Biography

Classical guitarist, Hamish Strathdee, is regarded as an "excellent young Australian performer" (Limelight Magazine). Hamish's debut recording, Impressions of Spain, has received critical acclaim, hailed as "an excellent debut” (Classical Guitar Magazine) and his playing has been described as being of “the highest standard” (Soundboard Magazine) and with a “gloriously warm and rich” sound (Classical Guitar Magazine). 

Hamish has performed to audiences across the globe as a soloist and as part of the Contra Guitar Duo, with highlights including; the Melbourne Guitar Festival and World Expo Dubai, as well as engagements at Hamburgische Staatsoper and the Darmstädter Gitarrentage and a number of international TV and radio appearances. Hamish has received numerous prizes in international competitions including, 2nd Prize in the London International Guitar Competition and 3rd Prize in both the Stuttgart and Aalborg International Guitar Competitions.

Hamish has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and grants including, a postgraduate study Stipendium from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD); achievement scholarships from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg; the Peter and Lena Karmel Honours Scholarship awarded to "the most outstanding student in music commencing an Honours year at the ANU School of Music"; and awards from the PPCA Performers’ Trust Foundation.

Hamish holds a Master of Music from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg, an Artist Diploma (Künstlerisches Aufbaustudium) from the Akademie für Tonkunst Darmstadt and a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the Australian National University. During his studies, he was fortunate to be mentored by Timothy Kain, Minh Le Hoang, Olaf Van Gonnissen and Tilman Hoppstock. He has also benefitted from studies with Paolo Pegoraro at the Segovia Guitar Academy in Pordenone, Italy.