Jan Labant, acclaimed Slovakian classical guitarist, is the winner of innumerable national and international awards and has acquired a huge following in Europe, where his praises have graced the columns of critics for years now. Jan studied guitar at the conservatory in Zilina with Prof. Dusan Lehotsky, before completing his studies at the pedagogical Faculty in Nitra and at the Academy of Dramatic Art and Music in Bratislava, in Prof. Jozef Zsapka’s class. His graduating recital at the conservatory in Zilina was dedicated to J.Rodrigo's ‘Concierto de Aranjuez', which he performed with the National Chamber Orchestra of Zilina. He was awarded ‘Best Graduate of 1982’ for his efforts.

A year later, together with Ph. Dr Pavol Sika, Jan founded the international guitar festival ‘Cithara Aediculae’, at which he is every year both artistic director and contributor. The festival not only has and continues to attract the world’s finest guitarists, but can also boast one of the most popular masterclass programs in Europe. Once held in the beautiful room of Topolcianky castle, th festival has now settled in the historic town of Nitra.

A tireless performer, Jan has performed and conducted masterclasses not only in his native Slovakia and the Czech Republic, but also in Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, Austria and Australia. He records for both radio (Jan was featured on ABCfm as a part of a special broadcast courtesy of Slovak Radio, for instance) and television and is committed to a number of music ensembles: performing with a trio of string instruments; in duo with flute; in duo with semi-acoustic guitar; in trio with semi-acoustic guitar and soprano voice; and in his classical guitar duet, 'Duo La Barre'.

His dedication to music education is also well known. Jan has headed the guitar department at the Zilina Conservatory since 1987 and has also lectured at the Arts Academy in Banska Bystrica since 1997. A respected figure in the music establishment, he is regularly invited to adjudicate for both national and international competitions.

One of Jan’s other interests is the promotion of contemporary classical music. His efforts to forge strong relationships with composers have led to his collaborations with award winning composer/guitarist Marian Budos, who toured a program of new music and lectures on Australian contemporary guitar music with Jan’s assistance. Indeed, this ‘Australian Cultural Initiative’ of Jan's met with such success abroad that he has already arranged subsequent tours for Australian artists Anthony Field and Tim Kain’s quartet, ‘Guitar Trek’. In 1999 Jan visited Australia for the first time in a tour of the capital cities. Jan has recorded five CDs to date: ‘Rossinianas’, (Slovart Records), the solo works of Mauro Giuliani; ‘Agustin Barrios Mangore’, (Slovart Records), his solo works; and ‘Two Worlds’ (Music Master), the solo and ensemble works of Marian Budos. His premiere of Marian Budos' concertos was also recently recorded to CD, as were new works by his guitar duet, 'Duo La Barre', to be released later this year. Jan's duo 'La Barre' (w. Peter Remenik) can be heard at the upcoming Kernow International Guitar festival in England this September, 2002.

JAN LABANT: SAMPLE TRACKS

‘Labant was considered by the audience to be the greatest artistic event. In his hands the guitar seemed an animate object. He held the audience from start to finish...’ - Classical Guitar, U.K.

‘He has shown his prowess: an excellent sense of colour, an extraordinary technique, a rich and dynamic range and an infallible memory.’ - Musical Instruments, Czech Republic.

‘His performance is generous and expressive...the listener can appreciate the extraordinary talent expressed throughout his melody and style.’-Gendai, Japan.

‘Labant’s brilliant technique and purity of tone delight an audience of guitar lovers.’ - Classical Guitar, U.K.

‘The first thing which strikes you about Labant’s playing is the technical certainty, precision, clarity and dynamic edge.’- Musical Life, Slovakia.

‘...among the world’s best guitarists.’- Classical Guitar, U.K.