Julian Bream

Julian Bream biography

julian bream

Julian Bream (born in London in 1933) is one of the world's leading classical guitarists and lute players, with a glittering performing career that has lasted decades.

  • Born in London in 1933, Julian was inspired to pick up the guitar by his father and by hearing Django Reinhardt recordings.
  • He received his first guitar at the age of 11 and went on to study piano and cello at the Royal College of Music.
  • He left the RCM to complete his national service in 1952, stationed in Woolwich - allowing him regular access to perform concerts in London.
    He formed the Julian Bream Consort in 1960 with Bream himself on the lute.
  • In 1964, Bream was awarded an OBE for services to music, followed by a CBE in 1985.
  • Bream's relationship with RCA and EMI Classics led to a number of feted recordings, notably with the CBSO and Sir Simon Rattle. He presented a number of television programmes and televised guitar masterclasses from the 1980s onwards, bringing his expertise to a much wider audience.
  • Composers who have dedicated pieces to Bream over the years include Malcom Arnold, Benjamin Britten, Richard Rodney Bennett, Michael Tippett and William Walton.

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