Söllscher, Göran

(b Växjö, 31 Dec 1955).
Swedish guitarist.

He began learning the guitar at the age of seven, and studied at the Kalmar Municipal School of Music (1965–70); he later studied with Per Olof Johnson at the conservatories in Malmö (1975–7) and Copenhagen (1976–9). In 1978 he won first prize at the Concours International de Guitare in Paris which launched his international career. His repertory is wide-ranging and is reflected in his many fine recordings, of which those of Bach’s works for lute, played on an 11-string alto guitar, are especially notable. In 1991 Söllscher participated in the ‘International homage to Joaquín Rodrigo’ in Madrid, celebrating the composer’s 90th birthday. In the same year he succeeded Per Olof Johnson as professor of the guitar at the Malmö Conservatory and in 1992 he became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. His duo partners have included Gil Shaham and Michala Petri.