European classical guitarist comes to Lagos

The Romanian-born act will hold a two-day masterclass, on 16 and 17 April, for young emerging talents from Nigeria as part of his voluntary project to support Nigerian classical guitar players.

The masterclass is not Gogoncea's first encounter with Nigerian musicians. Several months ago, with the support of Robert Schumann University Düsseldorf and the renowned luthier family Ramirez, Gogoncea brought a classical guitar to Nigeria. It was presented to Taiwo Adegoke, a guitarist and teacher.

During his forthcoming visit, a second classical guitar will be presented to the young guitarist Olushola Festus. A benefit concert for classical guitar purchase will bring Gogoncea's stay to an end.

Gogoncea has already selected eight guitarists as participants for the masterclass. Goethe-Institut is, however, inviting up to 30 participants who will attend as passive participants. Interested persons can contact Goethe-Institut Nigeria.

Mircea Gogoncea graduated with maximum honors from the excellence programme at Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf. He also completed the advanced diploma programme of the Royal Academy of Music London. He has performed 350 concerts on five continents and has been awarded 165 prizes. According to some reports, he is considered one of the guitarists with the highest number of awards in the world.

Last year his Trip Around the World of Music tour played the US, UK Cuba, Germany, Spain, France and Israel. Created in collaboration with musicians, dancers and visual artists, the concerts are part of Gogoncea's commitment to brining engaging performances and classical music to new audiences.

Speaking about the masterclass and concert, both of which will take place at City Hall, Lagos Island premises of Goethe-Institut Nigeria, the organisation's director, Friederike Moschel, told Music In Africa that an invitation had been extended to a host of figures, including officials from the German and French consulates. "It is always nice to encourage an initiative that has acquired a life of its own," she said.