Collaborative Classical Music Festival Hits Austin, June 22-27

Austin Classical Guitar Society Hosts International Music Event
Collaborative Classical Music Festival Hits the Long Center June 22-27

April 27, 2010 AUSTIN, TX – Further diversifying Austin’s music landscape, the 2010 Guitar Foundation of America International Convention & Competition makes its way to the Long Center for the Performing Arts on June 22-27. The event includes what is widely recognized as the world’s most prestigious international classical guitar competition. Hosted this year by the Austin Classical Guitar Society, this unique festival vision draws together 12 collaborating artistic partners ranging from the Austin Symphony and Austin Lyric Opera, to Zach Scott Theater, the Alamo Drafthouse, Austin Children’s Museum and many more.

Six days of more than 60 events include a classical guitar competition, which involves contestants from over 25 countries, numerous education opportunities, a youth festival, vendor fair, headline concerts and evening receptions. After seeing great success in 2009, the event will once again welcome all participants to perform in the closing Guitar Orchestra.

New to this year’s schedule is the first-ever Guitar Foundation of America Presenters’ Congress, which provides training programs for presenters and unprecedented networking opportunities for players and managements. Another addition is the Youth Orchestra, bringing together middle school and high school guitar programs from around the United States for a collaborative performance.

Headline events include:
Tuesday, June 22, 8 p.m.
Legendary Spanish guitarist Pepe Romero, in a solo recital, introduced by UT System Chancellor Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, followed by opening reception on the Long Center City Terrace. Artistic Partner: the Long Center

Wednesday, June 23, 8 p.m.
Grammy Award-winning LA Guitar Quartet with Firesign Theater actor Phil Proctor in a performance of Don Quixote, followed by Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow on the City Terrace, with Master Pancake presenting the 1986 Ralph Macchio guitar movie Crossroads. Artistic Partners: Zach Scott Theatre and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Thursday, June 24, 8 p.m. (pre-show begins at 7:15)
Following the finale performance of the youth festival and an education address by UT’s Dr. Robert Duke, the Miro String Quartet takes the stage with guitarist Adam Holzman. Artistic Partner: Austin Chamber Music Center

Friday, June 25, 8 p.m.
Flamenco wizard Grisha in a dazzling solo recital. Artistic Partner: Texas Performing Arts

Saturday, June 26, 1:30 p.m.
Children’s Show! The Biscuit Brothers perform with the LA Guitar Quartet as special guests. Free Blue Bell ice cream for all who attend. Artistic Partners: Austin Lyric Opera and Austin Children’s Museum

Saturday, June 26, 8 p.m.
Introduced by Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, with Maestro Peter Bay, performs guitar concertos with Pepe Romero and LA Guitar Quartet. Artistic Partners: Austin Symphony Orchestra and Austin Lyric Opera

Sunday, June 27, 6:30 p.m.
International Competition Finals. The best and brightest of the new generation will square off in the final round of the world’s greatest classical guitar competition. Closing reception follows.

All events will take place at the Long Center and are open to the public. For more information, visit www.AustinGoesClassical.org or call 512-300-2247.

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Media Contact: Rose Reyes, rreyes@austintexas.org or Matthew Hinsley, matt@austinclassicalguitar.org.

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