Sam Rodwell
About
Sam Rodwell is an acclaimed classical guitarist, director, and educator whose versatile musicianship has established him as a prominent figure across the UK's classical and chamber music scenes. Sam completed both his undergraduate degree with First-Class Honours and his Master of Performance with Distinction at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), studying under the world-renowned tutelage of Craig Ogden.
His exceptional talent was recognised immediately; in his very first term, he won the String Department’s prestigious Salon Prize, becoming the first guitarist to do so in nearly thirty years. He later became a finalist in the RNCM’s highest accolade, the Gold Medal competition. Following six years of outstanding artistic and academic success, the college appointed him as an Associate Guitar Teacher.
His competitive success extends nationally as a finalist in the New Elizabethan Award, the Ivor Mairants Guitar Competition, and the Royal Over-Seas League strings sectional. Sam also brought classical guitar to mainstream television audiences when he made his debut on Sky Arts’ Guitar Star, reaching the final eight and featuring extensively throughout the series. A former ambassador for Yamaha UK, Sam performs on a 2006 Christopher Dean guitar, an instrument celebrated for its rich tonal palette.
Beyond the concert stage, Sam is a passionate advocate for the future of the instrument. He is the creator and conductor of the Royal Northern Youth Guitar Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to promoting and nurturing young talent, and serves as the Artistic Director of the Tameside Concert Society. His expertise makes him a sought-after adjudicator, serving on panels for Help Musicians UK, the London Young Musician competition, and university recital assessments across the country.
Solo Recitals
Sam is a highly experienced solo recitalist, having performed at some of the UK's most prestigious venues, including St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Bridgewater Hall, and a solo performance for 1,500 people at the De Montfort Hall. His solo programmes cover an extensive repertoire spanning from the Renaissance to the 21st century, drawing on his experience performing in masterclasses for legendary players like David Russell and Miloš Karadaglić.
The Roth Guitar Duo
Formed alongside fellow guitarist Emma Smith, the Roth Guitar Duo is Sam's primary chamber ensemble and one of the UK’s most active classical guitar duos. Highly praised by Craig Ogden, the duo regularly tours respected concert societies, arts centres, and festivals across the country. Known for their tight telepathy and diverse programming, their debut album, Canonica, features a mix of early music, modern arrangements, and pieces commissioned specifically for them by contemporary composers.
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