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Festival Gala

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A highlight of the Adelaide International Guitar Festival line-up, the Festival Gala in the Festival Theatre features the Australian String Quartet with special international guests, celebrating magnificent works for guitar and strings.

One of our finest musical exports, the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) returns to the Festival following a celebrated partnership in 2012. With a rich history spanning 28 years, the ASQ has established a strong national profile as an Australian chamber music group of excellence, performing at the highest international level. From its home base at the University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music, the ASQ delivers a vibrant annual artistic program encompassing performances, workshops, commissions and education projects across Australia and abroad.

The Quartet will perform Boccherini’s beloved Quintetto No. 4 – “Fandango” with world renowned Spanish guitarist Pepe Romero, a true living legend of classical music. He has been honored by kings, heads of state, and major institutions, yet it is in his extraordinary ability to communicate with millions through his music that his greatness is truly evidenced. His matchless technique and vivid interpretations have led him to become this century’s greatest ambassador of classical guitar.

Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan will join the Quartet for The Garden of Forking Paths, a wonderful work by Australian composer Shaun Rigney, inspired by Argentine poet Jorge Luis Borges. This is one of the world-renowned Australian guitarist’s few performances at his third festival as Artistic Director.

Continuing the Argentine connection, Argentina’s contemporary tango virtuosos, the Máximo Pujol Trio play Pujol’s own sensuous and romantic suite for strings, guitar and bandoneón, Luminosa de Buenos Aires. Renowned for his distinctively Argentine compositions, Pujol’s work is strongly influenced by the great Astor Piazzolla. Having honed his skills playing milongas and tangos in the clubs of his home town, his vibrant and melodically rich music is founded on these styles, and makes full use of the expressive powers of the guitar.

Twenty-five young guitarists from Brisbane will open the concert. Led by the inimitable and inspiring Dr Paul Svoboda, the Aurora Guitar Ensemble will be playing in Adelaide for the very first time. Their infectious energy and outstanding playing is a delight.

Additionally, composer Shaun Rigney, and Ngeringa Foundation’s Alison Beare will be giving a pre-concert talk on both the music and the instruments which feature in the performance.

The fifth Adelaide International Guitar Festival hits town this July for one glorious weekend. Truly extraordinary players from diverse musical traditions will perform in Australia for the first time, sharing the stage with some of our nation’s most innovative and accomplished guitarists. Immerse yourself in the variety and depth of experiences offered over the four days, from some of the best musicians from Adelaide, Australia and the world.

Festival Gala, in the Festival Theatre on Saturday 19 July. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.adelaideguitarfestival.com.au/.

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