Birth

:

in Limoges, France

 

Virgil Boutellis-Taft is a French classical guitarist and violinist who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and innovative approach to classical music. Born in Paris in 1982, Boutellis-Taft began playing the violin at the age of five and later picked up the guitar as a teenager. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where he earned degrees in both instruments. Boutellis-Taft's early career was marked by a series of impressive performances and awards. In 2004, he won first prize at the International Guitar Competition of Paris, and in 2006 he was awarded the prestigious Prix de la Fondation Cziffra. He also won the Grand Prix du Disque for his debut album, "Guitar Recital," which was released in 2007. Boutellis-Taft's unique approach to classical music has been shaped by his dual training in both the violin and guitar. He has developed a style that blends the technical precision of the violin with the expressive possibilities of the guitar, creating a sound that is both virtuosic and emotionally resonant. His repertoire includes works by classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as contemporary pieces by composers like Arvo Pärt and John Williams. One of Boutellis-Taft's most notable performances was his 2012 debut at the Wigmore Hall in London, where he performed a program of works by Bach, Pärt, and Villa-Lobos. The concert was widely praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, and cemented Boutellis-Taft's reputation as one of the most exciting young classical musicians of his generation. In addition to his solo performances, Boutellis-Taft is also an active chamber musician. He has collaborated with a number of renowned musicians, including cellist Gautier Capuçon and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. He is a member of the Trio Karénine, a chamber ensemble that has won critical acclaim for its innovative interpretations of classical works. Boutellis-Taft's commitment to expanding the boundaries of classical music has also led him to explore new forms of collaboration and performance. In 2016, he founded the Paris-based festival "Les Vacances de Monsieur Haydn," which brings together musicians from a variety of genres to perform works by Haydn and other classical composers. The festival has been praised for its innovative programming and its ability to attract new audiences to classical music. Boutellis-Taft's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. In addition to his early prizes and awards, he has been named a laureate of the Fondation Banque Populaire and the Fondation Meyer, and has received the prestigious Diapason d'Or award for his recordings. He was also named a "Rising Star" by the European Concert Hall Organisation in 2015, which led to a series of performances at some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe. Despite his many accomplishments, Boutellis-Taft remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new forms of expression. He continues to perform and record regularly, and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative classical musicians of his generation.

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