About us
Southampton Classical Guitar Society has existed as an informal guitar circle since the 1960s but was officially founded in 1972. It has met continuously since then. On this page read about our programme of Member Meetings and Concerts, how to Join us, who's on our organising Committee, and something about our Honorary Life Precident John Mills.
In 2004 we became a Registered charity
Member Meetings
Member meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month starting at 7:30pm. We normally practice ensemble pieces in the first half (with parts to suit all abilities), followed by solo or duet performances from members in the second half.
These meetings are open to all, including prospective new members. We normally meet at St Boniface Church, Chandlers Ford, near Southampton. Directions here.
During COVID-19 restrictions we are meeting via Zoom. Joining details are here.
Tim Rushworth leads ensemble practice - a regular feature for the first half of our Member Meetings
Concerts
In collaboration with Turner Sims, Southampton we run an annual programme of celebrity concerts, featuring world-class artists from the UK and from further afield.
We work with festival organisers in Hampshire, as well, to promote concerts and other events.
See our current concert programme here.
Other events
Apart from members meetings each month and our concert programme, we organise occassional workshops and master classes for members.
Laura Snowden will perform later this year in concert sponsored by SCGS at the West Meon Music Festival
Join us
All standards of players are welcome as well as non playing members. Click here for further information
SCGS Committee
Chair
Chris Thompson
Treasurer
Ian Robinson
Secretary
Brian Tait
Concert Programme Organiser
Stuart Christie
Website Editor
Denis Gibson
Why not send an email to the committee with your ideas and suggestions about meetings, concerts and any other business of the Society. Click the button.
Not on the Committee, but two important roles that keep our members up-to-date: David Chillingworth, editor of our regular newsletter; and Gillian Robinson who manages the Society's Facebook page
John Mills Honorary Life President
John Mills is our Honorary Life President
John studied with some legendary names in the world of classical guitar: John Williams, Andrés Segovia, and Julian Bream.
His official solo London debut took place in 1971 at the Wigmore Hall, and he began his international career the following year with a tour of Eastern Canada. Since then he has performed in 25 countries and has been a frequent performer on both BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3 in the UK.
In 1985 John moved to New Zealand where he was Head of Guitar at the Nelson School of Music, returning to take up a professorship at the Royal Academy of Music in 1988, an appointment he held for 20 years.
John Mills continues to perform internationally, as well as giving frequent master-classes, seminars and workshops.
Visit John Mills' website here
Registered Charity
SCGS is a charity registered with the Charity Commission in England (registered charity no. 1110525). Its governing document says that the Society's purpose is:
To promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of the classical guitar and related instruments, their music and practical techniques, by the presentation of public concerts recitals and educational workshops and by such other ways as the society through its executive committee shall determine from time to time.