The Sydney Guitar Collective is an initiative of Dr Janet Agostino, the Guitar Collective’s musical director, who worked with the UNSW Guitar Ensemble over the last ten years. They are committed to expanding Australia's guitar ensemble repertoire by commissioning new works and delivering engaging performances to new audiences. Supported by Dr. Simon Powis of Classical Guitar Corner, the ensemble continues to foster a vibrant community for classical guitarists in Sydney. The Collective presents diverse repertoire to their performances and aims to expand this predominantly Australian repertoire through commissioning new works from colleagues and associates.
Past performances
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Commissioning and Premiering Port Jackson Suite
In November 2024, the Collective premiered Port Jackson Suite, a four-movement work by renowned Australian composer Richard Charlton. Commissioned specifically for the ensemble, the suite explores evocative Sydney landscapes through movements such as “Deep Water Dancing” and “Shark Bay.” The premiere took place at the Annandale Creative Arts Centre during the “Echoes of Port Jackson” concert.
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“Guitar Explorations” Concert Showcasing Emerging Composers
On 26 November 2023, the Collective presented “Guitar Explorations” at the Mosman Art Gallery, featuring original compositions by emerging Australian composers Jalal Ahmed, Julia Vlahogiannis, and Tom Baltaks. The program blended contemporary Australian works with South American influences, highlighting the ensemble's commitment to nurturing new talent.
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Performance at the Classical Guitar Society Sydney Concert Series
On 30 November 2024, the Collective performed as a closer at the Mosman Art Gallery as part of the Classical Guitar Society Sydney's “Young Winners and Friends” concert. This event also featured the premiere of Alison Skarratt’s Warrumbungles Night Sky by Trio North.
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Participation in the 35th Glebe Music Festival
The ensemble contributed to the 35th Glebe Music Festival with a performance on 8 November 2024 at Gleebooks, showcasing their commitment to community engagement and live music.
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“Intrusions” Concert Featuring Richard Charlton’s Works
In May 2024, the Collective presented the “Intrusions” concert at the Mosman Art Gallery, featuring compositions by Richard Charlton, including a performance of “Intrusions.”
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Cross-Cultural Collaboration: “East-West Resonance”
In May 2025, the Collective collaborated with Suwitra Jaya Gamelan in “East-West Resonance,” a concert blending classical guitar with Balinese gamelan. The program included works by William Kanengiser, I Wayan Balawan, and a world premiere by Eitan Muir, emphasizing the ensemble's dedication to cross-cultural musical dialogues.
The Collective acknowledges the significant support and sponsorship from Dr. Simon Powis of Classical Guitar Corner, to whom we are enormously grateful.
