Classical music, classy guy

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, March 29, 2006

The First Sundays at the Commons concert series continues April 2 with a performance by classical guitarist Michael Partington, whose playing has been called “heartfelt and technically splendid.”

Partington calls Seattle home, but picked up the guitar as a 6-year-old in Wales, where he grew up. By age 7 he was performing, by 9 he was winning competitions.

He later crossed the ocean, and the continent, to study classical guitar performance at the University of Washington. Since graduating magna cum laude he has performed tirelessly, hopping back and forth between the United States and Europe.

Just last week he had a full schedule in the United Kingdom, including concerts, master classes and lectures.

His April 2 performance at the Bainbridge Commons is the only one scheduled in the Northwest for the month.

Partington has been praised by Classical Guitar Magazine for his “lyricism, intensity and clear technical command,” a sentiment echoed by many other reviewers.

A reviewer from the West Sussex Guitar Club said, “Partington possesses a most refined manner in everything he does with the guitar: his technique is polished and effortless, his phrasing clear and logical, his tone most appealing, clean and powerful.”

At the beginning of Partington’s professional career, in the late 1990s, Classical Guitar magazine reviewer Paul Fowles noted “Thirty years ago, any guitarist of Partington’s calibre would surely have been destined for a very high profile career. In today’s competitive climate, it is to be hoped that his considerable talents still gain the recognition they deserve.”

Perhaps the most flattering assessment came from a reviewer who must also be a guitar player, who said, “Of course, pleasure is not the only emotion I experience when I hear a guitarist of Partington’s calibre; jealousy comes to mind as well. His lively intelligence, classy sense of taste and superb technique are seamlessly wedded together.”

They also note his “charming stage manner” and his ability to interpret his music for an audience that may include guitar players, other types of musicians, and musical neophytes.

He has recorded four solo CDs on the Rosewood Recordings label, with a fifth planned for this year.

Partington performs 4 p.m. April 2 at the Bainbridge Commons, 402 Brien Drive, Bainbridge Island.

Tickets at the door are $15 adults, $10 students.