LACOPO Emmanuel Jacob

Canadian Guitarist and Composer, Emmanuel Jacob Lacopo (b. 1996), is an artist driven by collaboration and innovation who aims to re-define the constraints of 21st century guitar. Through an examination of the social implications of the music we present, Lacopo transforms narratives into sonic experiences. His music challenges conventions and offers an expanded world of soundscapes and textures through an exploration of new approaches to electroacoustic performance practice, and an intermingling of mediums and collaborations. By showcasing varying settings of electronics, classical guitar, and electric guitar within the context of classical music, Lacopo unifies the different stylistic and cultural worlds of the guitar within classical music to create a more realistic picture of the genre in the 21^st century.

Acknowledged as one of CBC’s 2023 30 under 30 classical musicians, his performances showcase the guitar in a new light through multi-instrumental performances, live electronic processing, and original compositions that mesh his influences in progressive metal, math rock, and post-rock into a post-classical experience. Lacopo’s latest release, Eastman, is a re-imagination Julius Eastman’s music arranged for guitar and electronics (released with People Places Records, 2023) and “it needs to be heard to be believed” (CBC 2023). Lacopo’s arrangements showcase the modular interpretations that can be found within Eastman’s output that unite the traditional and avant-garde. From cascading tape tracks of dozens of electric guitars to lush granulated solo classical guitar, the album is both recognizably Eastman and uniquely Lacopo’s.

As an educator, has cultivated an online presence offering hours of free video content showcasing new music, guitar and theory tutorials, production tips, and behind the scenes perspectives throughout ongoing projects.

Lacopo earned a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music in 2021, where he studied with Benjamin Verdery, and is currently pursuing his Doctoral studies in Montreal at McGill's Schulich School of Music with Dr. Steven Cowan.