Programs
Solo
Bach, Banjos and the Hero’s Journey
In this inspirational solo program, John Bullard uses the metaphor of the hero’s journey to tell his own story and to introduce a captivating program of classical music on the banjo. On stage John is surrounded by three banjos (including a cello banjo) and renders faithful and stunning transcriptions of Bach and his contemporaries. John also shares newly commissioned works and original compositions. In this interactive program John engages the audience and invites them to reflect on their own hero’s journey in life and in music
“Bach, Banjos and the Hero’s Journey was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational evening of music…John took the audience on a journey with him, using music as the shared experience…we look forward to having him back; in fact our audience demanded it!”
Franklin Park Arts Center
Duo
Baroque with Pluck
Over the course of his performing and recording career, John Bullard has invited audiences to share in a transformative revelation: to experience the artistic marriage of banjo and classical music. With qualities evocative of harpsichord and lute, the banjo makes a natural place for itself within the works of Bach and his contemporaries. In this duo format, John is joined by Markus Compton on piano. This artful program mines the rich character of Baroque masters, showcasing the earthy pluck of the banjo. The duo perform works from John’s recent CD recording Classical Banjo: The Perfect Southern Art. Selections include Partita in E minor by G.P. Telemann, Sonata in G minor by J.S. Bach (BWV1030b) and Concerto in D minor by Alessandro Marcello. John also includes a set of his captivating solo banjo transcription
“Absolutely enchanting,” writes critic Graham Rickson of the UK-based The Arts Desk. “A musical education and experience that broke genre barriers,”
The Barns of Rose Hill
Quartet
John Bullard and Friends Quartet
Joined by Markus Compton on keyboard, Treesa Gold on violin, and Schuyler Slack on cello; John Bullard and friends Quartet perform much of the material from his latest CD recording: Classical Banjo: The Perfect Southern Art. Selections include Trio Sonata No. 8 in G minor by G.F. Handel and Concerto in D minor by Alessandro Marcello. Various configurations of the quartet are also featured for variety.
“John Bullard is breaking ground and ushering the Banjo into new territory as a legitimate instrument in the classical chamber setting. The audience waited with anticipation and was energized by the newness of the banjo’s versatility of sound as it effortlessly transitioned from traditional banjo repertoire to the exciting new setting of traditional chamber music. The audiences’ thunderous applause and whispers of approval clearly demonstrated Bullard is on to something good.”
Catherine and Mary Roth Concert Series
John Bullard Outreach Program
Using ingredients from his solo program “Bach, Banjos and the Hero’s Journey”, John sparks the quest for inspiration. Highlighting his own unique musical journey, John shows younger audiences how to find purpose and meaning in life’s obstacles – inviting them to discover their own hero’s journey in life and music.
(appropriate for middle school and up)
New Music Commissions…
Susurrations, a new commission for banjo and piano written by composer Joshua Stamper. This work is in three movements and is a musical glimpse into the world of birds from the Mid Atlantic region. The movements are: 1. Parliament of Owls, Evening. Pre-moon. 2. Dove Dule, Mid-Morning. Mists. 3. Wren Chime, Cardinal Deck, Warbler Wrench, Afternoon. After Rain.
Murder Ballads, a new commission from composer Steve Snowden. This work draws inspiration from the traditional genre from Appalachia whose lyrics often depict scenes of murder by a jilted lover. The work is for banjo, cello and piano and is in three movements.
24 Preludes for Solo Banjo, Volume Two by composer Adam Larrabee. This will be the second half of the work (preludes 13-24) and John will be recording this second volume in 2023. The work consists of 24 preludes for solo banjo - one in every key, major and minor. Pretty much the “well-tempered banjo”.