Sean Shibe is named Young Artist of the Year at the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Awards

At the glamorous RPS Awards in central London, it has been announced that Scottish guitarist – and Delphian artist – Sean Shibe has been named Young Artist of the Year: ‘an award for a solo artist or chamber ensemble making their first significant impact in the UK during 2017’. Sean was nominated alongside musicians Louise Alder and Elim Chan.

2017 was a huge year for Sean, and this award recognises, amongst a host of achievements, the release of his first solo album. Dreams & Fancies: English music for solo guitar. The release won impressive acclaim, both as Editor’s Choice in Gramophone Magazine, and BBC Music Magazine’s Instrumental Choice. In addition, Dreams & Fancies was nominated for a BBC Music Magazine Award.

During the summer of 2017, Sean devised and toured his successful live show, softLOUD: music for acoustic and electric guitars. In sell-out shows at the East Neuk Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, critics praised Sean’s programme which brings together ancient and modern traditions, in a collection of music ranging from Scottish lute manuscripts to Steve Reich’s explosive Electric Counterpoint.