Tony McManus in Concert — Art of the Guitar Series

Hailed by John Renbourn as “the best Celtic guitarist in the world,” Tony McManus has also been listed as one of the 50 transcendent guitarists of all time by Guitar Player magazine. His dazzlingly original playing has extended and transcended the parameters of contemporary Celtic music, while also earning recognition in jazz, classical, and world traditions. Born in Paisley, Scotland, McManus grew up surrounded by Scottish and Irish music. From an early age he had a gift for hearing the phrasing and ornamentation of traditional tunes and finding a way to bring them to life on the guitar. Listeners often remark that his playing can sound like a fiddler in full flight or the haunting drones of Highland pipes. What sets him apart is not only dexterity but also the depth of his connection to the tradition and his ability to make it sing on six strings. McManus is also admired for crossing musical borders. His repertoire extends into jazz, classical, and Eastern European music, always approached with respect and imagination. He has collaborated with fiddlers Alasdair Fraser, Kevin Burke, and Natalie McMaster, and performed at guitar festivals around the world, including the Chet Atkins Festival in Nashville and the Ellnora Guitar Festival, where he shared the bill with Pat Metheny, Kaki King, Molly Tuttle, and Steve Dawson. At Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium he joined Béla Fleck and others in the “All Star Guitar Night” headlined by Les Paul. His ability to reach audiences who may not know Celtic music has led to appearances at classical events such as the Dundee and Derry Guitar Festivals. On Thursday, October 2, McManus brings this artistry to the Chester Meeting House as part of AcousticMusic.Org’s Art of the Guitar series. The series opened on August 20 with Richard Smith, the U.K.-born guitarist celebrated for his dazzling fingerstyle mastery and wide-ranging repertoire, praised by both Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. It continues with Stephen Bennett on December 6, a Virginia-based composer and performer widely regarded as today’s leading harp guitarist. Presented by AcousticMusic.Org and sponsored by Wyeth Architects of Chester, the Art of the Guitar series offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear world-class guitarists in an intimate historic setting.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3236725-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3236725-2

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