EPK
guitarist | composer | adventurer | skeptic | tree-hugger
Paco de Lucia meets Cafe Del Mar
“Nir makes a brave move to establish himself as a performer and composer”
(American Fingerstyle Journal)
Nir Hermelin, A.K.A “Nir&” is a mesmerizing solo instrumental finger-style guitar player – his Mind Journey performance is a contemplative musical experience.
In 2018, he released his first EP – The Journey Started
In 2019, he won 2nd prize from 19 contestants in the International Finger-Style competition in Poland.
His original compositions and unique style are a daring combination of virtuoso finger-style guitar along with influences from Ambient, African, Down-Tempo-Electro, Bossa Nova and Classical music. In his Mind-Journey shows, the audience experiences feelings of uplifting joy mixed with sadness, with memories of childhood and stories of past-times – each with their own inner journey – always inspiring, always breathtaking.
“I have gained more in a few minutes of your music, than in months with my therapist.” – Ofir Avigad’s testimonial
Nir’s performing style is specifically communicative in contemporary instrumental music. At times, the audience is given airplane blindfolds, encouraged to enhance their hearing, listen with their eyes shut, and deepen their internal travels. In some shows Nir gives a short “TED-like” talk called “How to listen to Guitar Music like a Guitarist”, daring the listeners to focus their mind on key elements of the instrument, and deepen their connection to the music.
A comprehensive “feature story” of Nir appeared in the American FingerStyle Journal.
Turning down a scholarship from the famous Berklee school of music in his early 20’s, Nir originally chose a different career. After some time at London Business School, along with strategy and digital consulting, he left the corporate life with a vision:
To revive the popularity of the classical guitar, making it relevant to the here & now: “It’s more than just a classical instrument. If my music inspires one kid to start nylon-string guitar, I’ve done my bit…”
“Interspersed, beautifully integrated style & rhythm(…) I left the concert hall feeling wonderfully giddy”
