Classical guitarist Julian Bream dies aged 87

Classical guitarist and lute player Julian Bream has died at his home in Wiltshire at the age of 87

The virtuoso musician performed globally during his heyday, and was renowned for his recordings of new compositions and masterclasses.

The musician’s representatives, James Brown Management, confirmed the news in a statement on their website.

It said: “We are very sad to report that Julian Bream CBE (b. 1933), English classical guitarist and lutenist, died peacefully at home today, 14 August 2020.”

Bream was among the most distinguished classical guitarists of the 20th century and worked with some of the period’s best-known musicians and composers.

We are very sad to report that Julian Bream CBE (b. 1933), English classical guitarist and lutenist, died peacefully at home today, 14 August 2020.https://t.co/TV8nP4TNvM Photo credit: Eamonn McCabe #julianbream #classicalguitar pic.twitter.com/Hcu2724G7V

— James Brown Management (@JB_Management) August 14, 2020

He won four Grammy Awards and received 20 nominations between 1960 and 85.

A self-taught musician, Bream learned playing to radio dance bands with the lute his father bought from a sailor on London's Charing Cross Road in 1947.