Biography
Philippe Bertaud
THE NEW LORD OF THE STRING – Los Angeles Times
Philippe Bertaud is referred by Los Angeles Times as “the New Lord of the Strings” gifted by “a percussive brand of guitarist wizardry” according to Jazziz Magazine.
Bertaud’s multi-faceted career is a testament to his continual search for new ways to achieve artistic growth and renewal. Carried on by his versatility Philippe always evolves his expression according to his artistic aims and eclectic tastes, which directs him toward international development as an outstanding guitar performer, talented composer, and recognized master guitar teacher.
Like a true story teller, Philippe Bertaud brings his audience on a delightful cultural journey where everyone enjoys the unique expression of his captivating singing with his guitar being like a second voice, an orchestra, a big-band and a samba school. With a touch of French refinement topped with warm Latin character, Philippe strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination.
As an accomplished musician, Philippe loves to share his guitar expertise through his commitment to educational programs. These help to not only bring young audiences into contact with music but also allow them to participate in its creation. While touring, he takes time whenever possible to conduct master classes as well as more informal programs for students-musicians and non-musicians alike.
Philippe Bertaud grew up in Southern France between the green Alps and azure-blue Mediterranean Sea. At the age of fourteen, Philippe fell in love with the guitar and decided to dedicate himself to music instead of becoming a shepperd, his ambition at the time.
His passionate efforts leads to study at the National Conservatory of Music in Nice where he majored in jazz and classical on the guitar and composition.
Referred to in the press as …”the New Lord of the Strings…,” Philippe Bertaud has built an international career as a performer and recording artist. Philippe has been invited to prestigious festivals and venues such as Montreal Jazz Festival, the Winter Festival in Rio de Janeiro and Carnegie Hall just to name a few.
Whether performing a new concerto, writing a new composition, revisiting a work from the guitar repertoire or exploring cultures and musical forms, Philippe Bertaud express his musical freedom beyond the boundaries.
Press Quotes
All About Jazz
- Philippe Bertaud wowed Audience at Carnegie Hall -
Philippe Bertaud’s awe-inspiring program included five contemporary pieces displaying his interpretive genius: Amazing Grace, La Mangueira, which he also composed, and California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and the Papas. The musical surprises continued with brilliantly-arranged renditions of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and Baden Powell’s Canto de Ossanha. His tremendous technique, dynamic expression, and unadulterated virtuosity inspired four audience-requested encores!
Jazz Houston
- The Best! -
I must be serious for a minute. Philippe Bertaud might be the best guitarist I’ve ever seen. He was our peformer last night, and the entire room was stretching and craning to see this man work… Philippe’s performance was smooth, charming (as you would expect a Frenchman to be), and effortless. He could be as silly as Benny Hill while playing as seriously as any master. A gentle voice to match gentle tunes that would roll into passionate tangos and flamicos and then into soothing Asian scales mixed with the beat of the
The Willits News
- World Guitarist Series- Bertaud is back heart and soul.
After his sensational Mendocino County debut at the WCT this past spring, he received four standing ovations, guitarist Philippe Bertaud returns as the sixth event in the World Guitarist Series in a special, one-performance only show at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
“After Philippe’s first composition the audience realized they were about to experience a night to remember,” says WCT Production Manager Stephanie Chatten in recalling Bertaud’s April performance. “It was a certainty he would be returning by popular request.”
