Sacha Bistany

Sacha Bistany is an Irish guitarist currently studying at the Royal College of Music (RCM), under professors Gary Ryan and Christopher Stell. Upon first picking up a guitar at age seven, Sacha studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in his youth under Marion Hyland and Peter Katona, receiving five scholarships throughout his time there. Sacha has had the opportunity to play with a number of Irish guitar ensembles including the ‘GuitaRIAM’ ensemble and the Irish National Youth Guitar Orchestra, conducted by David Brophy. He has also competed in many music competitions including Ireland’s national competition, The ‘Feis Ceol’ – winning was a great achievement. During recent years, Sacha has participated in a number of masterclasses with well-renowned guitarists including Xuefei Yang, Laura Snowden, Carlos Bonell, Tariq Harb, Sean Shibe, Gabriel Bianco, Dale Cavanagh and the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet – all of which have helped broaden his scope as a player. Sacha is currently supported by Talent Unlimited, an organisation designed to aid in the development of young musicians through concerts and other musical events. He recently received the Homan Potterton Bursary for String Instruments from Irish Heritage, a charity that supports Irish artists. The final audition culminated in a performance at the Wigmore Hall. Aside from classical music, Sacha has a great love for all things, jazz, funk and pop. He frequently collaborates with the RCM Big Band led by Mark Armstrong and a number of jazz and function band groups, playing electric guitar and electric bass. He is always keen to incorporate his many influences into his classical playing.