".... a wonderful performance by Ian yesterday. The audience feedback was wonderful, with above average attendance. I appreciate the additional effort Ian put into the pre-concert talk and the time he spent with Aberdeen City Music School pupils."

Martin Aitken, Performance and Events Officer, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums, February 2025

"... an eclectic programme of guitar solos and guitar arrangements of piano pieces spanning 5 centuries and inspired by the Mediterranean. All pieces were played from memory.... displaying what was to be evident as a feature of Ian’s playing, a huge timbral range.... fastidious attention to precise tuning... Thus tone, timbre and intonation all benefitted from an attention to detail throughout the recital, earning the most intense admiration of this reviewer, for one.... beautiful phrasing, with elegant rubato, sweet cantabile and a lovely use of harmonics.... a fiesta atmosphere with a variety of timbral effects, a light triple rhythm and the thrilling effect of rapidly repeated single notes with the Hispanic-rhythmed melody moving underneath. A sweet ending with a final flourish ...

Ian Watt’s charismatic music-making captured the hearts and admiration of the enthusiastic audience. A characterful rendition of the fifth of Granados’ Spanish Dances was the stylish encore that rewarded their applause."

Donal Hurley, 28/06/24, Edinburgh Music Review for East Neuk Festival

"exceptional evening of live music... remarkable musicianship and dexterity... captivating the audience with his emotional and skillful playing... performed without referring to sheet music, a testament to his mastery and intimate familiarity with the pieces... engaging background information providing context and enriching the audience’s experience... choice of repertoire highlighted his versatility, seamlessly transitioning from the works of the Scottish Composer John McLeod to the compositions of Augustin Barrios. The first half of the concert culminated with Barrio’s La Catedral leaving the audience in awe.
... finale was met with rapturous applause and a standing ovation, underscoring the audience’s appreciation and admiration.
Watt’s performance was a memorable demonstration of classical guitar artistry, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. "

Cowal Music Club, Dunoon July 2024

"Watt gave a dazzlingly virtuosic performance, most excitingly in the cadenza of the final movement which he had contributed."

The Herald (Scotland), 2010

"Watt’s playing was mesmerising to watch, particularly in the extended use of harmonics."

Bachtrack 3/8/13

"Douze études pour guitare was commissioned by guitar virtuoso Andrés Segovia and written by Villa-Lobos when he was in Paris in 1929. Here, Watt played the final four études with lots of attention to detail, and plenty of variation in tone, from sweet-sounding notes near the fingerboard to harsher tones near the bridge. Even struggling with a bottom string which doggedly refused to stay in tune, this was a compelling and stylish bravura performance."

Bachtrack, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 3/8/13