Alexandr Misko
Acoustic Guitarist Of the Year
Finalists: Karlijn Langendijk, Casper Esmann, Alexandr Misko
We’re very proud to say that the three finalists in our acoustic category were selected in the summer by Tommy Emmanuel, Mike Dawes and Jon Gomm alongside our editorial staff, so we knew the trio were judged by three of the very best acoustic players working today. Mike Dawes joined a judging panel at the show itself including Neville Marten, Chris Bird and our own deputy editor and professional acoustic fingerstylist, David Mead. All our contestants travelled in from mainland Europe and proved just how versatile contemporary fingerstyle players can be.
Karlijn Langendijk, 23, from the Netherlands and studying for a Masters in Acoustic Guitar, was first up with her thoughtful piece Triangulum played on a nylon crossover model made by Austrian luthier Christina Kobler. “It’s a small constellation in the northern sky and has three very bright stars and they’re formed like a triangle,” Karlijn explained to us backstage. She took that theme into atmospheric places with a touch of flamenco and neoclassical, and mesmerised the audience. We eagerly await to hear more when her debut solo album is released.
Denmark’s Casper Esmann draws inspiration from Tommy Emmanuel (playing his Maton signature) and the world of Hans Zimmer soundtracks; it showed in his emotive delivery of the Celtic and cinematic D-Day. “I’ve known Karlijn for many years and I’ve been aware of Alex for years, too,” said Casper. “I was very happy when I found out these were my competitors – it’s a good feeling that you can come here as friends and leave as friends.”
The prevalence of percussive fingerstyle has become ubiquitous, alongside the role of YouTube in showcasing players, so it takes a ton of talent to stand out in this area. The combination of composition and flair demonstrated by 20-yearold Russian Alexandr Misko certainly did that, with the melodic traditions of his home country palpable in the intricate, cascading melodies in his piece Tale Of Lost Times (planned to be featured on his third album next year) delivered with his Lowden. Despite an immensely tough decision for judges and very close scores indeed, it was enough to win Alexandr the acoustic title and the main prize of a Takamine acoustic.