Gordon Crosskey and Wendy Jackson
Image: Ian Hanson

RNCM 25th June 2014
I had the privilege this week of going to a wonderful guitar concert at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, which was a celebration of my amazing teacher, Gordon Crosskey’s guitar teaching at the RNCM from 1973 until his retirement in 2011.

Brilliantly organised by Craig Ogden, it featured performances given by several of Gordon’s former students: Craig himself, who now runs the RNCM guitar department, Elena Papandreou, The Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, and Tom McKinney. It was a wonderfully varied programme of Scarlatti, Albeniz, Sor, Dyens and Chopin, with more avant garde works by Petrassi and Larry Goves played by Tom McKinney. All the players gave amusing anecdotes about their lessons with Gordon, showing the warmth and affection they feel for their former teacher. Refreshingly for a classical guitar concert, the hall was packed, with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience.

It is incredibly rare for one single teacher to have produced so many fantastic players and this concert which was a fitting testament to Gordon’s tremendous knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm. This was a super opportunity to hear the guitar at its best, and for me, it was a real treat!

Gordon Crosskey Celebration – RNCM 25th June 2014