Connor Whyte first picked up the guitar at the age of eight. Like many children, he was drawn to the electrifying appeal of rock music, even though his eventual mastery of classical concertos would bring him widespread recognition.
“My older brother played the guitar, and I thought he was cool,” Connor, now 20, recalls during a phone interview. “I wanted to be cool too, but it didn’t exactly work out that way!”
At just 10 years old, Connor’s perspective on music shifted when he performed a heavy metal rendition of Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca. That moment marked the beginning of his fascination with classical music. “I ended up loving it more than I ever expected,” he says. “The challenges of classical guitar are uniquely satisfying. There was nothing else I could imagine doing—music became my sole passion.”
Connor’s natural talent and dedication became evident early on. At 14, he joined the inaugural Adelaide Guitar Festival Winter School in 2016, a program led by Paul Svoboda. Designed to nurture the skills of emerging classical guitarists, the week-long intensive allowed participants to perform as part of the Guitar Festival Orchestra.
“I really enjoyed it,” Connor says. “Classical guitarists often perform solo, which is great, but playing with over 50 musicians was incredibly energizing.”
Slava Grigoryan, the artistic director of the Adelaide Guitar Festival, emphasizes how the Winter School connects and inspires young talent like Connor. “The program isn’t about competition—it’s about bringing people together to play, learn, and perform music collectively,” he explains.
For Connor, the Winter School provided invaluable lessons, from improving sight-reading and live performance skills to building connections with fellow musicians and mentors.
Connor’s progress through the Winter School led to invitations to prestigious masterclasses at the Adelaide Guitar Festival. He worked with notable guitarists such as American artist Martha Masters and Spanish maestro Jose Maria Gallardo Del Rey, renowned for his expertise in classical Spanish guitar and flamenco.
Connor’s first professional performance came in 2020, during the festival’s Backstage Sessions Live Concert. At the same time, he was pursuing a Bachelor of Music Advanced (Classical Performance) at the Elder Conservatorium of Music and competing in the Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition.
Although he reached the finals in 2020 and 2021, Connor opted out of the 2022 competition, doubting his chances of winning. However, encouragement from his parents changed his mind. “I didn’t think I was at the level to win, but they pushed me to do it,” he says.
Over six months, Connor meticulously practiced seven pieces for the competition. His repertoire included a self-arranged Bach piece originally composed for the organ. “Winning wasn’t my focus,” he shares. “I wanted to become the best player I could be. The preparation process was transformative—I practiced smarter, using methods like playing slowly and with a metronome.”
Connor’s hard work paid off. His performance at the 2022 Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition earned him first place. Slava Grigoryan describes it as “immaculate,” highlighting Connor’s individuality and natural musicianship. “He’s not just a follower—he brings his own voice to the music,” Slava notes.
The prize included $10,000, a handcrafted Jim Redgate guitar valued at $23,000, and the opportunity to perform at the next Adelaide Guitar Festival. This victory also unlocked new opportunities, with Connor set to perform in Sydney, Perth, and Canberra later this year.
“That recognition came at a critical time for him,” says Slava. “The music community has taken notice.”
Connor is now using his prize money to pursue an honors degree at the Australian National University in Canberra. Under the mentorship of Minh Le Hoang and Timothy Kain, his studies focus on performance and arranging classical guitar adaptations of organ compositions. “I’m thrilled to be doing what I love—playing for audiences,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Connor credits the Adelaide Guitar Festival and Winter School as pivotal in his growth. “You learn so much about performance and collaboration,” he says. “But one of the best ways to grow as a musician is by attending concerts.”
With its array of world-class performances, the festival has played a crucial role in shaping his career. “The Adelaide Guitar Festival brings together some of the greatest players from Australia and beyond. It’s inspiring and an excellent place to build your network,” Connor concludes.
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