Craig Ogden is a hard man to get hold of. It’s not surprising, though – as one of the leading classical guitarists of his generation, he is hugely in demand both as a performer and teacher, and has the kind of work schedule that makes you wonder how he ever finds time to stand still.

So performing in Chadlington, the Oxfordshire village he has called home for the last 14 years, is something of a novelty for this high-flying but very modest man.

He was born in Perth, Australia, where he discovered the joys of the guitar at an early age – thanks to John Denver.

“I loved John Denver, and his songs were all guitar-based,” he says. “There was one song in particular called This Old Guitar, and this gave me a really romanticised notion of the instrument, even at that age. I was five or six, and those songs made me want to start playing the guitar, so I nagged my parents and they caved in by the time I was seven. I always enjoyed my lessons and went on from there.”

Growing up, guitar supremos John Williams and Julian Bream became a major influence – and Craig has been widely hailed as their natural successor. “They were the two big global players – they were a duopoly. So most people my age had albums of Williams and Bream.

“Both have been hugely influential for me, particularly Bream in terms of repertoire, and Williams has been a really big practical help in terms of recommending me for work and has been really encouraging. He asked me to play with him once or twice as well. Sitting on stage with John Williams is a surreal experience for any guitarist.”

Craig graduated from the University of Western Australia with an honours degree in music, and then came to the UK to do a post-graduate performance degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Since then, he has played with leading orchestras all over the world, become one of the most recorded guitarists in the UK and, more recently, added film work and radio presenting to his CV.

In 2004 he became the youngest instrumentalist to receive a Fellowship at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he is now Principal Lecturer in Guitar. He is also a Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Music in London.

His latest CD, Christmas Time, was released by Classic FM on November 25, and is a mix of popular festive carols and songs, from Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. How did he choose the tracks from the vast repertoire available?

“It was a team effort, really. Classic FM had mentioned some they would like to have on there, so between us we drew up a long list and gradually honed it down. Obviously I had a sharp eye on choosing ones that would work nicely on the guitar.”

Taking familiar carols such as Silent Night and giving them fresh, new arrangements proved an interesting challenge. “For Silent Night particularly I chose an unusual tuning, and some really lush harmonies,” Craig says. “That was the one I did first, actually, and it just sort of fell into place. Some of the harmonies are slightly unexpected but I was pleased with the way that came out.”

For Friday’s concert in Chadlington, Craig will be joined by his wife, operatic mezzo-soprano Claire Bradshaw – whom he met when studying at the RNCM – and Serbian accordion player Milos Milivojevic. The programme will include tracks from the new album as well as other seasonal and not-so-seasonal fare.

“It’s a mixed bag. We’ll do Christmassy things but some normal classical repertoire as well. I’ll play some of the Christmas arrangements off my album, and we’ll do some songs together – there’ll be a bit of Bach. Then Milos will play some wonderful show pieces and we’ll do some tangos together.”

Proceeds from the concert will go to Chadlington School, which Craig’s two children, aged five and 10, attend, and it will be a family-orientated occasion. “It’s not a heavy classical concert, so anybody can enjoy it. “It’ll be a fun night, with mulled wine and mince pies, and everyone will have a nice time,” he added.

LIVE
Craig Ogden is at Chadlington Church tomorrow. Signed copies of his new CD will be on sale. Call 01608 676685/07980 268213, or email becky.wootton@uk.gt.com