Sylvain Paslier

French-American handpan pioneer, composer and storyteller whose long-running projects connect improvisation, collaboration, teaching and the instrument’s early history.

Sylvain Paslier is a French-American musician who began exploring the Hang and early handpans during the instrument’s formative years. His work developed through street performance, international travel and close collaboration, including projects with David Charrier and ensembles such as Confiture de Hang, Keona and Wadhom. Over time he has combined improvisation with composed narratives, albums, concerts and educational work, while remaining attentive to the history and changing vocabulary of the handpan scene. He has also contributed through interviews, podcasting and collaborations with makers and learning platforms. Projects such as Myths & Moods reveal a strong interest in storytelling, atmosphere and the emotional identity of scales. His profile bridges early community memory, performance experience and a desire to document how the instrument has evolved.