Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

France

Birth

:

June 21, 1929 in Alexandria, Egypt

Death

:

August 24, 1999 in Paris, France

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Alexandre Lagoya was a French classical guitarist who was born on June 21, 1929, in Alexandria, Egypt. He was born to a Greek mother and an Italian father, who was a violinist. His father's profession had a significant impact on Alexandre's musical upbringing, as he was exposed to classical music from a young age. At the age of 13, Alexandre began studying the guitar with a local teacher in Alexandria. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and progressed rapidly. In 1947, he moved to Paris to continue his studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. There, he studied under the renowned guitarist and composer, Andrés Segovia. Lagoya's talent and dedication to the guitar were evident from the start of his career. In 1951, he won first prize at the International Guitar Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. This was a significant achievement for the young guitarist, as it helped to establish his reputation as a rising star in the classical music world. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Lagoya continued to perform and record extensively. He collaborated with many other musicians, including his wife, the pianist and harpsichordist Ida Presti. Together, they formed a guitar duo that was widely regarded as one of the best in the world. One of the highlights of Lagoya's career was his performance at the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. He was invited to perform as part of the French Pavilion's cultural program, and his performance was a huge success. He played a variety of pieces, including works by Bach, Scarlatti, and Albeniz, and received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to his performances, Lagoya was also a prolific recording artist. He recorded many albums throughout his career, including solo works and collaborations with other musicians. Some of his most famous recordings include his interpretations of the works of Bach, Vivaldi, and Rodrigo. Lagoya's talent and dedication to the guitar were recognized with many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1962, he was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for his recording of the works of Bach. He was also awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, one of France's highest honors, in 1971. Despite his success, Lagoya remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He continued to perform and record until his death in 1999, at the age of 70. His legacy as one of the greatest classical guitarists of all time lives on through his recordings and the many musicians he inspired.

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