Guitar star strikes a chord

10:00pm Thursday 9th October 2008

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A GUITAR legend went down a storm at a Swindon school.

Commonweal played host to Antonio Forcione and his quartet.

The event was a sell out as parents, students and music fans of all descriptions were dazzled by the stunning music displayed at the Old Town school.

“The concert was a celebration of our re-designation as a performing arts college and reflects the aspirations towards high quality performance,” said headteacher Keith Defter.

Forcione is hailed as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar’ by critics and is considered one of the most charismatic and inventive performers to come out of Europe.

Over the years his international tours have earned him critical acclaim in Australia, Hong Kong, Russia, the Caribbean, USA and all over Europe.

During the afternoon students and members of the public took part in a master class lead by Antonio.

He offered tips and techniques to improve the guitar skills of those taking part and they all worked on a piece that was performed on the main stage as a prelude to the evening concert.

“The master class was amazing, he was certainly an inspiration to myself and son who will be practicing these techniques at home,” said mother Alison Hart.

Student Sam Cantlon said: “It was great to see where you can get if you practise.

“He was just stunning, awesome.”

Commonweal School aims to stage three professional concerts a year.

Watch its forthcoming events page for the next concert in the spring of 2008.

More information on Forcione can be found on his website at www.antonioforcione.com.