This article is about John Williams, the noted classical guitarist. For other people with the same name, see John Williams.

John Christopher Williams (born 24 April 1941) is one of the world's best-known classical guitarists. He was born in Melbourne in Australia and was taught initially by his father Len Williams. At the age of twelve he went to Italy to study under Andrés Segovia. Later, he attended the Royal College of Music in London.

Williams is best known as a classical guitarist, but has explored many different musical traditions. He has collaborated with Julian Bream and Paco Peña and was a member of the fusion group Sky. He is also a composer and arranger.

Williams has commissioned guitar concertos from composers such as Stephen Dodgson, André Previn, Richard Harvey and Steve Gray . He has also worked with composers from his native Australia, including Phillip Houghton , Peter Sculthorpe and Nigel Westlake , to produce guitar works that capture the spirit of his homeland.

He enjoyed a worldwide hit single with his recording of Cavatina by Stanley Myers, used as the theme tune to the Oscar-winning film The Deer Hunter.

He is visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

External links

• website from Sony Music Entertainment
• John Williams fan site