Stephanie Jones Records at GSI

Stephanie Jones visited GSI and recorded five videos! Stephanie Jones is a world-renowned soloist and chamber musician who specializes in classical guitar performance. Stephanie continues to perform and give masterclasses extensively around the globe in multiple tours and festivals, and has also released three solo albums; “Open Sky” (2020), “Colours of Spain” (2015), and “Bach, the Fly, and the Microphone” (2009). Stephanie was a member of the acclaimed Weimar Guitar Quartet, releasing their debut album in 2019, and also collaborated with Karen Gomyo on her album “a Piazzolla trilogy” with BIS Records. Stephanie has won numerous awards in prestigious competitions, including first prize at the Hannabach Guitar competition, Uppsala International Guitar Festival Competition, and Fine Music Network Young “Virtuoso of the Year” Competition.

Stephanie performed "Blackwattle Caprices" by Ross Edwards. "Blackwattle Caprices" is a composition for solo guitar by Australian composer Ross Edwards, completed in 1998. The work comprises two contrasting movements: the first, "Andantino molto flessibile," is a lyrical song; the second, "Vivace," is a lively dance, specifically a "maninya," an Australian term for dance or chant. Edwards drew inspiration from the natural environment near his residence by Blackwattle Bay, an inlet of Sydney Harbour, which influenced the title and character of the piece. The composition was commissioned by guitarist Timothy Kain with assistance from the Australia Council and is dedicated to him. Stephanie recorded this piece on a 2023 Sergio Perez "Segovia" classical guitar made with cedar top and green ebony back and sides.

"Graúna," composed by Brazilian guitarist and composer João Pernambuco (1883–1947), is a celebrated piece within the choro genre—a Brazilian musical style that blends European dance forms with African rhythms. The title "Graúna" translates to "blackbird" in Portuguese, and the composition is renowned for its melodic lines that evoke the song of this bird. Pernambuco, a pivotal figure in Brazilian music, was instrumental in shaping the choro style, and "Graúna" stands as one of his most enduring works, frequently performed by classical and popular guitarists alike. Stephanie recorded this piece on a 1910 José Ramirez I classical guitar made with spruce top and mahogany back and sides.

"The Black Cockatoo (Flying Alone...)" is a solo guitar composition by Australian composer Richard Charlton, completed in 2008. The piece was commissioned by Charmaine Lee, a year 12 student at Ascham School in Sydney, for her Higher School Certificate (HSC) music performance. Charlton drew inspiration from observing black cockatoos flying over his apartment in Sydney's eastern suburbs en route to Centennial Park. Noticing a solitary black cockatoo—unusual given that these birds typically mate for life—he was moved to compose a piece reflecting both admiration and a touch of sadness for the lone flyer. The composition is characterized by lyrical passages that traverse the full length of the guitar fingerboard, interspersed with recurring slur motifs. It is considered an intermediate-level piece, showcasing Charlton's ability to craft music that is both evocative and well-suited to the guitar. Stephanie recorded this piece on a 2023 Youri Soroka "1924 Santos, Ex Segovia" classical guitar made with spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides.

Stephanie recorded another piece by João Pernambuco titled "As Emboladas do Norte". The term "embolada" refers to a traditional Brazilian musical form characterized by rapid, rhythmic vocal delivery, often improvised and accompanied by percussion. In this piece, Pernambuco adapts the essence of embolada for solo guitar, capturing its lively and syncopated rhythms. The title translates to "The Emboladas of the North," suggesting an homage to the musical traditions of Brazil's northern regions. The composition is noted for its intricate fingerwork and dynamic tempo, reflecting Pernambuco's deep connection to Brazilian folk music and his ability to translate vocal styles into instrumental expressions. Stephanie recorded this piece on a 1930 Hermann Hauser I "Llobet" classical guitar made with spruce top and maple back and sides.