Strumming it: International artists heading to Derry for Guitar Fest

The festival place this weekend at the North West Regional College from August 26 to 28, and will bring to Derry an array of world renowned guitarists for a series of classical, flamenco and jazz guitar concerts.

The concerts will kick off this Friday at 8pm, with an all classical Guitar Gala featuring performances by Amanda Cook and Matthew McAllister.

Regarded as two of the leading guitarists of their generation both Amanda and Matthew regularly feature at guitar festivals and concerts all over the world and they will offer a selection of classical tunes for an evening of relaxing guitar music.

On Saturday at 8pm the World Stage concert will feature a solo set by Esmond Selwyn, who is considered one of the world’s great jazz guitarists and jazz instructor.

He will be followed by Amir-John Haddad, ‘El Amir’, who will bring the fire and passion of flamenco all the way from Spain with his unique style that combines his musical legacy with the influences of the present.

Other performances will include the Student Gala on Sunday, 7pm, featuring solo and group performances by the students including a full band performing the music of Gary Moore.

Concert tickets cost £12, £10 concession. Admission to the Student Gala is free.

For bookings, call 028 71311288 / 0752 1072774 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/cityofderryguitarfestival.

Applications are still open for the courses on offer at the City of Derry Guitar Festival. For further details on the Festival please visit www.cityofderryguitarfestival.com, email [email protected] or call 028 71311288.

The City of Derry Guitar Festival is funded by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the North West Regional College and the D’Addario Foundation.