The 'Hendrix of the hurdy-gurdy' Guilhem Desq to perform at the Malta International Arts Festival
The Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) will kick-off this coming Friday in what promises to be a festival of artistic celebration featuring prominent local and international artists.
One of the highlight concerts taking place on Wednesday, June 21st is Guilhem Desq - Solo Hurdy-Gurdy. With millions of views on his YouTube videos, Desq breathes new life and innovation into this mediaeval instrument. His sound is unmistakable as he electrifies this originally acoustic instrument featuring a variety of genres; from traditional European folk to Middle-Eastern, contemporary rock, hip-hop and electro.
Desq’s relationship with the hurdy-gurdy can be traced back to his childhood when he learned how to play the instrument at the age of eight, thanks to the influence of his father who was a seasoned luthier. He later followed courses in traditional music at the music conservatory of Tarn in Albi, France.
The hurdy-gurdy is truly a fascinating and unique musical instrument. It is a string instrument that produces sound with a hand-cranked wheel that functions like a violin bow. In fact, the single notes played on the instrument sound similar to those of a violin. Melodies are played on a keyboard by pressing tangents (small wedges), against one or more of the strings to change their pitch. Like most other acoustic stringed instruments, it has a sound board and hollow cavity which amplify the vibration of the strings.
In 2018, after a year of touring worldwide with over 50 concerts in France, India, USA, New Zealand, Israel, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, China and Vietnam, Desq released his first album entitled “Visions”. Desq extends the hurdy-gurdy beyond its conventional repertoire and takes his audience on an eclectic odyssey where the traditional realm blends music influences with virtuosity and electronics – contributing to his fame as the ‘Hendrix of the hurdy-gurdy’.
Guilhem Desq is not the only highlight in this year’s festival, however, as this edition of the MIAF presents a rich programme characterised by its unique venues and prominent artists. Interested to learn more?
Visit www.festivals.mt/miaf to purchase tickets and to find out more about this unique festival and its eclectic programme of events.