With a rich and diverse musical heritage, the South Australian arts community has produced some of the most talented and celebrated musicians in the country.

A new addition to the line-up, Connor Whyte, is a rising star of classical guitar who at just 19 won the 2022 Adelaide International Guitar Competition, the most prestigious event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Now 20, Connor is preparing to be part of the 2023 Adelaide Guitar Festival program in a performance alongside Joseph Tawadros.

The classical guitar is admired for its range, and the various tones it can produce. It allows musicians to create music that is both complex and emotional, which can be a powerful tool in telling a story or capturing a particular mood or feeling.

Connor Whyte was just eight when he learnt to play the guitar, but it was the electric guitar that first captured his attention. He credits his brother as his original inspiration for learning the instrument.

It was when he played a heavy metal version of Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca – at the age of 10 – that Connor began to see the appeal of the classical genre. He fell in love with the challenges of the classical guitar and his infatuation was matched by his innate musicianship.

At age 14 he participated in the inaugural Adelaide Guitar Festival Winter School initiative in 2016. Led by Paul Svboda, the week-long intensive is designed to help emerging classical guitar players of any age develop their performance set as part of the Guitar Festival Orchestra.

Connor said that his biggest take away from the program included enhancing his sight-reading skills, honing his live-performance abilities and networking with other emerging musicians and masters of the craft.

On his upcoming inclusion in the Adelaide Guitar Festival program, Connor said, “There are so many shows to watch by world-renowned artists at the Adelaide Guitar Festival. You’re going to be inspired. The festival draws together the greatest players from Australia and beyond”.

Joseph Tawadros and Connor Whyte’s concert on July 14 is set to highlight exquisite, intricate skill and magnificent music in an intimate setting.

Find out more or book tickets here.

More information from the 2023 Adelaide Guitar Festival edition of WeekendPlus: