What could be a better springtime escape than a few days in scenic Patras, Greece—the country’s third largest city, situated on the beautiful Gulf of Patras in Western Greece—enjoying world-class guitarists, as well as up-and-coming talents vying for prizes in competitions? Well, that’s the lure of the 28th International Guitar Festival of Patras, an annual four-day event with lessons, concerts, master classes, lectures, and three competitions taking place at Philharmoniki Foundation Conservatory of Patras on April 19–22. Once again it is being hosted by the exceptional Greek guitar duo Evangelos & Liza (that’s Evangelos Assimakopoulos and Liza Zoe), who will both perform and offer solo and duo master classes. Goran Krivokapič (from Montenegro) and Anton Baranov (Russia), will also offer both concerts and master classes; additionally, Greek guitarists Manolis Vrontinos, Christos Tsarouhis, and Maria Koursari will play in recitals, and veteran U.S. guitarist (and lutenist!) Jerry Willard will preside over two master classes. Also on tap are two lectures, two classes on teaching young guitar students, and of course the competitions, which are open to students (only) in three age categories: 12 and under, 16 and under, and “any age.”
(Read CG’s interview with Evangelos & Liza from the Fall 2016 issue!)
Below, vintage footage of Evangelos & Liza playing some Granados:
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Below, Anton Baranov performs a Haydn minuet on a period instrument:
