Strings of Light

Award-winning guitarist and composer Jon Pickard presents a solo performance on his 23-string harp guitars — rare and striking instruments with a distinctive sound. Fresh from major European festivals and an international composition award, he performs a programme of original music alongside classical and folk influences.

His playing creates a rich, layered sound that feels both intimate and expansive. “Weaves a flying carpet on the strings… almost unbelievable, technically and stylistically.” — Akustik Gitarre Magazine

This is a concert that invites you to slow down and listen closely. The music moves between gentle, reflective moments and more rhythmic, melodic passages, creating a sense of flow and contrast throughout.

At the centre of the programme are two unusual instruments with a long history, dating back over 300 years to early European traditions. Despite their origins, their sound feels fresh and immediate. In Jon Pickard’s hands, the harp guitars open up a wide range of colours and textures, all from a single performer. As BritishTheatre.com puts it: “In Pickard’s hands the ability of the instruments to teleport the listener is breath-taking.”

The result is an engaging and atmospheric performance that gives space to pause, reflect, and enjoy something a little different. As The Fine Times Recorder writes: “Beautiful, atmospheric… profoundly emotional and spiritual… You want to close your eyes and let the pictures created by the musician take you.”