ISLAMABAD: One of the most successful French guitarists in the world Thibault Cauvin performed at a concert, entertaining audience with some of the most celebrated beautiful melodies.

The Alliance Francaise that organised the live concert in collaboration with the French embassy introduced Thibault Cauvin as much more than just a guitarist.

“His concerts are timeless moments of grace and rare poetry, where he magically draws in anyone who lends an ear,” said one of the organisers.

After landing in Karachi and visiting Lahore, Thibault Cauvin was in Islamabad to mesmerise audience with his breathtaking talent and passion for music.

In addition to his own compositions, Thibault Cauvin played pieces by Bach, Piazzolla and Grappelli, composed with a fusion of world influences consisting of acoustic finger-style and classical.

The French virtuoso informed his audience that his music was inspired by his travels across the world. The Islamabad Club auditorium provided a decent setting for this type of performance where the audience witnessed a master at work, and be part of an evening filled with stunning musicianship and captivating melodies.

People were treated to a journey through musical landscapes as Thibault Cauvin showcased his mastery on the classical guitar.

Drawing inspiration from South America, his initial compositions set the stage for a captivating performance. As the evening progressed, Cauvin mesmerised listeners with pieces influenced by movies he encountered during his travels, each note carrying the essence of his experiences.

One particular composition, inspired by a tale from Turkey, transported the audience to a realm of beauty and complexity inherent in classical guitar. However, it was the grand finale that truly stole the show. Collaborating with flute and tabla players from Lahore, Cauvin delved into a mesmerising exploration of the guitar’s boundless expressive capabilities, paying homage to the rich cultural tapestry of the city.

Thibault Cauvin’s father was himself a musician, therefore he followed the natural path.

He first studied at the Bordeaux Conservatoire and later at the Paris Conservatoire National Superieur, graduating with honours. He won 36 international prizes, including 13 first prizes. At the age of 20, he became the most successful guitarist in the world.

Since then, Thibault has traveled to more than 120 countries for nearly 1,500 performances, from the most prestigious stages to the most atypical places, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Eiffel Tower, from Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall to Beijing’s Forbidden City, from London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall to Carthage’s Acropollium.

Thibault’s guitar has no borders, no limits, one evening 40,000 people could hear him on the beach of Royan in France, two days later he played in a ruined temple in Ecuador for as few as 200 privileged people.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2024