Edith Pageaud: Chords of Light and Shadow (Sheffield)

Edith Pageaud’s story is one of extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. Picking up the guitar at just seven years old, she quickly ascended to the ranks of a child prodigy, claiming numerous national competition titles by the age of nine. By 14, she had already earned a Diplôme d’Études Musicales in classical guitar from the prestigious Paris CRR, studying under the celebrated Gérard Abiton—a feat that firmly established her as a rising star on the international stage.

Renowned for her dazzling technique and deeply expressive artistry, Pageaud has captivated audiences and juries across the globe. Her accolades include first prizes at the Drome de Guitares competition in 2022, the Roland Dyens International Competition in 2023, and the Florence International Guitar Competition Alvaro Company in Italy, cementing her reputation as one of today’s most exciting classical guitarists. 

A performer, arranger, and educator, Pageaud bridges tradition and innovation with remarkable finesse. Her program is a captivating journey through time and styles, weaving together works by Philip Glass, whose minimalist Opening sets a meditative tone, and Heinrich Biber, whose Baroque Passacaglia is reimagined with intricate depth. Pageaud brings a fresh perspective to Schubert, performing emotive arrangements of Gute Nacht and Aufenthalt that evoke the poignant spirit of the composer’s lieder.

The program also delves into the lush, transcendental soundscapes of Messiaen’s Louanges and showcases Pageaud’s virtuosic flair in works like Scriabin’s Étude Op. 8 No. 12 and Rachmaninov’s Prélude in C# minor, both arranged to fully exploit the expressive possibilities of the guitar. Piazzolla’s Oblivion, in an arrangement by the legendary Roland Dyens, adds a touch of sultry Argentinian tango, while the folkloric charm of Yupanqui’s El Bien Perdido and Seixas’s Sonata K. 24 highlights her ability to navigate diverse cultural and historical idioms with ease. The recital concludes with the rhythmic drive of Tansman’s Passacaille, rounding out an evening of profound artistry and technical brilliance.

Off the stage, she shares her passion and expertise as a revered classical guitar teacher at a Conservatoire in France.

Edith Pageaud’s performances are a celebration of virtuosity, imagination, and emotional depth, promising audiences an experience that is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. From the delicate nuances of her phrasing to the commanding brilliance of her technique, her artistry leaves a lasting impression long after the final note.

Programme:
Glass / Opening (arr. V. Miladinovic)
Mertz / Introduction et Rondo Brillant
Schubert / Gute Nacht (arr. Edith Pageaud)
Schubert / Aufenthalt (arr. Mertz)
Messiaen / Louanges (arr. M. Tozzola)
Biber / Passacaglia (arr. Pageaud)
Rachmaninoff / Prélude in C# minor (arr. Pageaud)
Scriabin / Étude Op. 8 No. 12 (arr. Pageaud)
Seixas / Sonata K. 24
Piazzolla / Oblivion (arr. Dyens)
Yupanqui / El Bien Perdido
Tansman / Passacaille