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Sam Desmet, guitar
Belgian guitarist Dr. Sam Desmet started earning a reputation in the late 2000s for performing and recording a mix of works from well-established composers with lesser-known or contemporary repertoire. Desmet often branches out by collaborating with different artists and art forms such as dance, painting, architecture, animation, film, and poetry.
Having begun his music education in the small town where he grew up, his true connection with classical music began at the Royal Conservatory at Ghent under the guidance of his mentor, Yves Storms and graduated with a masters in both music pedagogy and performance (highest distinction). In 2010, Desmet moved to the US to pursue a Doctorate in guitar performance at the Florida State University. Since, he worked and performed as a soloist and chamber musician in concert halls and universities around Asia, Europe, and throughout the US.
Dr. Desmet always had a deep fascination for chamber music, and in recent years collaborated with distinguished artists such as flutist Nora Lee García and composer/guitarist Federico Bonacossa. These partnerships have often allowed him to showcase the versatility and artistry of a classical guitarist to wider audiences.
Desmet recorded a series of guitar studies for the guitar on his album “Study < > Study”, which received high praise: “You have quite the musical insight.” (Angelo Gilardino, Musicologist, Composer); “Your playing is full of sensibility, I really love your work.” (Simone Iannarelli, Guitarist, Composer); “You are right in that many etudes can be beautiful music to include in one’s concert repertoire. You are a very musical player, te felicito!” (Luis Zea, Guitarist). This recording along with his recent ongoing releases, ranging from film music to folk song arrangements, are now available on all streaming platforms.
In addition to performing and recording, Desmet often publishes original works, arrangements and critical editions of music scores available on his website or through international publishers such as Production d’Oz and Edizioni Berben / Curzi. He also contributed articles to Classical Guitar Magazine.
Dr. Desmet has over 20 years of teaching experience in academies, conservatories, colleges, universities and at his private studio In Orlando, Florida. Several of his students won competitions and performed at Carnegie Hall. He is often asked as a judicator and lecturer for international music festivals and competitions.