Jean-François Desrosby

Recognized for his energetic playing, his great virtuosity and his deep musical sense, guitarist Jean-François Desrosby has displayed his talent on the stages of the world. His formidable stage presence, marked by his ability to captivate and fascinate his audience, is lauded by critics.

Two solo albums have been received with enthusiasm and have garnered numerous positive reviews.

An intimate knowledge of the forces of nature

Desrosby’s artistic approach is directly influenced by his close relationship with nature and his passion for the outdoors. Many of his musical ideas stem from observing the natural forces around him. The artist manifests these elements through the strong contrasts that characterize his playing. His deep love for nature and his wilderness experience have led him to participate as a search and rescue volunteer coordinator in the forest and mountains of his region.

A unique technique with a scientific basis

A hand injury forced Desrosby to rethink his technique from the base. Extensive research in the fields of biomechanics and performance psychology have allowed him to pursue his career as a concertist.

This knowledge also led him to a doctorate in the subject and inspired him to write the book Classical Guitarists: Unlock Your Potential! in 2011.

He regularly publishes articles on performance psychology and biomechanics on the BrainyGuitarist.com blog. Many readers are interested in his research and work in these subjects.

Jean-François Desrosby is a doctor of music interpretation (D.Mus.) and is a sought-after pedagogue both domestically and abroad. He combines academic teaching, master classes and lectures on classical guitar and inspires with his exceptional technique based on biomechanical principles and performance psychology.

Jean-François plays exclusively on Savarez Strings and plays a guitar made by the German luthier Antonius Müller (2013)

Biography

Combining master classes with stage performances, Jean-François Desrosby presents a diverse range of concerts and lectures on national and international stages. His repertoire touches on the Renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, postromantic and modern periods. These variations allow for great flexibility, from small concert halls to rooms capable of holding more than 2,500 people.

« I was impressed by the purity of his interpretation and his ability to captivate his audience» (R. Servin. Dir. FIGI, Mexico)

Regardless of the venue, Desrosby always performs for a fascinated and attentive audience. Previous venues include :

Major national and international halls • Vancouver Guitar Society • Californie, E.-U., South Bay Guitar Society • France, tournée de 45 concerts (diverses salles et églises) • Buffalo, E.-U., Kleinhans Music Hall • Mexique, Festival Guitarra Viva Mexico • Allemagne, Kreuzkirche Nürtingen • Place des Arts, Montréal • Festival Flamenco de Montréal

Captations • WNED-FM, Buffalo, É.-U. – live and interviews • Festival Guitarra Viva Mexico – t.v. and radio

Small halls in Canada • Montréal Conservatory of Music (concert hall) • Montreal Guitar Society • Québec Guitar Society • Concerts Ponticello, Gatineau • Salle Henri-Gagnon, Québec • Musique Chez Nous, Bishop’s University • Jeunesses musicales concert hall, Montréal • Chapelle historique du Bon Pasteur, Montréal • Centre des Arts de Baie-Comeau

concerts

Renaissance/baroque

Queen Elizabeth Galliard J. Dowland (transc. JF Desrosby) Frog Galliard J. Dowland (transc. JF Desrosby) Suite en Mi mineur BuxW236 D. Buxtehude Chaconne S.L. Weiss Suite BWV 1006a J.S. Bach (transcription JF Desrosby) Suite BWV 995 J.S. Bach (transcription JF Desrosby) Suite BWV 997 J.S. Bach (transcription JF Desrosby) Chaconne en Ré mineur BWV 1004 J.S. Bach (transcription JF Desrosby)

Classic/romantic

Rossiniane no.1 M. Giuliani Rossiniane no.3 M.Giuliani Fantaisie, variations brillantes opus 30 F. Sor Élégie J.K. Mertz Fantaisie hongroise J.K. Mertz Mallorca, Cordoba I. Albeniz La Cathédrale A. Barrios-Mangore Valse op.8 no.4 A. Barrios-Mangore Symphonie no.9 (From the New World) A. Dvorak (transc. JF Desrosby)

Post-romantic/modern

Sonatina in A F.M. Torroba Castels of Spain F.M. Torroba Capriccio Diabolico M. Castelnuovo-Tedesco Tarantella M. Castelnuovo-Tedeco Sonata J. Turina Invocation y Danza J. Rodrigo Sonata Giocosa J. Rodrigo Sonata Leo Brouwer El Decameron Negro Leo Brouwer Hika Leo Brouwer Sonata Lennox Berkeley El Muerte del Angel A. Piazzolla Totems I (Aigle, Hibou, Faucon, Corbeau) P. Sasseville-Quoquochi Totems II (Masko, Mahikan) P. Sasseville-Quoquochi Kaos P. Sasseville-Quoquochi Koyunbaba, suite for guitar Carlo Domeniconi Variations on a theme of Scriabin Alexandre Tansman

With orchestra

Fantaisie pour un Gentilhomme Joaquin Rodrigo Concerto de Aranjuez Joaquin Rodrigo Concerto no.1 in D Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco Concerto de Toronto Leo Brouwer Concerto Elegiaco Leo Brouwer

Current program

In addition to teaching music performance or instruction in a university setting, Jean-François Desrosby gives individual lessons or master classes. He also offers specialized conferences for conservatories, universities or festivals.

He developed a more modern approach to teaching guitar, drawing on scientific principles first developed in the world of high-level sport. His work in biomechanics and performance psychology makes him an important reference in the field of new original guitar techniques. He holds a doctorate on the subject and published a book on this research in 2011.

Universities and conservatories that have invited him for lectures or master classes include:

• Guitar Foundation of America International Convention • University of Moncton • Festival Alla Grande • South Bay guitar Society • Vancouver guitar Society • Conservatory of Music of Québec • Oklahoma City University • Professeurs de musique du Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean • Fédération des Associations de Musiciens Éducateurs du Québec

Conference and master classes

Reviews

« Whoever chose the term energetic wasn’t kidding! ! » Classical Guitar Magazine

« I’d now be very interested indeed to witness this guitarist performing live on stage! » Classical Guitar Magazine, U.K.

« Desrosby Rocks! » This Is Classical Guitar « He has much of taste and the true meaning of music. » InfOpera

« Equaling the energy of a rock band – move aside Hetfield! » Classical Guitar Canada

« I was impressed by the purity of his interpretation and his ability to captivate his audience »(R. Servin. Dir. FIGI, Mexico)

Optimization of the technique using a biomechanical approach

The sports biomechanics approach provides new ways for musicians to overcome technical blocks. This approach is effective in improving the playing techniques for any instrument.

The flexibil i ty of the biomechanical approach allows everyone to adapt these tricks to their own morphology and technical approach. Discover in a conference or workshop the physiological mechanisms that can optimize your guitar technique and prevent injuries related to instrumental practice. This presentation provides basic anatomical concepts and concrete solutions based on research results in sports biomechanics.

Optimizing performance through mental preparation

This thematic workshop introduces, in an accessible language, the mechanisms that hide behind performance anxiety. Several concrete tracks are explored to make this anxiety a powerful ally for optimizing stage performance.

“In my work on the optimization of guitar technique using a biomechanical approach, I quickly realized that a parameter was blurring the cards. I could greatly increase my potential, but unfortunately the performances were not always those expected under stress. My research into the field of sports kinesiology led me quite naturally to look at sportsmen and their mental preparation for performance. I found elements applicable to instrumental practice.” Jean-François Desrosby

audios & videos

AUDIOS (DOWNLOADABLE EXTRACTS) * complete versions on demand

Koyunbaba (mvt.3) C. Domeniconi

Sonatina (mvt.1) F.M. Torroba

Concerto d’Aranjuez (mvt.1, live) J. Rodrigo

VIDÉOS (YOUTUBE)

Koyunbaba ( mvt.4) C. Domeniconi

Sonatina (mvt.3) F.M. Torroba

La Muerte del Angel A. Piazzolla

Contact

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DESROSBY

Booking agent: concert@desrosby.com

website: www.desrosby.com

email: guitare@desrosby.com

phone: (819) 570-7759

blog: brainyguitarist.com