Alvin Tung has established himself as one of Canada’s most brilliant virtuosi by securing numerous first prizes in many different competitions across North America. His honours have included winning the silver medal at the prestigious Tokyo International Guitar Competition, becoming the first Canadian in the thirty five year history of the competition to ever win a prize. He is also a two time consecutive first prize winner of the Canada Council National Grant Competition and Canadian National Music Competition (CMC).
Tung completed his Bachelor and Master Degree in Music at the University of Toronto. At the age of 26, he was the youngest Doctoral (DMA) guitar recipient from the Eastman School of Music studying under Dr. Nicholas Goluses where he was a scholarship student. At Eastman, Alvin Tung received the honour of becoming the first guitarist to ever win the school’s coveted Performer’s Certificate.
Tung gave his solo recital debut at the age of twelve. Since then, he has performed across Canada, the United States and the Far East as a recitalist, a chamber musician as well as an orchestral soloist. His performances have been critically acclaimed by the press and public alike: “A miracle in guitar playing.” – (Sing Tao Daily, International), “. . . his expressiveness made the guitar sing.” – (Gendai Guitar, Japan), “Alvin Tung is undoubtedly one of the world’s most brilliant young guitarists.” – (Classical Music, Taiwan). His live performances are often recorded for broadcast on major radio and television networks across Canada, the United States and Asia. He has also enjoyed equal praise and success as a recording artist. With three CD recordings to his credit, the two most recent discs have already sold out across Canada.
Alvin Tung has appeared as concerto soloist with orchestras across Canada, the United States, and Asia. Highlights in his career have included appearing as guest soloist with the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra to inaugurate the grand opening of the Living Arts Centre. In addition, he has made recital and chamber music debuts at the Glenn Gould Studio, the George Weston Recital Hall, Roy Thompson Hall, Muskoka Lakes and Ottawa Chamber Music Festivals and the Taipei International Guitar Festival. Concerts this season include an extensive tour with stops in Manitoba and Ontario with violinist Steven Tsitsos, where they will perform One Night Stand, a program of tangos and Latin inspired music. Shortly after will follow a lengthy concert tour in Mexico where Tung will perform Joaquin Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez. Rounding out the season, he will record his fourth CD and perform the Western Suite, a concerto for guitar and orchestra by American composer Christopher Fazzi which he gave the Canadian premiere.
At the age of 25, Dr. Tung was appointed to the faculty of the University of Toronto to instruct guitar and chamber music. In addition to his responsibilities at the University, he is in great demand nationally as an adjudicator and clinician and has given master classes internationally. He has taught at the Taipei International Guitar Festival, the Algonquin International Music Institute, and the International School of Musical Arts. He was also appointed to the faculties of the Weathersfield Summer Music Festival in Vermont and the Silver Bay Summer Music Festival in New York. His students are among the finest young musicians in the country having won numerous first and grand prizes at national and international music competitions. Dr. Alvin Tung performs on a 1989 Paulino Bernabe and a 1978 Jose Ramirez generously donated by his patron, Colin Robert Fraser. In addition, he is also under the generous patronage of renowned Canadian luthier Peter Daniels, who built “le Sorcier” for him in 2002.
