Line-up announced for the 2010 Adelaide International Guitar Festival, 25 – 28 November
Presented by the Adelaide Festival Centre the 2010 Adelaide International Guitar Festival will run over four days from 25 – 28 November. This Festival is a celebration of the world’s most popular instrument, bringing together some of the best guitarists from around Australia and the world, with artists crossing a range of genres and showcasing their skill, musicianship and creativity.
The 2010 program features over 70 musicians in 16 performances, with three Australian premieres. Musicians as far afield as the United States, Brazil, Spain, Austria and the local scene will come together over four days to share with everyone the beauty, diversity and energy of this incredible instrument.
Performances will range from concert hall recitals to intimate pairings, from cabaret style shows to late night gigs with everything from blues to world music, classical, latin and jazz. To complement the program there will be a range of free and low cost workshops, master classes, artist talks and panel discussions, with a range of cultural cuisine and a selection of fine South Australian wine and beverages accompanying the music.
Adelaide International Guitar Festival Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan says, “This is a unique opportunity to head up my first Festival and assemble the incredible talent of some of the world’s best guitarists, it’s wonderful to be able to fill the program with both musicians I’ve admired from afar, long time collaborators, stars on the horizon, but most importantly gifted guitarists. I’m excited to be able to bring together these musicians for everyone to enjoy over the four days, we’re in for a real treat!”
Tickets have already been on sale for a rare double bill featuring two masters of the classical guitar, Manuel Barrueco and Yamandú Costa in ‘Musica Latina’ on 27 November in the Festival Theatre. A superb instrumentalist Grammy nominated Barrueco will be making his Australian debut at the Festival and Yamandú Costa, one of the geniuses of Brazilian music, is set to deliver one of his exhilarating live performances.
A rare double bill for lovers of global music sees Richard Bona Group and Dhafer Youssef & Wolfgang Muthspiel in ‘Other Worldly Sounds’. All have had a significant impact across the world music genre and this is a rare treat to have such accomplished world music artists together in the one concert.
The enigmatic Christa Hughes & Ben Fink will team up for a night of blues with guitar and song. With Fink’s low down home guitar playing and Hughes’ big beautiful voice, they’re a perfect combination for blues lovers.
‘Gypsy Ballads’ sees internationally renowned Australian guitarist, Karin Schaupp joined by the Adelaide Chamber Singers and special guest Oscar Guzmán for a concert program of drama, passion and hope. Prepare to be moved by the “poetic intensity” of Schaupp’s virtuosic performance, the flamenco fire of Guzmán, and the ethereal voices of Adelaide Chamber Singers.
Highlighting the rich guitar legacy of South America from choro, the quintessentially Brazilian instrumental music, to tango and beyond, Doug de Vries & Caliente with special guest Yamandú Costa come together for this special evening of rich and colourful guitar.
Showcasing the ‘Art Of The Ensemble’, sees Melbourne Guitar Quartet (MGQ) & Guitarissimo perform in this double bill. Join MGQ, known for their dynamic and passionate virtuosity and theatrical on-stage musical persona and the University of Adelaide’s Guitarissimo, featuring award winning students from the Elder Conservatorium performing repertoire including solo and chamber music and popular tunes.
‘Melbourne To Mumbai’ sees Jeff Lang team up with special guest Bobby Singh, as they perform a truly cross-cultural collaboration, with a mix of blues, slide, traditional Indian and contemporary Australian styles, supported by Adelaide’s own Josh Bennett, whose work crosses acoustic guitar and traditional classical Indian work.
Explore the journey’s of the singer/songwriter with American artist Shawn Mullins and Adelaide guitarist Cal Williams Jr as they each discuss their individual songwriting journeys in ‘One Voice One Guitar’, an evening of intimate, emotive storytelling and unique compositions.
‘Songs From The Divine Wilderness’ brings together the rich textures of the guitar and violin in this new collaboration between guitarist / composer Anthony Garcia and internationally acclaimed violinist Niki Vasilakis performing in the cabaret-style setting of the Space Theatre in what promises to be a unique performance.
‘The Heart of Flamenco’ features voice, dance and percussion, but at its heart is the guitar. This special night will star Arte Kanela, Australia’s leading flamenco act and renowned Spanish flamenco guitarist Oscar Guzmán performing with Pepe de Lucia, brother of the greatest flamenco guitarist of all time, Paco de Lucia.
International award-winning classical guitarist Aleksandr Tsiboulski & Australia’s renowned soprano Jane Edwards perform timeless tradition of guitar & voice. During this performance they will explore the symbiosis between voice and the guitar and the depth of this combination’s history, with beautiful music spanning four centuries.
On the final day of the Festival comes a collective of musicians rarely seen together. ‘Sunday En Masse’ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to worship the Festival’s guitar deities featuring Wolfgang Muthspiel, Jeff Lang, Shane O’Mara, Doug de Vries, Ben Edgar, Anthony Garcia, Leonard Grigoryan and Adelaide International Guitar Festival’s Artistic Director, Slava Grigoryan in his only Festival on-stage appearance. Perhaps with some divine, guitar-inspired intervention other well known faces may join in too!
For that late night vibe, Coopers Late Night Sessions will feature a number of artists across the four days in the Space Theatre. FGHR (Daniel Farrugia, Leonard Grigoryan, Luke Howard & Ben Robertson), a supergroup of seasoned musicians, will perform their original, atmospheric and highly arranged compositions with jazz, pop, folk and country elements. Enjoy a late night beverage and the textured sounds of this contemporary jazz outfit. Lisa Miller, Shane O’Mara and Very Jane bring cabaret-style with a late night of blues, slide-guitar and songs of rare beauty. The hit of the 2008 Adelaide International Guitar Festival is back, be prepared when The Mason Rack Band tear up the stage and get ready for ‘something special’. Not to be missed is The Richard Bona Group on the final night in the Space Theatre, what better way to finish the Festival than with a performance fusion of high energy funk, jazz, afro-beat and traditional song.
For those intrigued by performance and who want to learn technique Mason Rack’s workshop ‘Side Methods – tone and performance’ explores general playing, tones for guitars, equipment and a look at performance ethics. Ben Edgar will also take a workshop ‘Studio Guitar Architecture’, which looks at the role of the guitar in the studio.
Internationally recognised flamenco guitarist Oscar Guzmán and Manuel Barrueco will be sharing their skills with selected students in each of their masterclasses. Each masterclass is open to audiences, offering a rare opportunity to observe the teaching from the hands of these world class musicians. (Note: Barrueco’s masterclass is a ticketed event)
Free events at the Festival include:-
‘In Conversation With…’ series, with artists such as Doug de Vries & Yamandú Costa discussing ‘The World of Brazilian Music’, a panel on songwriting with artists such as Shawn Mullins, Lisa Miller, Shane O’Mara, Mason Rack, Cal Williams Jr and there will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear a live, on-stage interview with Manuel Barrueco about his life and inspirations. Other sessions include a panel ‘Is it time to stop calling it ‘World Music’?” with panellists including Richard Bona, Dhafer Youssef, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Doug de Vries, Josh Bennett, Jeff Lang and Sarah Bleby and another one on one intimate interview with Richard Bona about his life and music.
Explore the craft of guitar making as internationally renowned Adelaide based luthier Jim Redgate discusses the elusive sound of musical instruments and their design. Jim has been crafting classical guitars for the world market since 1985 and is recognised for his innovative design and contribution to the ongoing development of the instrument.
For those who feel fame has eluded them thus far, ‘Your 15 Minutes of Fame’ is an opportunity to have a 15 minutes to perform at the Adelaide International Guitar Festival. There is no age limit, it’s just an opportunity for talented guitarists to apply online via the Festival website in July to obtain one of these ‘golden’ spots during the Festival!
There will also be an opportunity to watch the finalists of the International Classical Guitar Competition perform on 28 November. This concert is free and open to audiences interested in watching the final round perform, before the winner is announced that afternoon on 28 November. With total prizes valued at over $35,000 the standard is guaranteed to be very high, so come and see these ‘masters in the making’.
If you book to four or more shows you’ll enjoy great savings, plus you will secure the best seats in the house. Simply choose the Season pass price when booking at BASS. Book four or more shows before 21 May and go into the draw to win your tickets for FREE.
For full program / venue details and information on workshops and other events in the Adelaide International Guitar Festival go to www.adelaideguitarfestival.com.au
Tickets on sale now around the country through BASS Dial n Charge 131 246 or online www.bass.net.au
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