Peter Blanchette Brings Bach to Campus on 11-Stringed “Archguitar”

Students at Thomas Aquinas College, New England, rang in the new semester last Friday with a concert featuring world-renowned classical guitarist Peter Blanchette. 

Brought back by popular demand after last year’s performance, Mr. Blanchette is a celebrated musician, composer, and the inventor of the 11-string archguitar. He has performed for audiences worldwide and has been heard in many television scores, public radio appearances, and his own 17 archguitar albums. The concert, which took place in the newly dedicated Bl. Frassati Student Center, was part of the ongoing St. Vincent de Paul Lecture and Concert Series, which exists to enrich the intellectual and spiritual lives of the student body. 

“As a classical guitarist, I always wanted to play Bach,” Mr. Blanchette, a New England native, said, as he began his performance. “But the majority of his works are written for piano or harpsichord, making them almost impossible to play on a six-stringed guitar. So, I simply invented my own instrument. And apparently, people like it, because I’m still playing it 40 years later!” 

The archguitar, which Mr. Blanchette first built in 1981, has an extended range, thanks to its five extra strings and long neck. “Like a lute, you can play harmony and melody all by yourself,” Mr. Blanchette explained. “This was huge in the Elizabethan period, as it meant that a single musician could provide music for his patrons without accompaniment.” 

In addition to a variety of Bach’s works, Mr. Blanchette also played pieces by John Dowland, one of the most famous musicians of the Medieval era, and a variety of Irish lute compositions. The audience sat entranced as it was carried away on the music to a bygone era. “It was so soothing,” said Liz Schussman (’26). Students enjoyed not only the music, but the anecdotes Mr. Blanchette told as well. “He’s a great storyteller, both musically and verbally,” said Margaret Altman (’28). “I hope he’s able to perform for us again someday!” 

As much as the students and faculty expressed their thanks, Mr. Blanchette was also appreciative. “There is nothing like performing live in a space like this,” he said. “The joy of losing yourself in the music with the audience is what makes musicianship worth it.”