Phil
Moorea

Speaker Profile

Phil Moorea is a multi-style solo guitarist who plays lead guitar with the Spanish band, ‘Gypsy Rhythms’ with singer/guitarist Elias Lopez.

Discovering the guitar at the age of seven, whilst playing in an empty Victorian terrace house in Paddington, Phil Moorea received his first lessons from banjo/guitarist Phil Skinner. Since then, he has studied with many of the great teachers of guitar, including Peter Calvo at the Sydney School of Spanish Guitar (Classical), the late world famous jazz guitarist Ike Isaacs (Latin/Jazz) and Robbie Varga and Manolo Franco at Paco Pena’s ‘Centro Flamenco’ in Cordoba, Spain (Flamenco).

Phil plays flamenco guitar for flamenco shows with the 'Sangre Espanol Dance Studio.' directed by Yolanda Campos. He also plays Latin guitar with Brazilian Jazz and French repertoire with vocalist Annique Azure together with Italian guitarist, Gino Pengue. In the classical music scene, Phil plays classical guitar with ‘The Recuerdos Trio’ (flute, cello & guitar).

Phil Moorea has appeared on TV and radio performing his original compositions, including Chanel 7's ‘Sydney Weekender’ and ‘At Home.’

He has played for famous Australians including former PM John Howard, Joe Hockey, Morris Iemma, Peter Cosgrove, Lindsay Fox, Frank Lowey, Valorie Taylor, Peter Pigott, Dick Smith, Max Walker, John Mangos, John Olsen, Jack Thompson, International concert pianist Brian Stanborough, and singers Leo Sayer and the late Ted Mulray.

Gypsy Rhythms have performed at major sporting events including the Sydney 2000 Olympics, AJC Randwick Race Carnivals, yachting events at Hamilton Island and for many other Sydney sporting clubs.

Overseas musical engagements include performances in London, Hong Kong and Bordeaux, as well as performing on-board Russian and Italian cruise ships.

As a guitar teacher, Phil Moorea has taught at the Australian Institute of Music and the Hong Hong Performing Arts Centre among others.

The recent CD recording 'The Moorish Guitar,' features original scores and arrangements by Phil Moorea, covering Flamenco, Classical and Latin styles.

Travels from New South Wales