This August 20–26, the West Dean International Classical Guitar Festival and Summer School in West Sussex, England, marks its 25th anniversary with what is surely one of the most impressive lineups of performers and instructors in the event’s history. Concerts by such classical guitar luminaries as Ben Verdery, Irina Kulikova, Berta Rojas, Sean Shibe, and the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet are certain to enchant attendees. Details on the concerts appear on West Dean’s events page.
But of course the Summer School is perhaps the most important component of this widely hailed week-long celebration of classical guitar. Students from all over the world, ages 16-24, who are first-study classical guitarists at a music college/conservatoire (or for those about to audition into such an institution), will converge on the scenic West Dean campus for instruction from Verdery, Rojas, festival organizer Andrew Gough, Manus Noble, Raymond Burley, Kai Nieminen, and Rebecca Baulch. There are also master classes featuring the concert artists, lectures, workshops and opportunities to perform in student concerts and as part of a guitar orchestra. There are still student places available, and the deadline for students to apply for a bursary (called a scholarship in the US), is May 30, so there’s still time! You can find more info on that here.
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This is certain to be a festival and summer school session to remember!
And, for your entertainment pleasure, here’s a jumpin’ version of the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet playing Biréli Lagrène’s “Made In France”: