What impact has winning CIGA 2022 had on your artistic career?
The CIGA is one of the most prestigious competitions in the current guitar scene, which allows the winner to emerge as a relevant figure, giving a boost to their professional career. Furthermore, the opportunity to record a CD with the Naxos record company has a great impact and opens doors to greater projection and international recognition.
Do you consider that the path of competitions is the best to enter the world of music?
Competitions are an opportunity for guitarists to test themselves, set goals and meet other musicians, allowing them to make themselves known, share experiences and discover new repertoires and techniques. On the other hand, the awards obtained in these competitions provide a great impact and help to consolidate themselves in the musical scene.
When you decide to participate in a contest, do you prepare in any special way? Do you make changes in your daily life for this?
Participating in a competition is a significant milestone for a performer, however, the fundamental thing is to give your best not only in the competition pieces but in the entire repertoire that will also be performed in concert. Maintaining this prestige requires constant interpretive quality and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Competitions are a crucial platform for performers to gain prestige and make themselves known, but the fundamental thing is to give their best in every aspect of the repertoire, not limited to the competition works, but also in the rest of the performances.
Are you satisfied with the recent recording for the Naxos record label?
This production offers a somewhat different look, combining Latin American music and rhythms that have always attracted me with Spanish music, which is closer to me. The result is an interesting recording of which I feel very satisfied.
In terms of musical styles, which one do you feel most comfortable in? Do you think you have to specialize in any of them for your artistic career?
Personally I am attracted to all musical styles, from Renaissance music to contemporary compositions. Although it is true that performers - as is normal due to our personal abilities - can be remembered for the special interpretation of certain repertoires, I consider that we have the duty to know all the styles in depth. Even so, I feel a special affection for Valencian music, typical of my land.
How can you artistically visualize a 10 to 15 year musical horizon?
Well, how difficult! It is difficult to anticipate the future, but in 10 or 15 years I would like to be offering concerts internationally, both as a soloist and with prestigious orchestras. Currently, I focus on the present: I enjoy concerts, expand my repertoire, and continue to learn and work hard to achieve that goal.
What would you like to contribute as a performer to the world of guitar?
I would like to contribute a personal vision to my work and, above all, convey the love and passion I feel when performing music and dedicating myself to what I like most.
Do you have any advice for those who want to get started in the world of guitar?
My advice is to always enjoy, since that is the most important thing in this fascinating world of music. Whether you want to continue progressing or decide not to pursue it professionally, the essential thing is that you have good experiences with your instrument.
More information: Information from Naxos about the Ausiàs CD ⇒
Ausiàs Parejo is the winner of the 2022 Alhambra International Guitar Competition. This program includes three cornerstones of the Spanish and Latin American repertoire. Combining idiomatic color and rhythmic vivacity, Guastavino's First Guitar Sonata, Ponce's great tribute to Segovia, and Brouwer's ingenious sequence of variations offer the performer formidably ambitious technical and interpretative challenges. Inspired by his youthful brilliance, Juan Erena's Luz del Alba, full of radiant grandeur, is dedicated to Parejo.
