Gareth Johnson

Distinguished Lecturer and Artist in Residence (Professor) at Albany State University, Albany Georgia. 

An artist with flair that brings to the stage an exciting 21st Century rendition of the master's; mixed with the vibrancy of youth, perfection and extraordinary musicality. 

At the age of 10 after hearing famed Itzhak Perlman, the young Mr. Johnson declared, “I can play that instrument!" And how right he was. Mr. Johnson is an articulate, enthusiastic, and creative presenter and an inspiration to young musicians everywhere.

Now in his mid-20s, the New York Times once said of Mr. Johnson that he “…possesses prodigious musical gifts – like Joshua Bell or Maxim Vengerov…he dominates the stage.”

In addition to his talents as a classical violinist, Mr. Johnson is also a devoted composer and arranger of other music forms.

His passion and persistence to master the violin has allowed him to be regarded as an artist who brings a unique since of energy, emotions and personal interpretations to his audiences.

Arizona Daily Star

"Johnson lit into the lightening-fast bowing with precision, producing a clean sound that rang out even when he was joined by the full complement of the strings. ....his showmanship was subtle, with a knowing look over his shoulder at the orchestra, or a straight-on glance into the audience, a slight smile teasing that we had better be ready for what's coming next. And what came next were rapid-fire fits married with melodic passages that swooned."  "He made his violin sing, and the song was at times achingly beautiful and playfully light. ...Johnson's fingers flew over the fret and his bow sliced over the strings so fast and furious that if you blinked you would miss a whole passage. It was an incredible experience."

Palm Beach Daily News

When Palm Beach Daily News arts critics were asked to pick their favorite and most memorable events from the past season (2005-2006), Ken Keaton exclaimed that his choice was Gareth Johnson.  "…when one finds a young artist with a unique and compelling voice, that is an occasion to celebrate.  Such an artist is Gareth Johnson, a violinist barely into his 20s who combined a honeyed tone, mature interpretive intelligence and blazing virtuosity.   ...Johnson’s Rinker Playhouse recital resonates in my memory."

The New York Times

…“ Mr. Johnson was proclaimed to possess “prodigious musical gifts—like Joshua Bell or Maxim Vengerov…he dominates the stage.”  In response to Mr. Johnson’s desire to become the Tiger Woods of classical music, Oestreich, music critic of the New York Times further commented that “Classical music could use a Tiger Woods and, no question, Mr. Johnson may well fit the bill.”

The Washington Post

…18-year-old violinist Gareth Johnson, a multi-award winner, who offered impressive accounts of Mozart's Violin Concerto in D, K. 218, and Saint-Saens's "Havanaise," Op. 83. About the same age as Mozart when he wrote the concerto, Johnson conveyed all the Allegro's fusion of youthful élan and courtly grace, the sweetly rounded lyricism of the Andante and the Rondeau's playful wit. He showed himself to be a confident soloist who combines sensitive control of the bow with right-on intonation and nicely detailed phrasing. Johnson's version of the "Havanaise" again exhibited all these qualities in a properly nostalgic way, plus a welcome bravado and sonorous depth.”

The Naples News

…“Not since the teenaged Joshua Bell first captivated concert-goers with his remarkable talents have we been privileged to hear such a gifted young violinist......with a maturity far beyond his years.....incredible musical communication.....notes so delicately and gloriously intoned.....a rare talent indeed.....undeniable musical genius.....a soft-spoken violinist who stood, almost still, on an empty stage and created magic.”

Special to the Press Enterprise of Redlands California Nov. 2009

…“violin soloist Gareth Johnson...blew the socks off an enthusiastic audience.  Johnson, young and confident, leapt into Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with an edgy bravura that challenged the subtleties of the familiar and elegant work. With an intense attitude, he dazzled the audience with lithe, nimble fingering, perfect intonation and clear, sure high notes. … a sensuous quality and delivered moments of artistic integrity and awareness. He allowed the beautiful music to take command…”