We are hosting our Thursday Lunchtime Concerts at 1.10pm, doors open at 12.30pm for refreshments. The concert will be in person and live-streamed on YouTube. Benoit Mussard shall be performing classical guitar in our Rising Stars category. Livestream link is here - https://youtu.be/-O5zrGs0Zx4
Programme:
Benoit Mussard Reunion Island Popular Suite
Jean Sebas-en Bach Suite BWV 996
Henry Purcell A new Ground
Biography - Benoit Mussard
From Reunion Island, Benoit explores the many facets of guitar through completely different styles. Minimalist music blends with Reunion Island rhythms and african influences. His debut album "Tropikal" reflects with clarity these various influences. Although the characteristic technique of classical guitar is always at the heart of creation, Benoit is experimenting with new techniques from this instrument. He integrates percussions, whistles, flutes, and thus evolves on other rhythms. The aim is to make the most of the instrument’s characteristics and to introduce the public to the classical guitar from a completely different angle. Benoit began classical guitar at the age of 7 and joined the Reunion Island Conservatoire at 9. Student of Patrick SIDA, he obtained his Musical Studies Diploma in 2016 and completed his studies with David HOARAU and, then Gérard ABITON at the Conservatoire of Paris. At the age of 18, the young guitarist is admitted to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse in Paris, in the class of Tristan MANOUKIAN. In order to develop his musical and guitaristic play, he participates in many masterclass with Roland DYENS, Dusan BOGDANOVIC, Jérémy JOUVE and Celso MACHADO. He also take composition classes with polish composer Marek Pasieczny. Benoit learned the traditional music of his island in a band called «Les Compères Créoles». He discovered the characteristic percussions of sega and maloya as well as other string instruments : the banjo. He perfected the technique of this instrument during a tour in France in 2015. Sensitive to music transmission, the guitarist intervenes in schools and associative structures by proposing musical awakening and shows. He also accompanies storytelling, baby reader sessions and “young audience” shows in libraries. Winner of several international competition, Benoit MUSSARD performs as a soloist on French and international stages.