Mark Ashford

“VIDA Guitar Quartet’s debut recording is impressive indeed. Why? Because it’s so easy to imagine you’re listening to an entire orchestra and not merely to four guitars.”Gramophone March 2010 RECOMMENDS the VIDA GQ’s CD ‘Love, the Magician’ BGS118.

“Throughout, the Quartet succeeds in bringing out the narrative and dramatic….. Continue reading →

Classic FM (Feb issue 183) magazine has awarded VIDA’s new CD ‘Love, the Magician’ (BGS118) a magnificent 4 and a half stars out of 5.

” The members of VIDA conjure up an orchestral palette of colour and effects from four regular classical models. Sticking to tried-and-tested guitar transcription material, they play with technical brilliance and precise ensemble, creating alternately smoky and glittering colours in Falla’s El amor brujo that suit the gypsy heart of the music so well. They are high spirited in The Three Cornered Hat dances and their Carmen Suite arrangement is done with verve.”

It is a great privilege for me to announce that the English Composer Stephen Dodgson will be visiting the Birmingham Conservatoire on the 16th and 17th December.  The Concert on the 17th will feature his works for …. Continue reading →

This is an excellent physical warm-up (and cool-down) that I recommend to students and teachers alike.  Go to www.bapam.org.uk and click on factsheets at the top of the page.  It only takes about 10mins to do and is an absolute must for all levels and ages. Can prevent all sorts of muscular problems in musicians, if done on a regular basis.  Remember to take regular breaks from practice.  I do no more than 30mins practice before having a quick cuppa!

VIDA Guitar Quartet were reviewed as ‘Gig of the month‘ by Acoustic Magazine (Issue 34 October) for their concert in Exeter this July. The review states …

“Vida Guitar Quartet are the internationally renowned guitarists Mark Ashford, Mark Eden, Helen Sanderson and Chris Stell. In this programme of music by Bellinati, de Falla, Bizet, Turina and Attaingnant they clearly demonstrate their musical maturity and mastery of the medium.” Continue reading →