French classic guitarist Pierre Laniau arrives in Iceland today to play at the “Pourquoi Pas? – A French Spring in Iceland” festival organized by the Culture and Tourism Department of the City of Reykjavík.
“Pourquoi Pas?” opened on Thursday and will last until May 12. During the festival Laniau will play at three concerts in Iceland, on February 27 at the Icelandic Opera in Reykjavík, on February 28 at the Cultural Center in Hafnarfjördur and on March 1 in Fáskrúdsfjördur in the Eastfjords.
Laniau’s plays compositions from “the Golden Century of the Guitar,” from 1630 to 1740; Italian, Spanish and French baroque compositions for guitar, some of which have never been played before.
At the concerts Laniau plays authentic Voboam guitars, dating back to 1652 and 1700. Such guitars were used at the French Court in the 17th and 18th century for the entertainment of the Sun King, Louis XIV, and his successor, Louis XV.
Tomorrow, Laniau is giving a master class at the Iceland Academy of Arts. During the class he will listen to Icelandic guitar students play and offer them his advice.
Pierre Laniau has performed in more than 80 countries and his concerts have been praised by critics. He has established and supported several guitar schools in developing countries around the globe. In 2005 Laniau was rewarded with the French Order.
