Described as "A musician of rare artistry and imagination" (BBC Radio 3), English classical guitarist Michael Christian Durrant has performed at some of the world's most celebrated concert halls, including the Berliner Philharmonie, London's Wigmore Hall, and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. He studied under Maestro Giulio Tampalini at the Accademia della Chitarra di Brescia, Italy, and Maestro Carlos Bonell at the Royal College of Music (RCM), London, where he is currently completing his PhD in Performance Science. Michael has collaborated with artists including violinist Alexander Markov, pianist Nico de Villiers, saxophonist Jonathan Radford, and flamenco guitarist Samuel Moore. His studio catalogue includes albums recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London. An Augustíne Strings artist, he performs on a 2008 Greg Smallman concert guitar.

“Few instruments can rival the guitar's capacity for conveying shifting moods, emotions, and pictures in sound. Michael's virtuoso playing took all this to new heights.”

(Winchester Cathedral Concert Review, Professor Roger Richardson)

“It was very fitting that all the tickets were sold for this wonderful performance by Michael Christian Durrant, truly a stellar classical guitarist with a natural ease and presence.”

(Arts Desk, Crail Music Festival)

Michael studied classical guitar with Maestro Carlos Bonell, professor of guitar at the Royal College of Music (RCM), London and Maestro Giulio Tampalini at Accademia della Chitarra di Brescia in Italy. He studied full-time as a master’s student at the RCM and was awarded an MSc with distinction in 2018. He is currently completing his PhD in Performance Science at the RCM, with his research focusing on health promotion in the performing arts.

In addition to his performance commitments, Michael continues to demonstrate a natural ability to inspire others as a teacher, and in 2011 was invited to lead masterclasses for Language and Music for Life (LMFL) international summer courses. He directed the classical guitar programme for LMFL between 2011–2014, including courses in Le Chambon-sur-lignon, France; Llandovery College, Wales; Ordino, Andorra; and at the Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello in Venice, Italy. Closer to home, Michael established the West Yorkshire Classical Guitar Society (WYCGS) in 2012 and continues to work with a select number of private students. In 2018, Michael was appointed by Maestro Giulio Tamplani as a classical guitar teacher at Accademia Internazionale della Chitarra di Brescia, Italy.

“Michael is a classical guitarist who plays with a rare level of expression and intelligence. Moreover, he has an ability to communicate through music that sets him apart as one of the leading and most engaging young guitarists on the scene.”

(Maestro Giulio Tampalini, Warner Classics International Artist)

“Michael is an incredibly musical and passionate guitarist. I’ve had the pleasure of performing with him and his technique, tone and musicality are extraordinary.”

(Alexander Markov, Violinist, Warner Classics International Artist)

A dedicated chamber musician, Michael also collaborates regularly by performing and recording with a diverse range of artists; including the violinist Alexander Markov, the pianist Nico de Villiers, and the flamenco guitarist Samuel Moore. In September 2017, Michael performed alongside the Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir in an anniversary concert celebrating the music of the Italian composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, including a performance of the evocative Romancero Gitano, Op. 152 for guitar and mixed choir. Michael continues to cultivate a range of new collaborative projects and has recently worked alongside the violinist Inês Delgado and the saxophonist Jonathan Radford.

Since 2014, Michael has been represented by the London-based agency Gary Parkes Music Ltd. and he enjoys a busy international performance schedule. In addition to his recital activities on land, Michael is highly sought after as a classical artiste by the world’s leading cruise lines, and he continues to present concerts for Cunard, Seabourn, P&O, Holland America, Saga, Silversea, and Princess Cruises. Michael has performed on over seventy-five cruises to date, and these travels have taken him all over the world.

Michael Christian Durrant plays a 2008 Greg Smallman concert guitar and uses Augustine classical guitar strings.

“Whereas many solo performers are no less and no more than fine musicians, Michael's introductions and commentaries on works in his programme bring with them an extra level of engagement with his audience. They sat there spellbound as this young musician played and were left panting for more.”

(Winchester Cathedral Concert Review, Professor Roger Richardson)