MORTAGNE Denis

Denis Mortagne completed his guitar studies at the Conservatory of Avignon while also studying composition, cello, music history, music theory, and orchestral conducting. He then completed advanced studies in composition with Janine Rueff, Jean Claude Henry, and George Hugon, and in guitar with Karel Harms and René Bartoli. He is a prize winner in the "René Bartoli" and "Carpentras" international guitar competitions, and was awarded first prize in the St. Marc International Composition Competition in 1999. In 1994, Denis founded the Orchestre de guitares de Provence and has since recorded several of his works with this ensemble, including the CD Voyage. He frequently gives solo recitals of classical, romantic, and contemporary works--including many of his own compositions--and is an active chamber musician in performances for two guitars and for violin and guitar. As a pedagogue, he is the guitar professor at the Carpentras Music School, the Director of the Pays Voconces Music School in the south of France, and also teaches at the Krakauer International Music Academy. His reputation as a teacher and composer/conductor has made him a highly demanded guest instructor for master classes in France and other European countries. Denis Mortagne's combined musical activities as a performer, teacher, and composer have constantly inspired him to renew his artistic and pedagogical vision. His compositions and arrangements invite listeners into a unique musical landscape and have been enthusiastically received by audiences throughout the world.