Internationally acclaimed Polish virtuoso classical guitarist Aleksandra Sapok from Warsaw made a surprise appearance at Flushing Yacht Club in a fundraising performance in aid of Carrick Concerts on August 20th, ahead of her feature concert at the Hellys International Guitar Festival on August 23rd.
Sapok, a young performer who has recently exploded onto the guitar scene across Eastern and Central Europe, presented an eclectic programme that delighted her audience and showcased her abilities – and in particular, her love of contemporary classical guitar composition.
Her programme began with Saudade no.3 by the late Roland Dyens – world-renowned composer and guitarist – who gave Ms Sapok masterclasses. An explosive opening in the style of an improvisation was followed by a dance piece and a Fete et Final that explored unusual rhythms and dischords before returning to the original theme. The audience was enthralled by Aleksandra's ability to explore different dynamics, and her reception reflected this.
Next, Sapok invited veteran international lutenist Ben Salfield – her partner in life and music – to join her for a rendition of a Suite for 2 Lutes by William Lawes, dating from the Civil War. Their new duo has already accepted performance offers in five countries for 2024, and they worked together here effortlessly, with perfectly synchronised ornamentation and finding the perfect tempi for the combination of Alman and two Corants.
Anyone who watched this concert will tell you, Aleksandra Sapok simply loves and breathes Bach. Her audience could feel it, as she performed her transcription of the incredible BWV 1034 in Em for flute and basso continuo. My favourite (second) of four movements includes a passage of over 100 consecutive semi-quavers without a break for the flautist. Our performer fortunately didn't have any breathing problems – although her audience did, as they watched intently her explosive left hand...
Andrew York, the contemporary American composer, is known for easy-listening music that is contrasted with fast avant garde passagios. Ms Sapok glided through the three sections of his famous work, Woven Harmony – and indeed, her YouTube performance of his music has been acclaimed by none other than the composer himself!
The final part of the recital featured an unlikely – yet somehow fitting – pairing of Erik Satie's Gnossienne no.1 and La Muerte del Angel by Astor Piazzolla! Forget the melodic sounds of the Satie and the wild and expressive, rhythmic sound of the Piazzolla tango: both pieces have an underlying melancholy that truly touches the heart-strings. Aleksandra took us all on a deep musical journey with this combination.
Her well-deserved encore was a tremolo piece, Northern Lights by Jan Deprete. Sapok's tremolo is smooth, silky, and reminiscent of the days of Julian Bream.
Aleksandra Sapok is part of the new generation of expressive performers. Her attention to detail, subtle nuances and perfect voicing are the sign of great things to come. 2024 promises to be an exciting year both for Aleksandra and for the guitar world, with her in the limelight.
Francis Uppingham
August 2023