Raphaella Smits & Duo Savigni

Raphaella Smits is no ordinary musician. She is a phenomenon. She fascinates. She moves. She makes a lasting impression. The « first lady of the eight-string guitar » is acclaimed worldwide: for her charisma, for her research and eclectic programming, for her choice of historical instruments and ditto performance practice, for her numerous CD recordings, called benchmarks for future performances, and for her authentic recitals. In this concert she will present a journey into the expressive world of the Romantic guitar with works of Fernando Sor, Mauro Giuliani and Antonio Diabelli. 

Duo Savigni presents a program that celebrates the Romantic repertoire for guitar and fortepiano while honoring the invaluable contributions of women to the art of composition. Performing on original instruments, they explore mid-19th-century works written specifically for this duo formation, alongside modern transcriptions. Their programme features original compositions by renowned guitarist Joseph Kaspar Mertz and pianist Josephine Plantin, as well as newly transcribed works by Duo Savigni, including music by Clara Wieck Schumann, a central figure of the Romantic movement.

This concert is organized as part of the Art of Arranging Guitar Festival, organized by Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel, Brussels Guitar Laboratory and Antigoni Goni.