An Tran’s Ilumina: New Works for Guitar, released on 28 August 2026, offers a new listening route for guitarists looking beyond the familiar recital repertoire. The album is available through Prima Classic, with streaming links and a digital booklet gathered on Tran’s website.
The programme includes music by Sara d’Ippolito Reichert, Paul Ibbotson, Olga Amelkina-Vera, Juan Erena, Khiem Nguyen-Duy and Nathan Stade. Tran’s track listing identifies the world-premiere recordings individually, making the album a useful starting point for discovering recent writing for the instrument.
Where to begin
Khiem Nguyen-Duy’s contributions include Toccata on “Lý Kéo Chài” and Variations and Fugue on “Ru Em” (Xê Đăng Lullaby). Erena is represented by four pieces, while Ibbotson contributes a prelude and Little Dancer.
For teachers and performers, the practical next step is to listen alongside the booklet, then investigate the scores that suit a particular student or programme. A recording can introduce a work’s character, but it should not be treated as a guide to playing difficulty on its own.
Explore the album, track list, booklet and listening links
Thumbnail: Ilumina album artwork, via An Tran’s official album page.