Irish guitarist-composer Alan Mearns is internationally recognized for performances of exceptional musical imagination, technical virtuosity, and expressive depth.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mearns pursued advanced musical studies in the United States, where he was the first guitarist to be awarded the prestigious Fletcher Scholarship for his undergraduate work with Dr. Douglas James at Appalachian State University. He later completed his graduate degree under the mentorship of renowned artist, performer, and scholar Stanley Yates at Austin Peay State University, whose influence is reflected in Mearns’ approach to musical interpretation, structure, style, and creative expression.
His recent performance of the Bach Chaconne at the Guitar Foundation of America Convention was described as “amongst the greatest performances of the work I’ve ever heard. To say the audience went wild at the end would be a tremendous understatement.” (Soundboard Magazine)
Acclaimed virtuoso David Leisner wrote of Mearns’ New York debut, “I’m impressed and moved by his daring original take on things and his virtuosity. The Albéniz was especially spectacular, maybe the best I’ve ever heard.”
Alan’s critically acclaimed recording J.S. Bach, Sei Solo brought international attention and entered the Billboard Classical Music Charts at No. 8. The album has been praised for its originality and artistic conviction by numerous leading musicians and scholars:
Alan continues to expand the expressive range of the classical guitar not only as performer and arranger but also as a composer. Among his recent works are Oración and Lorca, the latter featured on his newly released album of the same name, a project that he describes as ‘flowers at the tomb of Federico Garcia Lorca, the poetic soul of Andalucía.’
Alan has also presented masterclasses throughout the United States and the United Kingdom including Yale University, the Dublin Conservatoire of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, the University of North Texas, the New York Classical Guitar Society, along with numerous guitar festivals and concert series.
In addition to his career as a classical musician, Alan maintains a parallel songwriting career as Yes the Raven, releasing multiple albums rooted in folk and Americana traditions. While distinct from his classical work, this songwriting voice informs his expressive impulse as a classical musician.
Alan Mearns’ artistry bridges tradition and individuality, scholarship and intuition. Whether interpreting Bach or presenting original works, he brings a compelling and unique voice to the classical guitar shaped by curiosity, expressive depth and a commitment to musical creativity.
Alan Mearns comes to Portsmouth Guitar Sunday with the support of an Augustine Grant.