Hamish Strathdee
Hamish Strathdee
The classical guitarist Hamish Strathdee is regarded as an “excellent young Australian artist” (Limelight Magazine). Hamish’s debut recording Impressions from Spain – released on the Soundset Label (USA) – was praised by critics as “an excellent debut” and “a thoroughly appealing album” (Classical Guitar Magazine). His playing has been described as “at the highest level” (Soundboard Magazine) and with a “beautifully warm and rich tone” (Classical Guitar Magazine).
Competitions and Awards
Hamish received prizes at the Whitworth Classical Music Competition, twice won 1st Prize at the ANU Chamber Music Competition (2016 as Contra Guitar Duo, 2013 as a member of the Wattle Guitar Quartet). He also received numerous scholarships, including:
- Fankhauser Travelling Fellowship (2015)
- Peter and Lena Karmel Honours Scholarship (2016, ANU School of Music)
- PPCA Performers’ Trust Foundation (2017)
- DAAD Scholarship for Musicians (2018)
Academic Career
Hamish holds a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the Australian National University. His primary academic research focused on creating a new performance edition of Antonio José’s Sonata para Guitarra, based on various manuscript sources and modern editions.
“… Strathdee has developed a new performance edition of the work using multiple sources. It is therefore no surprise that his performance is at the highest level, as every moment has been very thoroughly developed, both in lyrical and virtuosic sections.” – Soundboard Magazine
Mentors
During his studies, Hamish was guided by Minh Le Hoang and Timothy Kain. Prior to his time at ANU, he studied with Adrian Roll, Angelina Ellis, and Isolde Schaupp. He is currently studying at the Academy of Music in Darmstadt under the direction of guitarist, musicologist, and composer Dr. Tilman Hoppstock.
