"...a classically trained player/composer
and jazz guitarist of considerable
skill and subtlety..."

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 "A Life" - a collection of original music for guitar, "Solo" featuring Michael’s 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

726 Brunswick St. New farm Brisbane. Directly accross from the old Village Twin Cinema on Brunswick St. up from the corner of Annie & Barker.

Reservations TEL. 3358 2655

Mongrel Music Concert.
Thursday March 26th 1:05pm

Queensland Conservatorium of Music - Ian Langer Hall. Michael performs solo guitar works composed for his doctoral study in composing with genre and style synthesis. 2 world premieres are featured. CDs available.

Free Concert

Zafron Road Project
Friday August 7th 6:30pm

Queensland Conservatorium of Music - Ian Langer Hall. Michael presents new poly-style and genre-crossover music featuring jazz and traditional classical Persian musicians.

Entry fee applies.

Coming Up

Michael has been commissioned by leading Australian choral conductor Graeme Morton to compose new music for the St Peter’s Lutheran College Chorale. The new music will be premiered later in 2009.

Recent Releases

Michael Knopf 'A Life'
{...a collection of original music for guitar, presenting musical styles and genres that I have performed and composed with through many years of music making. Some pieces are composed and written - others are improvised or spontaneously composed. }
- Michael Knopf

Listen / Buy Now

Contact

Get in touch with Michael for any enquiries regarding Composition Commissioning or Concert bookings - for Solo performances or with his band Centauri

Go to Contact Page