Michael Lorimer - Biography

"Michael Lorimer is one of the most talented guitarists of these times and is the one that I appreciate the most. He has tamed his guitar well through a fluent and precise technique and his musicianship succeeds in solving arduous problems of interpretation through his intuition and reflection. As a human being he follows the order of the heart rather than the order of the intellect. In this record he has collected three compositions of mine, follies of my youth, except for the one named "Estudio Sin Luz" which I composed after an operation in one of my eyes for displacement of the retina. I am sure that Michael Lorimer will lift these ingenuous pieces from their long sleep and make them joyfully sonorous." ANDRÉS SEGOVIA New York, April 22, 1984.

Michael Lorimer, a favorite protégé of Andrés Segovia, caught the attention of American audiences in the early 1970s through tours arranged by the great impresario Sol Hurok. His popularity soon extended beyond the shores of America. He was the first American guitarist invited to perform in major cities of the USSR in 1975 and was received with such enthusiasm that he was immediately re-engaged for a 1977 tour. He has appeared in Israel, throughout Europe, on most major North American recital series, and with the orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Louisville, New Orleans and San Francisco.

Lorimer's command of an extensive repertoire is unique. His concerts reflect his enthusiasm for music of many periods and styles and often combine traditional classics, Americana, new music and seventeenth and eighteenth century guitar music performed on a Baroque guitar. In addition to concerts, he gives master classes at North American universities and conservatories from coast to coast. He is an engaging spokesman in demand for experimental programs in arts presentation.

In the television field, USA Public Broadcasting (PBS) has presented a special, "The Artistry of Michael Lorimer", and in publishing, Mel Bay distributes the "Michael Lorimer Edition" which now numbers over twenty volumes.

Away from music, Michael reads ardently on an expanse of subjects: from sciences to arts. In 1973, he played a benefit concert for the Hereditary Disease Foundation and for the past twelve years he has also been involved with the U.S. - Venezuela Huntington's Collaborative Research Project. He is moved by the tragedy of Huntington's disease for family and friends and he is inspired by the courage and cooperation of the wonderful people in Venezuela who for the past 20 years have helped with research to find a cure for Huntington's Disease. Michael has tried to give of himself to make life better for others and that generosity is exemplified here with his contribution of his art to TigerTunes.com, a label that gives 100% of its profits to charity.

 
(L to R) Michael Lorimer, Dr. Anne B. Young (TigerTunes Producer),
and Michael's wife Judy Lorimer

If you would like to learn more about Andrés Segovia, please read this special article
written by Michael titled "Andrés Segovia - The Teacher"

Michael can be reached at mlorimer@gmx.net
and you can find his music released by TigerTunes on MP3.com!