Celebration of classical guitar

From August 20-26, more than a hundred guitarists from around the world will head to West Sussex for a week-long celebration of the classical guitar.

Directed by John Mills, head of guitar at the Welsh College of Music and a professor at the Royal Academy of Music, the Festival with its Summer School will offer learning and performance opportunities for both advanced players and those of an elementary standard.

Repertoire, technique classes and a variety of topics form the core teaching programme. Playing opportunities abound in a guitar orchestra and various ensembles. Each guitarist will receive two individual lessons and can attend concerts by distinguished visiting artists.

The concerts include:

David Russell, Saturday, August 20, 8pm, St Andrew’s Church, West Dean. Tickets £15.

Carlos Bonell, Sunday, August 21, 8pm, St Andrew’s Church, West Dean. Tickets £15.

Irina Kulikova, Monday, August 22, 8pm. St Andrew’s Church, West Dean. Tickets £12.

Gordon Giltrap and Raymond Burley as Double Vision Duo, Wednesday, August 24, 8pm,

Sussex Barn Auditorium, West Dean College. Tickets £12.

In addition, there is The Guitar Open Day on Sunday, August 21 from 12pm–6.30pm, offering opportunities to see exhibitions, recitals and masterclasses and to visit specialist stallholders.

More details on www.westdean.org.uk/events or call 01243 818314.