Sounds of Mexico
About
Inspired by the emblematic landscapes of our current exhibition ‘José María Velasco: A View of Mexico’ guitarist Morgan Szymanski performs a solo repertoire responding to the artist’s paintings. Including works by composers such as Julio César Oliva and Manuel M. Ponce, the performance celebrates the flora and fauna of Velasco's art, as well as the artist's relationship with nature, through traditional and contemporary music.
Projected paintings, documenting both the beauty and ecological changes of the 19th century, will backdrop the performance, painting a picture of Mexico in art and sound.
Morgan Szymanski
Described as ‘a player destined for future glories’ (Classical Guitar Magazine) Morgan Szymanski has been highlighted as ‘One to Watch’ by both Gramophone Magazine and the BBC Music Magazine. A featured artist on the cover of Classical Guitar Magazine, Morgan Szymanski was selected as a finalist for the ‘Outstanding Young Artist Award’ by MIDEM Classique/IAMA.
Born in Mexico City in 1979, Morgan Szymanski started playing the guitar at the age of six. Early studies at the National Music School (Mexico) and the Edinburgh Music School led to a scholarship to study under Carlos Bonell and Gary Ryan at the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, graduating in 2004 with first class honours. During his studies he won guitar prizes at the RCM as well as being awarded scholarships from the Tillett Trust, Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Leverhulme Trust, Wall Trust, FONCA and a scholarship to study at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
A top prize-winner at international competitions, Morgan won first prize at the National Guitar Competition in Mexico. Performances as a soloist and with orchestras have taken him to concert halls and festivals across the world. He is included in the Mexican Foreign Office publication 'El Mundo en las Manos' for his contribution as an ambassador of music and Mexican culture overseas.
In recent years Morgan has given recitals at major UK venues and festivals including the Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, King’s Place, The Sage Gateshead, Royal Opera House, and London International Guitar Festival.



Friday Lates music: Morgan Szymanski
Sounds of Mexico
Onsite tickets
Standard: £10
Concessions: £7
Please book a ticket to attend this event.
Please arrive in good time to access the building and find the event.
Bookings close ten-minutes before the event.
Concessions are for full-time students, jobseekers, and disabled adults.