ASHBURTON: Arts Centre

Tuesday 17th February, 2026

7:00pm

Event information

Described as “one of the most technically gifted and expressive guitarists in Scotland.” (Innes White), Miguel’s music is tied in with a deep understanding and curiosity of the Traditional Scottish music landscape. Originally from the Portuguese Midlands and now based in Glasgow, Miguel has developed a broad style which swiftly shifts between accompanist and soloist, embodying edges of classical, jazz, and contemporary music.

With the eagerness to push and dare, the ebb and flow between the styles and techniques that Miguel displays makes him “A new and genuinely unique voice in contemporary Scottish trad. You really haven’t heard this before.” Martin Green (accordionist with folk trio Lau).

Miguel was a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2025 competition. He is a founding member of the up-and-coming project the Capstan Quartet welding old and new melodies of the Scottish tradition with contemporary aesthetics. He also plays extensively with pianist Amy Laurenson in both duo and with her quartet. He has also collaborated with North American fiddle and cello duo Jocelyn Petit and Ellen Gira, Edinburgh-based singer songwriter Eve Simpson, and Glasgow based band Tern.

The Northern Isles Suite - Da Day Dawn
youtube.com/watch?v=99jGyD9t6mU

Listen to this and much more on Bandcamp
miguelgirao.bandcamp.com/

“A new and genuinely unique voice in contemporary Scottish trad. You really haven’t heard this before.” Martin Green (Lau)
“Miguel’s multitude of musical influences can be heard in his own unique sound – musically captivating and technically thrilling.” Anna Massie.
“Miguel is one of the most technically gifted and expressive guitarists in Scotland.” Innes White
“Miguel combines his exceptional technique and understanding of tone and harmony with his own individualistic creativity to create music which is undeniably unique whilst also being engaging for audiences.” Paddy Callaghan.
“He’s like a suave Portuguese Paul Brady.” Nicky Kirk (Eabhal)

ETF Spotlight review
https://theqr.co.uk/2024/05/14/review-etf-spotlight-edinburgh-tradfest-2024/

Music at Paxton – Edinburgh Music Review
https://www.edinburghmusicreview.com/reviews/music-at-paxton-amy-laurenson- and-miguel-girao

Review of debut album “Prologue”
https://www.livingtradition.co.uk/webrevs/ltcd9305.htm

Q&A about “Prologue” for Atlas Lisboa
https://www.atlaslisboa.com/qa-with-miguel-girao-ahead-of-his-debut-album- prologue/

Ashburton Arts Centre
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