International Guitar Festival "Ferran Sor"

The idea of organising the International Guitar Festival “Ferran Sor”, in the city of Barcelona, originates in the desire to promote and raise awareness of the life and work of the eminent Catalan composer and guitarist, born in Barcelona in 1778.

This festival is intended as the most effective way in which to pay homage to Ferran Sor i Muntades, the most important musical personality in eighteenth-century guitar history. The works of this extraordinary composer, concert performer and pedagogue are well known. His music is still performed by famous guitarists and students of today, and published by the most prestigious music publishers of the world.

With the festival, the city of Barcelona is presented with an important opportunity to keep alive the memory of one of its most important and influential personalities; not only for his musical legacy as a whole, but also for what he contributed to the classical guitar canon.

THE FESTIVAL

The International Guitar Festival “Ferran Sor” is, first of all, a unique opportunity to attend live concerts by internationally renowned musicians. During the week of its second edition, the festival will feature concerts and master classes by Marcin Dylla, Carles Trepat, Nora Buschmann, José Antonio Escobar, the duo Marco Tamayo & Anabel Montesinos.

ACTIVITIES

Evening concerts

During the festival ́s second edition, six concerts by Marcin Dylla, Carles Trepat, Nora Buschmann, José Antonio Escobar, the duo Marco Tamayo & Anabel Montesinos will take place. Each artist has been chosen for his own undeniable artistic qualities and his international recognition.

The closing concert will comprise performances by Emerson Salazar (winner of Miquel Llobet guitar competition 2016) and the three best students participating in at least one master class. In addition, the best of them will receive a diploma and a prize consisting in the production of a professional video and audio recording that will be published on the website and social networks of the International Guitar Festival “Ferran Sor”.

Master Classes

During a week, there will be master classes given by each invited artist, for a total daily duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes, which will accommodate seven students, each of which will receive a 45 minute lesson. The festival will also offer the chance to benefit from these classes for those who want to attend as listeners.

Lectures

The Festival will present a cycle of four lectures and a documentary, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Teatre Regina.

The first one will be held by the luthier Santiago Canals who will talk about the construction of the concert guitar and those used by Ferran Sor.

The other three lectures will be centred on the figure of Ferran Sor and will be held by guitarists, musicologists and composers: Josep María Mangado, author of the book “La Guitarra en Catalunya, 1769-1939”, Luis Gàsser, author of the book “Estudios sobre Fenando Sor”, and Jaume Torrent.

The documentary, “Emili Pujol, Teacher of Life”, directed by Maria Ribera Gibal, will be projected on the last day of the Festival.


Exhibitions

The International Guitar Festival “Ferran Sor” will also accommodate and be of interest to guitar makers, music publishers, record labels, and string and guitar accessories manufactures.