Music that sounds as its creators imagined it. Musicians who play with rapture and conviction. Concert-goers who take plunges into worlds of sound, far removed from the bustle of everyday life. Every year the Guitar Festival of Ireland makes it all possible, and has been doing so for the past eight years.

Welcome to the Guitar Festival of Ireland 2012. The festival, now in its ninth year, is a world-class music event and features a programme of great performances in some of Dublin's finest venues.

Over the course of its existence, the GFI has been transformed from a genre-based festival to a more eclectic series of events that now spans the boundaries of an incredibly diverse instrument. Never afraid to take chances the festival team have, to date, produced an impressive array of the best in live guitar music with ground-breaking collaborations from internationally acclaimed musicians as well as from innovative new artists.

This year the festival opens on 26 April in National Concert Hall with internationally renowned performer and teacher John Feeley. This this concert will coincide with the launch of the much anticipated new editions of J.S. Bach's Cello Suites arranged for guitar by John Feeley. As a past festival favourite he has been described by Michael Dervan in the Irish Times as 'a trailblazer...when it comes to the guitar and guitar-playing in Ireland'.

Deirdre Moynihan (Soprano) and Alec O’Leary (Guitar) are fast becoming recognised as one of Ireland’s most engaging duos. Their performance style is charming yet dynamic and displays the integrity of a well established ensemble. The programme will feature works from the Italian and German repertoire and a rare opportunity to hear the intriguing collection of traditional Spanish songs "Canciones Espanolas Antiguas" compiled by the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. There are also a selections of iconic solo guitar works by J.S.Bach and Leo Brouwer.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the great Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia. Graham Wade, one of the world's leading authorities on the art of Segovia, joins us for a special seminar entitled 'Remembering Segovia'. Graham will evaluate the true lasting effects of Segovia's career on the present guitar scene and talk about his friendship with the Maestro.

On Sat. 28 April the brilliant Tetra Guitar Quartet will make their Irish debut. Joaquín Rodrigo referred to them as "Excellent artists”. Their unique repertoire and highly original programming has helped make the quartet one of the most influential and sought-after guitar ensembles on the scene today. Don't miss this wonderful concert presented in association with, and in the beautiful surroundings of, the Chester Beatty Library. Book early for this one.

Also making an Irish debut at the Guitar Festival of Ireland is a remarkable young Italian guitarist Elena Zucchini. Described by Alberto Ponce as "the next rising star of the classical guitar world", Elena began her career focussing on Italian and contemporary repertoire and, in 2011, her first album was released containing music by Dyens, Scarlatti, Giuliani, Petrassi and Davidovsky. Elena is a sensitive and attentive musician and she holds two masters degrees in musical performance and interpretation. A concert you won't want to miss!

Whether you're a long-time audience member or a first time visitor, we look forward to providing you with memorable experiences of the finest world-class quality. So, come and join us....I promise you will be entertained!

Alec O'Leary
Festival Director

Festival Dates: 26 April- 29 April 2012

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