Louise Southwood

British guitarist Louise Southwood is a passionate musician with an eclectic repertoire of Classical and Latin music which spans many centuries...from the ancient to the modern. Her technically and emotionally precise performances have enchanted a diverse audience around the world… My love for the classical guitar began at an early age which resulted in many competitive successes and concerts throughout the UK. My musical world really opened up under the mentorship of the eminent guitarist Carlos Bonell, who is described as, “one of the great communicators of the guitar world”. Under Carlos’ guidance my playing blossomed which led me to the prestigious Royal College of Music in London from which I graduated with a Bachelor of Music, honours degree in 2000. While attending the Royal College I had the privilege of working with the one of the world’s foremost classical guitarists, Gary Ryan, on both solo and guitar accompaniment. The Royal College represented an extremely intense period of performances and collaborations as well as master classes with some of the world’s most renowned guitarists. Numerous engagements within the UK were highlighted by appearances at the Trinity Chapel in Cambridge and the National Gallery and St. Martin in the Fields in London. Following a number of years teaching at several prominent private schools and performing in London, I accepted a position at the Bermuda School of Music where I spent seven years teaching and performing. I’m now settled in Vancouver, Canada where I teach privately and at The VSO School of Music while maintaining a full performing schedule as a soloist and as part of a newly formed duo ‘Sequoia’ with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra violinist Jennie Press. I love performing my music for a wide variety of events and cater to every client’s particular needs…whether it be providing music for an intimate wedding ceremony when I learn new specific pieces chosen by the couple, or playing upbeat South American and Spanish repertoire for a corporate cocktail party.