Guitar & Artistic Director

Allan Neave studied classical guitar at the then RSAMD, RNCM and finally with the Great Spanish master – José Tomas in Alicante. Since this time he has been a regular guest at many of the world’s leading musical festivals including the Edinburgh International, St Magnus, Cheltenham, Lorient, Iserlohn International Guitar Festivals, as well as performances at Tartan Week, New York in 2012. He is a regular guest at many of the worlds leading musical events and has worked with many influential musicians including Nikita Koshkin, David Fennessy, Hans Werner Henze, Gordon McPherson and Stephen Dodgson.

To date, his career has been an eclectic one, from recordings to international tours. Past highlights have included many performances of Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with some of the UK’s leading ensembles – Royal Scottish National Orchestra/ Northern Sinfonia/ Scottish Chamber Orchestra. 

During his 30 year career, Allan was the Artistic Director of the Dundee International Guitar Festival for over 20 years and since 2010 has led RCS’s ‘ Big Guitar Weekend’ a winter event for all matters guitar!  In 2000, he received the Scotland on Sunday Glenfiddich ® Spirit of Scotland Award for Music; these awards were set up to recognise individuals who lead the way in Scottish culture. He was also awarded his Professorship from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for  contribution to the musical landscape of our country.

Allan is currently Head of Guitar and Harp at RCS, he plays Michael Gee guitars and is a D’Addario, New York sponsored artist.