Edith Pageaud, Guitar Virtuoso (Adelaide)

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.

Her program opens with works by Philip Glass and Heinrich Biber. 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.