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"...a classically trained player/composer
Rhythms Magazine Guitarist/composer Michael Knopf performs on a 7- string classical guitar made by Brisbane Luthier Allan Bull. Playing classical repertoire, jazz standards, and evocative and mind-stretching originals, he aims to perform at the highest level combining elements from his eclectic guitar-playing career spanning 40 years. Elements of jazz, rock, classical, flamenco, Middle-Eastern and 20th-century compositional ideas present themselves in his playing. A little history... Michael has pursued the evolution of an individual guitar style. He has done this by combining all the elements of his diverse musical career in new material for solo guitar and for his trio Acoustica & his 4tet/5tet Centauri. As performer/ composer, he presents his eclectic compositions as a solo artist and with saxophonist Craig Hanicek in Dichotomy. He will also be performing and recording in 2007 with his crossover contemporary ensemble Centauri (hear this ensemble on the Discography page). This group possesses a unique ensemble sound with recognizable elements drawn from the Jazz, Classical & Flamenco disciplines as well as stylistic approaches from diverse Eastern sources. The poetic and fiery nature of Michael's classical/jazz guitar playing is complimented by Giles Smith's six-string fretless bass and the wide range of percussion instruments under the hands of Giuseppe Vizzone, all of which, with Craig Hanicek's soaring saxophones, create a vibrant and unforgettable musical journey. This ensemble is available for festivals and concerts. Michael also performs as a jazz guitarist and gives classical guitar recitals with traditional repertoire and news original works. As a soloist he presents progams adapted to the venue, with jazz influences or with contemporary art music and classical leanings. He has also performed the Villalobos guitar concerto and the Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez as well as Vivaldi's famous D major concerto. Michael is an active composer dedicated to unfolding an original repertoire for the guitar both solo and in ensemble. Currently, he is planning several sets of multi-styled classical guitar works entitled 'Eclectic Fantasies' ( you can download the first page of the first one I haven't been to Brazil.. on the composition page). In past years Michael has specialized in composing music for cello and has many new works available. Some these can be viewed on the composition page. His newest recordings are "Solo" features his multi-styled playing in both originals and jazz standards, and "Still" which highlights Michael’s work as composer for cello, piano, voice, guitar and for his band Centaur. |
Appearing most Friday and Saturday Nights at 'ZAFRON ON BRUNSWICK' RESTAURANT
Michael is planning a live and totally improvised concert in Brisbane in the near future.The concert, in line with Keith Jarrets undertaking in Koln, will be recorded and issued on CD. Watch this space for more info. Michael is performing with his Centauri Ensemble and special guests Cieavash Arean and Faraz Shahbazi at the Queensland Multicultural Festival in Roma Street Parklands on Sunday October 12th at 3:30 p.m. The music is entitled ZAFRON ROAD PROJECT Don’t miss this unique collaboration of modern art music, jazz and traditional Persian music! Performing 3 concerts at THE CHAPEL and a guitar workshop at the Yungaburra Folk Festival in the Atherton Tablelands October 24-26th 2008. Michael will be presenting music from his SOLO album and his new CD A LIFE as well as a concert of totally improvised music entitled FROM MANY WORLDS. 
Recent Releases
Michael Knopf 'Solo' Contact
Get in touch with Michael for any enquiries regarding Composition Commissioning or Concert bookings - for Solo performances or with his band Centauri |
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