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Gérard Abiton
Saturday, April 7th, 2007 at 8:00 PM
At the age of sixteen, Gérard Abiton started studying at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique of Paris
with Alexandre Lagoya.
He continued his studies at the Summer Academy with the Uruguayan Abel Carlevaro and the famous Spanish master Andres Segovia.
In 1981, he was both
prizewinner at the Georges Cziffra Foundation and in the 27th International Competition of guitar of Radio France.
The same year, he was a winner in the 37th International Competition
of Musical Execution in Geneva and in the Prize of Musicians Artists’Association of Geneva for his remarkable interpretation of « Four short pieces » by composer Frank Martin.
Gerard
Abiton was twenty years old when he began his career as a concert artist.
Milan, Oslo, Mexico, Cuba, Syracuse, Wiesbaden, Paris, Geneva… he has given recitals and concerts as a soloist and
with orchestra.
He has played with the Orchestre Symphonique du Rhin, Orchestre de la RadioTélévision Suisse Italienne, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Sinfonia of Manchester,
Ensemble instrumental Harmonia Nova, Collegium Musicum of Bale…
Gérard Abiton has clear ideas about his aesthetics and technique choices.
One of his objectives is to increase the
polyphonic aspect of his instrument while inventing appropriate techniques.
His repertory is eclectic and covers several centuries of music. If he confesses to a certain propensity for
the composers of the beginning of the 20th century, he is also attracted by contemporary music.
He has done several recordings such as the Complete guitar works of Manuel Ponce,
Suites et Variations (Bach, Martin, Iglesia), Con sentimiento Popular (Turina, Torroba, Mompu), Por los campos de Espana (Joaquin Rodrigo) which have been acclaimed and awarded prizes.
Gérard Abiton is a performer and a teacher too.
He teaches at the CNR of Orléans, regularly gives master classes all over the world and belongs to a panel of judges for different
national and international competitions.
Press (Extracts)
An unusual musical sensibility, an incredible talent, Gérard Abiton is really a wonderful guitarist !
Midi Libre, 2005
In his latest record of Rodrigo, Gérard Abiton has achieved an exceptional interpretation which allows a transparency in the composer’s musical discourse… This record
is one of the most beautiful references for those wishing to discover Rodrigo’s work for guitar solo, not only because of the choice of the pieces but also because of the interpreter’s talent.
Guitarist Acoustic, 2004
Gérard Abiton is an exceptional and talented guitarist, whose route of excellence fills us with admiration…
Guitare Classique 2003
… An
extraordinary musical sensibility… In the Suite of Bach, the very well worked interpretation was specially convincing… The Fandanguillo of Turina was perfectly executed… The talent of Gérard
Abiton is for sure exceptional.
Wiesbaden Tagblatt 2001
… One of the best guitarist in the world…
Libération 2001
Magnificent, bewitching, there are not enough
superlatives to describe the concert given by Gérard Abiton…
L’Est Républicain 2000
A virtuoso, a master, in his field… Abiton has the will to enhance a polyphonic instrument
throughout technique and let us perceive it as such.
Le Pays 1999
Winner of the Competition of Musical Execution in Geneva, the french guitarist Gérard Abiton has marvelously
interpreted Bach, Sor, Giuliani and Britten. This meeting is the most important guitar event on a stage of Mexique…
El Excelsior – Mexico 1998
Gérard Abiton gives an exceptional
interpretation, marked by mastery and intelligence. It is very seldom that a guitarist is convincing in every aspect of his interpretation and keeps such a steady level of excellency and
perfection.
Diapason 1988
The music of Ponce flows freely and finds the perfect emotional translation in the hands of Gérard Abiton. It is wonderful…
Les Cahiers de la Guitare 1997
Programm Concert Portland
1st part
Enrique Granados (1867 - 1916)
- Valses poétiques (extraits) *
Miguel Llobet (1878 - 1938)
- Variaciones sobre un tema (Folia de España) de Sor op.15
Joaquin Rodrigo (1901 - 1999)
- En los trigales
- Junto al generalife
- Fandango
Vicente Asencio (1908 - 1979)
Suite Valenciana :
- Preludi
- Canconeta
- Dansa
2nd part
Isaac Albeniz (1860 - 1909)
- Mallorca op.202 *
- Torre bermeja op.92 *
- Preludio op.165 *
- Rumores de la caleta op.71 *
- Capricio catalan op.165 *
- Sevilla op.47 *
* Transcriptions de Gerard Abiton
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