Canberra-born classical guitarist Rupert Boyd‘s debut CD Valses Po√©ticos just received a very nice review in the current issue of Soundboard, the quarterly publication of Guitar Foundation of America: ‚ÄúBoyd‚Äôs playing is beautifully refined, with gorgeous tone . . . musically and technically flawless . . . [the Granados] is one of the best recorded performances of this work on guitar.‚Äù The CD was released in 2008 and is available for download through iTunes or you can order a copy (with beautiful artwork) at: www.cdbaby.com/cd/rupertboyd. It would make a nice Christmas present . . .

Never one to sit still, Rupert recently reached the third and final round of the Concert Artists Guild competition at Merkin Hall in New York City. The Concert Artist Guild competition is an international competition for ensembles, instrumentalists and vocalists. In its nearly 60 year history, very few guitarists have won the competition, however notable examples are Manuel Barrueco, The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet & The Brasil Guitar Duo. Out of over 350 contestants, Rupert reached the final 12 (and the only guitarist) to be chosen for the finals. He shared the stage with some extremely talented musicians, including the current principle flutist of the Metropolitan Opera, pianists and violinists who have performed concerti with orchestras around the world, a vocal quintet from Germany and a chamber ensemble from Israel. Unfortunately, he did not win the competition, however he said that “I am just so honoured and consider it a great achievement to have made it as far as I did in such a prestigious competition.”

Well done, mate!  More information is available at www.rupertboyd.com