Göran Söllscher is a Swedish classical guitarist whose name, while perhaps not widely known to the casual music listener, holds deep respect and admiration within the world of classical and contemporary guitar. Born in the city of Växjö, Sweden in 1955 and raised in the nearby town of Kalmar, Söllscher’s connection with music began early. By the age of seven, he had already picked up the guitar, beginning a journey that would eventually take him to some of the world’s most prestigious stages and concert halls.
As he grew, so did his passion and talent. At the age of 20, he began his formal musical education at the Malmö Conservatory (1975–1977), a major stepping stone in Sweden’s classical music scene. Just a year later, he expanded his studies across the Öresund Bridge at the Royal Conservatory of Copenhagen (1976–1979), deepening his technical expertise and refining his interpretative style. During this period, he was quickly recognized as a gifted young musician, especially within European music circles.
One of the most defining moments of Söllscher’s early career came in 1978, when he participated in the Concours International de Guitare—an elite international guitar competition held in Paris. Winning first prize was not only a remarkable personal achievement, but also a launchpad for his global career. The accolade caught the attention of conductors, orchestras, and audiences worldwide, all eager to hear what this emerging guitarist could offer.
What followed was an impressive series of collaborations with major orchestras and distinguished conductors. Söllscher has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, the Japan Philharmonic in Tokyo, and New York’s Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, among many others. His performances have been conducted by respected names like Sir Alexander Gibson, Woldemar Nelsson, Claudio Abbado, and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos—each collaboration a testament to his musical versatility and his ability to bring classical guitar into the broader orchestral world.
But what truly sets Göran Söllscher apart is not just his technical mastery, but his willingness to explore music outside traditional boundaries. His repertoire spans centuries and styles, ranging from the intricate polyphony of Renaissance compositions to the timeless elegance of Bach, and even into the 20th-century classics of The Beatles. A perfect example of this adventurous spirit is his rendition of “Eleanor Rigby.” Originally released by The Beatles in 1966 on their Revolver album, the song is known for its haunting string quartet arrangement and Paul McCartney’s plaintive vocals. Söllscher reimagines this iconic piece using a custom-built 11-string guitar, allowing him to capture the depth and complexity of the original string instrumentation—all through a single instrument.
It’s a bold interpretation, especially considering the technical challenge of managing an extended-range guitar. Yet Söllscher performs it effortlessly, weaving familiar melodies with expressive nuances that highlight his deep connection to the music. His version of “Eleanor Rigby” doesn’t just imitate; it reinterprets, reminding listeners how versatile and powerful the classical guitar can be in the hands of a master.
Over the course of his career, Söllscher has performed across Europe, but also far beyond—touring extensively in Japan, China, North and South America. His performances continue to draw audiences of all ages, united by an appreciation for his musical storytelling.
Today, he not only continues to perform but also shapes the next generation of musicians as a professor of guitar at Lund University in Sweden. He is a respected member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, and his legacy continues to grow with every concert and recording. For those looking to explore the depth of his artistry, his YouTube channel offers a rich catalog of performances—each one a window into the world of a guitarist who has dedicated his life to the emotional language of music.
