Liat Cohen, France - Israel

Liat Cohen

Pioneer of Contemporary Creation and Renaissance of the Classical Guitar

According to musicologist Yehoshua Hirshberg, Liat Cohen is one of the true virtuoso
guitarists continuing the great tradition established by the legendary Andre Segovia, of
transforming the intimate guitar into a magnificent solo instrument, projecting over large
concert auditoriums while maintaining the warm and gentle nuances of the instrument.
Singled out as one of the most important guitarists in the world today by French Guitarist
magazine and designated ‘virtuoso of poignant, delicate sound’ by the Guitare magazine,
Liat is the first classical guitarist ever to receive the prestigious Nadia and Lili Boulanger Prize
awarded by the Foundation of France.
Liat Cohen’s work has focused on Eastern European techniques, as well as the development and
publication of new works for guitar.
Her credentials include concert diplomas and First Prizes from the Schola Cantorum and the
Conservatory of the City of Paris, both awarded unanimously with Honorable Mentions.
She is a Laureate of the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris and the winner of international
competitions of Rome and Paris.
Her recent performance invitations have come from leading orchestras and festivals in the
United States, Australia, France, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Peru, Mexico,
Argentina, Costa Rica, Poland, Turkey and Israel, many of which were recorded live and
broadcast on National Televisions and Radios.
In 2003 Liat worked on transcriptions and recordings of J.S. Bach while artist in residence at
the Mont St Michel Abbey in France. This work culminated in a solo performance during the
20th European Cultural Heritage Day and a remarkable album “Liat Cohen plays Bach at
Mont St Michel”.

In 2007 following several years of research, her fifth album was released, Variations Ladino -
a musical journey from ancient Spain of the 15th century to our days, emerging new exciting
solo and chamber pieces for guitar based on the Ladino tradition.

As stated by the press “ Throughout one cannot help but be impressed by the virtuosity of the
guitarist and the sheer expertise in executing very complex and sophisticated scores with
brilliant technique and a great subtlety of feelings.”

Liat's album recorded with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (Warner Classics & Jazz)
underscores the source of inspiration she would become for many outstanding composers.

«The Kaddish is ravishing in its sonorities and heartbreaking in its effect. It
actually brought tears to my eyes. The guitar work is superb; it can be fervent
and intense. Liat Cohen proves herself to be a sensitive, deft, and entirely
resourceful guitarist.” American Record Guide

“Liat Cohen’s clear and firm way with the melody adds immeasurably to the

pleasure. I liked the way she played the Castelnuovo -Tedesco concerto. In the
Andantino she reaches into the depths of the Jewish soul” Classical Guitar
Magazine, London

“Guitarist Liat COHEN performed a highly-praised concert with the Jerusalem
Symphony Orchestra. It's a wonderful exploration into the Jewish music, the
broad abilities of the guitar as a primary instrument & the virtuoso
performance of Liat COHEN." WRR