Laurent Sureau: Biography of a French Handpan Master

Have you heard of Laurent Sureau, a French handpan player and percussionist known for his eclectic style and spellbinding compositions? Curious about this artist’s journey? What’s his background, and which albums and tracks built his reputation?

I first discovered Laurent Sureau in November 2017, when I heard his handpan interpretation of one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s classics: Prelude BWV 846. Captivated by his work, I’ve followed his performances closely ever since—through social media and his official website. That’s exactly why I can walk you through the key milestones of Laurent Sureau’s musical career.

After reading this article in its entirety, you’ll have all the information you need about:

• Laurent Sureau's biography
• The standout albums and tracks that made him famous

Along the way, you’ll discover new sides of the professional journey of this talented musician—an iconic figure of the handpan in France—plus fascinating details about his collaborations and his dedication to teaching.

Now let’s dive into Laurent Sureau’s career.

What is the biography of Laurent Sureau, the famous handpan player?

Laurent Sureau is a French musician known for his eclectic approach and his mastery of the handpan, piano, and percussion. Born into a family of musicians, he built his artistic identity by dissolving stylistic boundaries—moving from traditional music to classical, electronic, and experimental worlds. Raised in a musical household, he started piano at age six, then explored classical percussion (timpani, vibraphone), world percussion (congas, cajón, West African balafon), and later drums, chromatic balafon, the Hang, and handpan. This early curiosity helped him develop a truly multi-instrumental practice and a strong taste for blending genres from a very young age.

Laurent Sureau then trained at French conservatories, where he earned a gold medal and a DEM (Diplôme d’études musicales (DEM)) in percussion. In 1997, he received a state diploma in music education and percussion from the CEFEDEM in Poitiers. Eager to broaden his range, in 2001 he also earned a teaching qualification as a coordinating instructor in amplified contemporary music, reflecting both his academic rigour and innovative spirit.

Driven by a desire to share, Laurent began teaching in the late 1990s: the CRD of Châteauroux, the CRR of Poitiers, and Mamady Keïta’s “Tam Tam Mandingue” school in Poitiers. In 2005, Laurent Sureau’s musical life took a decisive turn when, while teaching at the Poitiers Conservatory, he discovered the handpan, an instrument with crystalline tones. Drawn to its one-of-a-kind design and harp-like resonance, he gradually began weaving it into his projects “like a spice.” After a concert by the Mayaëlo trio at the Camji in Niort, Laurent Sureau heard about the first handpan gathering near Poitiers and reached out to local instrument makers. Invited into their workshops, he tested different models, gradually assembled his ideal setup, and set himself a challenge: to perform JS Bach’s Prelude BWV 846—something he achieved after several weeks of mental and physical preparation. He later performed other classical works like this one, which has amassed several hundred thousand views on YouTube:

At the turn of the millennium, Laurent appeared as a guest on numerous projects:

• À vivre by Marie Coutant (2000)
• Ironic Bombact (2002)
• Berry’s Way of Life by Bill Banquise and His Icebergs (2006)
• Cousu Main by Dine et Déon (2007)
• La vie qui danse by Sale Petit Bonhomme (2008)
• Vida by Cordeone (2010)
• My Week by Dirty Little Man (2011)
• Mon Brassens by Sale Petit Bonhomme (2013)

Wanting to deepen his rhythmic approach, in 2008 he studied vocal techniques with the group Mayaëlo, bringing singing and body percussion into his performances. Passionate about collaboration, he has also contributed to several projects:

• OLOJi: Orion (2015), Exploring the 12 Chakras (2016), OSNI (2017), Seed of Crystal (2018)
• TwinPan: First Contact (2016)
• OWA: Promises (2020), EP Wake Up (2022)

In November 2017, Laurent released his first solo album, Unlimited, where he layered every instrument himself—piano, percussion, and vocals—to recreate the feel of a one-man live performance. This intimate project includes a prelude by JS Bach and a postlude by Erik Satie, underscoring his poetic, eclectic universe. Officially re-released in spring 2024, Unlimited highlights his pioneering commitment to recording classical pieces on the handpan. In spring 2024, he released Human Being, an album devoted 100% to the handpan. Original compositions and a reinterpretation of JS Bach’s Prelude BWV 846 were captured live, celebrating the present moment in all its vulnerability and emotional depth.

A versatile artist, he now performs:

• Solo (Unlimited program)
• As a duo under the name OWA, formed with Nadia Simon in 2018, whose first album was crowdfunded. He also notably contributed to the composition of the track Spleen.
• With Labulkrack and in Toma Sidibé's show. He has also opened for artists such as Ben l’Oncle Soul, Lo’Jo, Faada Freddy, Susheela Raman, and Brigitte Fontaine.

He also offers online courses on David Charrier’s Master The Handpan platform. They’ve all been grouped under the title “Music Theory for Handpan” and will help you build a solid understanding of the instrument. Click this link to sign up for the course on Master The Handpan. It’s an excellent foundation that I highly recommend.

Laurent Sureau, a percussionist creating incredible sounds

With a background that blends academic excellence, insatiable curiosity, and a contagious passion for the handpan, Laurent Sureau now stands as a must-know reference on the French and international music scene. Thanks to what you’ve read in this article, you now have a clearer view of the career of this multi-talented artist.

Another world-renowned handpan player who sadly is no longer with us is Dante Bucci. In his day, he made a lasting impression with his presence on YouTube and at the many festivals he played with his favourite instrument. That’s why, more than 10 years after his passing, he’s still regarded as a great handpan player.