Our History
The Aurora Guitar Ensemble has gained a reputation and committed following since it’s formation in 2007 by Musical Director, Dr Paul Svoboda. Known for their cohesion, dedication and infectious joy on stage, the ensemble consists Svoboda’s classical guitar students who have continued playing outside of school and alongside their professional lives. Aurora is made up of students, doctors, lawyers, engineers, sports physiologists, occupational therapists, artists and a small number of professional guitar players.
With two released albums – Every Second Tuesday and Sunday Sessions – Aurora’s popularity is only matched by the enthusiasm of their director. Breaking record sales in the two years they’ve performed in the Concert Hall at the International Adelaide Guitar Festival (2014 and 2018), Aurora's engaging musical style is headed by Svoboda’s unique contemporary play on classical guitar.
Playing alongside their friends, the Aurora Guitar Ensemble take great pleasure in sharing their musical passion. Over the ensemble’s career, they’ve been fortunate enough to accompany notable classical guitarists such as the Grigoryian Brothers, Pepe Romero, Maximo Pujol, Karin Schaupp and the Australian String Quartet. When they're not touring to Adelaide, Sydney or Northern NSW, Aurora proudly performs regular concerts for communities at Mt Tamborine, Tamrookum, and the greater Brisbane region.
Beautifully played guitars and superb arrangements; quite simply some of the most uplifting music I’ve heard in years.
Clothesline Magazine
Our Director
Brisbane-based, Australian guitarist Paul Svoboda graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland’s School of Music, and was the recipient of the University Medal for outstanding achievement and the Most Outstanding Music Graduate 1989. Moving his studies abroad, Svoboda received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Sibelius Academy of Music in Helsinki, Finland.
Since then, he has been a highly successful teacher, performer and composer with a studded background of various musical achievements worldwide. Currently, Svoboda teaches at Loreto College Coorparoo where he founded a successful classical guitar program. With an extensive list of compositional works, Svoboda continues to apply a ‘modern touch’ to the Aurora Guitar Ensemble’s repertoire. The music Svoboda produces has received great acclaim, with pieces frequently aired on ABC Classic FM.
Svoboda must surely be the most enthusiastic conductor around. He does not merely conduct his ensemble; he dances, jumps, occasionally plays congas, and wears the biggest smile in the auditorium. There is no question that he loves every second of his job, and that spreads to all of his musicians and audience alike.
Broadway World Adelaide