‘The 22nd edition of IGF’s London Guitar Festival brings you a wonderful series of concerts by major international artists and young artists making their debuts, workshops and a clutch of new IGF commissions continuing IGF’s groundbreaking work with new music and new artists.

We celebrate 30 years of IGF (International Guitar Foundation) with concerts by major artists who have played a defining role in our history, Ana Vidovic is one of the most cherished ones.

The Albert Augustine Memorial Competition was IGF’s first major international competition and also Ana’s, winning it in 1995 at a mere 14 years of age launched her international career. We are delighted and proud to have her headlining the festival!

Ana will also be giving a masterclass so be sure not to miss this opportunity!

We also welcome the return of one of the greatest jazz guitarists in the history of the form: Biréli Lagrène. This extraordinary guitarist makes a unique solo appearance, his only solo performance in the UK this year. Biréli very rarely teaches so his workshop at Kings Place is a not to be missed opportunity to learn from an absolute master!

Young artists are as always at the heart of IGF’s work and we especially welcome performances from the exceptional young artists on our Young Artist Platform.

Our La Leona programme celebrates women composers and we present new commissions for solo guitar by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Laila Arafah as well as repeat performances of work we commissioned in previous editions including Bobbie-Jane Gardner’s beautiful Selflove for voice and guitar.

The guitar is unique in its appeal to people of all ages, musical tastes, and economic means; come and join us and immerse yourself in that most colourful and versatile of instruments: the guitar!’

Tom Kerstens,
Artistic Director, International Guitar Foundation (IGF).