Sean Shibe’s new album Vesper has been named one of Gramophone Magazine’s Editor’s Choice picks for May 2026, recognized by critic Martin Cullingford as one of the finest recordings of the month. The PENTATONE release, featuring music by Thomas Adès, Harrison Birtwistle, and James Dillon, is praised as a compelling portrait of the classical guitar’s voice in the 21st century.
Reviewing the album, Gramophone calls it “a compelling portrait by Sean Shibe of the classical guitar’s voice in the 21st century, offering a stunning journey through drama, delicacy and virtuosity.”
The recognition places “Vesper” alongside other standout releases of May, cementing Shibe’s place among the most inventive voices reshaping the instrument’s role in contemporary classical music.
Vesper is out now on PENTATONE.
