The career of Kent-born classical guitarist Robert Drury nearly came to an abrupt end when he smashed his left arm in an accident.

But Robert is now back on fine form and he can be seen on stage this week.

His hero is self-taught classical guitarist Andres Segovia, who gave his first professional recital in Spain in 1909 aged just 16. He went on to become the 20th century’s most famous concert guitarist, with a prolific recording and worldwide performance career spanning 78 years.

Robert’s solo guitar concert in Deal this week aims to celebrate Segovia’s life and work. It will include some of the maestro’s favourite music from F.Tarrega, JS.Bach, I.Albeniz, and F.Sor. The programme will also feature Tárrega’s ‘ecuerdos de la Alhambr’ and Albeñiz’s Leyenda, both well-loved guitar pieces.

Robert lived in Hythe for 26 years before moving to Ash, near Canterbury, two years ago.

He studied guitar at Canterbury Christ Church University, graduating with an MA in Music Performance in 1999.

A love of the guitar music of Spain led to his special interest in the life and work of Segovia, so the discovery of a collection of Segovia guitar music “editions” in an old box of
secondhand and very dusty sheet music was a real find.

Robert said: “In preparing for these concerts, I’ve been able to work on rare Segovia editions going back to the 1930s and 1940s so it’s been a real insight into the way he approached the instrument.”

Robert has had an intense two-and-a-half years regaining his guitar technique following a badly fractured left arm back in 2008 which left him unable to play for anything more than short periods.

The accident happened as PA equipment was being loaded at a theatre – a bass speaker fell on him, knocking him out .

The show is at Deal’s Astor Theatre on Thursday, March 6.

Tickets £12. Call 01304 370220.