Etienne de Lavaulx is a French born musician who plays classical guitar and chord- zither. He came to Australia with his family in 1969. He first started to play classical guitar at the age of eleven and later imbibed the guitar styles of folk singers of the sixties and seventies such as Paul Simon and Donovan. He started to compose at the age of 17. Etienne discovered the chord- zither (not to be mistaken with the fretted zither made famous by 'The third Man Theme') while in Adelaide (South Australia) in 1973. Nowadays, he demonstrates this unusual instrument around Melbourne, playing at concerts, shows and festivals. He has been a regular feature at the Sunday Market in Southgate. He has recorded nine CDs of chord-zither and guitar, including a Christmas recording which was used in the Myers windows three years running. He has performed and given workshops at the Port Fairy Festival. Etienne performs at weddings, nursing homes, private and corporate functions, gallery openings and clubs. He owns a collection of old instruments, books and accessories related to the chord-zither which he displays to illustrate his talks on the origins and history of this instrument. His repertoire includes well-known classics, contemporary pieces and original compositions.

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