently attracted the attention of Akustik Guitarre Magazine, who said: "If one stands out from the rest it has to be Jon Pickard…Weaves a flying carpet on the strings...Almost unbelievable, technically, stylistically..." Akustik Guitarre Magazine.

Every culture on earth has coloured their cultures and told their stories with music from plucked stringed instruments – evolving through countless instrument forms through to modern guitars, lutes, harps etc.” ‘HarpGuitars’ are amongst the most amazing members of this family and have been around in many forms for 3-400 years all across the globe. Unlike many of their relatives they continue their evolution today, offering fresh new design possibilities and soundscapes, limited only by the imagination.

Jon has released 3 solo HarpGuitar albums and has been included on 2 compilation albums from Europe and the USA. Some of his videos have been broadcast in over 40 countries on the CMusic cable TV channel. He also teaches piano and guitar in local schools and privately.

Jon will be playing 2 self-designed unique Harp Guitars, each with very different sound characteristics. The sound of these instruments is stunning, whether playing arrangements of known classics, or original music written specifically for HarpGuitar.

“Pickard’s ability to teleport the listener from the woody oaks of a forest in Ireland to the deserted dunes of Egypt is breath-taking. When played by Pickard, the Harp-Guitar transforms into a tool of spirituality and nature.” BritishTheatre.com

“I have been involved with music all of my life and have never seen nor heard anything to match this. The harp guitar is simply staggering.” The Old Theatre Royal, Bath

Jon will be playing a mix of Classical, Folk and original tunes with music by Bach, O’Carolan, Dire Straits, and himself. A feast of great music!