The two albums Slava Grigoryan has recorded for Sony Classical -- The Spirit of Spain (SK 62627) and the more recent Dance of the Angel (SK 63011) -- reflect the guitarist’s effortless virtuosity and scintillating musicianship both in the standard repertoire of the classical guitar as well as crossover material. Forthcoming releases include an album of guitar transcriptions of celebrated Russian piano works and a second crossover album.

Born in Khazakstan in 1976, Slava Grigoryan has already performed extensively throughout the world. The youngest ever finalist in the Tokyo International Guitar Competition, he has since performed in concerts and at festivals across Europe. In the United States, he made his New York debut in 1997. Grigoryan has also headlined in a “Great Guitars” tour with the legendary flamenco player Paco Peña and the equally celebrated acoustic guitar stylist Leo Kottke.

Raised in Melbourne, Australia, from the age of five, Grigoryan first studied guitar with his father, a professional violinist. By age twelve Grigoryan was the guitar soloist with the Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra, touring with the group Japan and Europe. He made his formal debut as a solo guitarist at a recital in Sydney when he was fourteen.

Critics have been unusually vocal in their praise of the young artist.

Reviewing his New York debut, the New York Times commented, “a remarkable recital…what comes across here is guitar playing of uncommon originality and authority. One cannot but compare Mr. Grigoryan’s art with that of John Williams. Technique isn’t even an issue. Musicality, expressivity and daring…a singular talent.” Grigoryan’s 1996 debut at the Wigmore Hall in London was similarly well-received by Britain’s Classical Guitar magazine: “Lovely sound…real clarity of tone and unhurried phrasing…an imaginative use of colour and dynamic which is most appealing…a truly dazzling and brilliant performance…one of the very best talents to have emerged in recent years.” Slava Grigoryan’s future performance schedule includes concerto dates with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall and with the Israel Symphony. He has recently given recitals at the Wigmore Hall and the Jazz Cafe in London and at the Konzerthaus in Vienna, and he regularly appears at many major festivals. Future plans include chamber music collaborations with the Endellion and Skampa string quartets.