Biography
Josh J. Searles has spent a lifetime honing his craft across various genres and instruments. An acclaimed and award winning classical guitarist, composer, and DJ, Searles holds a Master's degree in classical guitar performance from the prestigious University of Alicante, where he studied under world-renowned guitarists. Including Grammy-winning David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, and Meng Su. In 2019 he was rewarded with the E.G. Montgomery award for excellence in performance by world class virtuoso guitarist Alexander Dunn.
Searles’ international performance career began at the young age of 15. He has performed classical guitar in solo concerts and chamber music, french horn in quartets, orchestra and concert band, as well as his more avant-garde music: live electronica utilizing outboard synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, computers and live instruments. His dynamic range has taken him across Canada, the US, the UK, and Spain, including collaborations with renowned Brazilian guitarist and percussionist Celso Machado.
In addition to his prolific music career, Searles has contributed scores to films that have premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival. His work has also been featured in award-winning shorts like Ana Valine's “A Love Poem,” which won Best Experimental Film at Videobardo in Buenos Aires. His original compositions have also appeared in video productions and short films, such as Helen Haig-Brown's Pel'sic (Home Coming).
As Ghost Orchid, Searles draws on decades of musical experience from his electronic projects Daega Sound and Tamarak, where he produced and remixed an impressive catalogue of original works released on international labels such as Muti Music, Interchill, and Deep Heads. His music has graced the stages of iconic festivals like Mutek, Shambhala, and Bass Coast. At the same time, multiple releases, including the Hatched EP, have reached the Top 10 charts on Beatport and Junodownload.
Upcoming COncerts
PAST CONCERTS
JOSH J SEARLES Live In Concert, performing solo Spanish and South American works for the guitar. The Heritage Playhouse 662 North RD Gibsons, BC. June 25th 2022 at 7:30PM Tickets are $25 pre-sales available at Hand Reef & Sew at 657 School RD Gibsons, BC. Will-call tickets available by emailing jjsearles@gmail.com and tickets are also available at the door.
works
UPCOMING CONCERTS
AURORA ORSINI
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see Italian guitarist Aurora Orsini live in Gibsons on Wednesday, April 15 at 730 pm at the Heritage Playhouse. Aurora brings her artistry and virtuosity to the Sunshine Coast on her second show of her Canadian Debut. Siccas Guitars calls Aurora “one of the most promising voices in today’s classical guitar scene,” noting that her performances are both expressive and beautifully shaped, with a maturity that belies her years. Aurora has put together a wonderfully diverse solo program and will be joined by fellow guitarist and presenter Josh Searles for a short duo program. Josh and Aurora met at the University of Alicante in Spain in 2023 pursuing their Masters in Classical Guitar and connected right away on a musical and personal level. From Josh: “I was immediately struck by Aurora's incredibly passionate performances, her love for music and absolute dedication to her craft. While studying in Spain we had this idea of her coming to the west coast and playing some solo concerts and then sharing some concerts and playing duos. It's been 3 years since the idea sparked, so it is really wonderful to see it all coming together. I'm very excited to be a part of sharing her music with our community.”
The Heritage Playhouse
662 North RdGibsons, BC
Advanced tickets $25
Available at:
Hand Reef and Sew 657 School Rd Gibsons, BC
One Leaf Gallery 436 Marine Drive Gibsons, BC
MELOmania 1051 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek, BC
To reserve tickets at the door please email rushlightevent@gmail.com
PAST CONCERTS
SIMON FARINTOSH
For Willcall tickets please email rushlightevent@gmail.com
Saturday October 4th 2025 Concert 7:30pm Doors: 7:00pm Eric Cardinal Hall 930 Chamberlain Rd Gibsons, BC
Tickets $25
Available at: Hand Reef and Sew 657 School Rd Gibsons, BC One Leaf Gallery 436 Marine Drive Gibsons, BC MELOmania 1051 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek, BC
JOSH J SEARLES
For Willcall tickets please email rushlightevent@gmail.com
Saturday October 4th 2025 Concert 7:30pm Doors: 7:00pm Eric Cardinal Hall 930 Chamberlain Rd Gibsons, BC
Tickets $25
Available at: Hand Reef and Sew 657 School Rd Gibsons, BC One Leaf Gallery 436 Marine Drive Gibsons, BC MELOmania 1051 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek, BC
MAsterclass Registration
AURORA ORSINI
Masterclasses with Aurora Orsini
A chance for a masterclass lesson with virtuoso guitarist Aurora Orsini here on the Sunshine Coast. Aurora brings her artistry and virtuosity to the Sunshine Coast on her second show of her Canadian Debut. Siccas Guitars calls Aurora “one of the most promising voices in today’s classical guitar scene,” noting that her performances are both expressive and beautifully shaped, with a maturity that belies her years.
Limited to 3 participants, each lesson is 1 hour at $75
CONTACT
For bookings, private lessons or any other questions please find me here: