World renowned French guitarist Gerard Abiton will be the star performer at the 10th anniversary Pattaya Classical Guitar Festival & Competition, which takes place this coming Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Siam Bayshore hotel in south Pattaya.
The French maestro has been a featured soloist at many festivals around the globe but although he has performed in Thailand and Asia before, this will be his first visit to Pattaya.
“I have been to the Land of Smiles six times before and I like this country very much. I find the people in particular to be very hospitable and friendly,” said Gerard. “This year will be my first visit to Pattaya and I am very happy and honored to be invited to play here.”
Being self-taught on the guitar from the age of 12, Abiton received his first formal musical training 2 years later from the guitarist and tenor Christian Jean, who influenced the young prodigy’s musical and aesthetic direction, in particular the transition from natural expression to the performance of the guitar.
Abiton is one of the rare guitarists to have been invited by the city of Aranjuez in Spain to play the famous Concierto de Aranjuez by the legendary Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo, and music from the Iberian Peninsula features large in his repertoire.
“I like Spanish music very much and I am particularly fond of the work of the composer Isaac Albéniz. I hope to perform some of his music at the festival in Pattaya,” said Gerard.
The 10th anniversary Pattaya Guitar Festival will also feature the expert strumming of Thailand’s Pongpat Pongpradit, the Siam Guitar Quartet from Bangkok, the Maria Duo from Japan, the CGO Guitar Orchestra and much more.
The festival is the only event of its kind in Thailand, showcasing many of the world’s top guitar makers and musicians and is a must see for classical guitar aficionados and music lovers on the Eastern Seaboard.
A festival pass (inclusive of coffee breaks) is Baht 400 for adults and Baht 200 for students (with valid I.D.). Tickets are on sale at the Siam Bayshore Pattaya. Call 038-428-678 for details or visit https://thailandguitarsociety.weebly.com/.
 |
 |
