Julian Byzantine

Julian Byzantine was one of the world's most widely acclaimed classical guitarists. His performances in 77 countries took him to many of the most prestigious musical venues in the world, from Carnegie Hall to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Wigmore Hall and Sydney Opera House. He was frequently cited in the press for his artistry, individual style and virtuosity, and the New York Times at Carnegie Recital Hall commented, “the current season may not produce another guitar recital as auspicious as Julian Byzantine's… a formidable artist with a style of his own”.

Born in London, Julian Byzantine was the first recipient of an ARCM diploma for guitar at the Royal College of Music, under the tutorship of John Williams. During this period the Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gilbert Foyle trusts awarded him scholarships to further his studies with Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream and Alirio Díaz.

Throughout his career, Julian Byzantine's recordings for EMI/Classics for Pleasure (UK), Meridian Records (UK) and Walsingham Classics (Australia) were lauded highly by leading international periodicals: “In this recording Julian Byzantine proves just why he is one of the most respected names in the guitar world… an elegance and finesse not heard in other performances of the same pieces” (Classical Guitar, UK); “superb command of his instrument” (Hi-Fi News and Record Review, UK); “one of our best ambassadors… utterly musical and lyrical… a cultured musician” (Gramophone, UK).

In the field of concerti Julian Byzantine appeared with major orchestras in Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, including the Royal Philharmonic, Scottish Chamber, City of Birmingham and BBC Symphony. He achieved wide popularity through extensive international concert tours for the British Council, and through radio broadcasts and television appearances worldwide. In the early part of his career, his rise to prominence on the guitar scene was linked by many to a unique television documentary he was invited to present on the life and guitar music of Villa-Lobos. This highly acclaimed production for Thames Television, one of the UK's premier television networks, was broadcast in many countries around the world.

In the area of contemporary music he collaborated with eminent composers such as Pierre Boulez, Peter Maxwell Davies and Peter Sculthorpe. The Arts Council of Great Britain, the Australia Council and the Shell Darwin International Guitar Festival provided generous support for his commissions from composers in the UK, Australia and Latin America. Notable compositions written for his duo partnership with flautist Gerhard Mallon include Simori by Peter Sculthorpe (Australia) and Suite Buenos Aires by Máximo Diego Pujol (Argentina). Both works were recorded by the duo for Walsingham Classics.

Julian Byzantine achieved distinction as an educator. At the age of twenty-one he was appointed a Professor of Guitar at the Royal Academy of Music, the youngest such appointment in the history of the institution at that time, and for over thirty years he was head of classical guitar studies at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Australia. He presented master classes and lectures in thirty-five countries, including invitations from world-renowned schools of music in Europe and America. He was the author of Guitar Technique Rationalised (Mel Bay/Chanterelle), which is regarded as one of the most comprehensive publications on guitar technique.