Boyd, Liona (1950–)

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Boyd, Liona (1950–)

English-Canadian guitarist and composer. Born in London, England, July 11, 1950; moved to Canada as a child and became a citizen in 1975; studied with Alexandre Lagoya, Julian Bream, Alirio Diaz and Narcisco Yepes.

One of the few female classical guitarists, concertized worldwide and was especially popular in Japan and Central and South America; made New York debut in Carnegie Hall (Mar 22, 1975); recording New Age as well as classical music, also performed with Chet Atkins, André Gagnon, and Zamfir; as a composer, wrote pieces as well as incidental film music; often included Cantarelle and Llanto de Gaviota on programs, as well as her transcriptions of Bach, Beethoven, Cimarosa, Debussy, and Satie. Won the Vanier Award (1979), 4 Juno Awards (1979, 1982–84), and was named classical guitarist of the year by Guitar Player magazine (1985–89).