Classical guitar coming to Langley Estate

THE historic Federation-era Langley Estate will host one of Australia’s most promising guitarists on Sunday, 26 June.

Maldon-based Clancy McLeod has put together a program featuring classic guitar pieces titled A Dream in the Forest, exploring themes of grief, loss and love of the natural environment.

“I put this program together after the [2012-20] black summer bushfires,” he said.

“Making music about virtuosity and ego just didn’t seem meaningful to me so I’ve put this program together of pieces that really move me and speak to my feelings about the grief I was going through about the destruction of nature and the forests of eastern Australia.”

McLeod’s diverse program features emotional pieces such as La Catedral by early 20th century guitarist Agustín Barrios, Chaconne by Bach, and Invocacion y Danza by Joaquín Rodrigo.

The 26-year-old, who was raised in Alice Springs and now lives on a property on Mount Tarrengower, said his connection to nature inspires him.

“The magic of the desert in central Australia will always be inside me and I like to think it comes through when I’m playing,” he said.

“I live on a beautiful property in Mount Tarrengower at the moment and walks in the bush, I’m constantly absorbing the beauty of the world.”

McLeod is taking his concert across the state, from Horsham to Bendigo, with concerts at Eltham, Castlemaine, Ararat, Shepparton, and Daylesford.

He said everywhere he plays he strives for intimacy and an emotional connection with the audience.

“I’m trying to communicate and speak to my audience,” he said. “I’m trying to give them something special and if I don’t have people coming away with tears then I feel like I haven’t done my job.”

McLeod plays at Langley Estate’s 1873 Lauriston Chapel on Sunday, 26 June at 3pm. For tickets head to bit.ly/3tN3H0M.