Masters and prodigies: West Coast strings shine at the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival July 17–20
Masters, prodigies and competition winners! West Coast strings shine at the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival July 17–20
The Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival is back July 17-20 — and this time, it’s a full celebration of the best classical guitar talent from the West Coast. From San Francisco to Vancouver, Richmond to Columbia, this year’s festival brings together a remarkable multi-generational faculty of acclaimed performers and educators with three concerts over four unforgettable days of music, learning and community at Capilano University and BlueShore Financial Centre for Performing Arts in North Vancouver and new this year at the Vancouver Public Library.
Launched in 2020 by guitarist Luis Angel Medina, the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival has evolved into a much-anticipated annual spotlight on the beautiful music of classical guitar co-sponsored by the Vancouver Classic Guitar Society and Capilano University. Luis describes what’s special about this year’s festival.
“We’re welcoming back Marc Teicholz, an amazing teacher and one of my greatest mentors, plus the always exceptional Michael Kolk, and festival favorites David Sossa, Alec Pearson and Louise Southwood. And you won’t want to miss this: we’re introducing the extraordinary Catherine Huo, Vancouver’s own13-year-old phenom who came second this month at the prestigious GFA International Youth Competition and recently won the NorthWest Guitar Festival’s Adult Category – yes, at 13. Her debut professional performance is going to be something very special.”
Concerts for Lovers of Classical Guitar Here are your three concert options:
Wednesday, July 16th at 2 pm: New this year, the festival is launching with a free public concert by festival founder, director and acclaimed classical guitarist Luis Angel Medina at the Vancouver Public Library’s 8th floor Grand Staircase.
Friday, July 18th at 7:30 pm: Michael Kolk, one of Canada’s finest guitarists known internationally for his recordings, duos and orchestral collaborations and guitar instructor at Vancouver Community College, stars with an original composition. He’ll be joined by Columbian-Canadian Latin American rhythm specialist David Sossa and Vancouver favorite Alec Pearson, performer, composer and instructor at UBC and Vancouver Academy of Music.
Saturday, July 19th at 7:30 pm: Headlining the 2025 festival (returning for his second time!) is Marc Teicholz, celebrated GFA winner and professor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, who will be premiering a piece based on the Chinese zodiac by Sergio Assad. Joining him on stage is the Sequoia Duo, Vancouver Island guitarist and teacher Louise Southwood and her VSO violin partner, Jennie Press. Plus, we’re thrilled to introduce 13-year-old guitar virtuosa and competition winner from Richmond, Catherine Huo.
Learning for Guitarists of All Levels at Capilano University Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring professional, the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival offers a rare chance to develop your skills under the guidance of world-class musicians in a welcoming and beautiful campus setting. The festival offers a unique, immersive opportunity for guitarists to engage in daily masterclasses, workshops on musicianship, technique, learning strategies and rhythm plus opportunities to perform individually and in an ensemble.
Come celebrate the West Coast’s rich guitar tradition — join us this summer for 4 days of learning, performing, and inspiration at the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival!
Concert tickets $25-40 or a 2 concert pass $35-70 and festival registration at www.vancouverguitar.org For more information, contact festival director Luis Medina or publicity director Valerie Boser at publicity@vancouverguitar.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interview with Luis Angel Medina, Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival founder and director.
1. What’s new about this year’s festival?
This year’s festival builds on the energy and community we’ve cultivated over the past few years, but we’re excited to showcase our fine local guitarists, from heads of guitar programs across the Lower Mainland to our up-and-coming youth! We are also really excited to include a workshop, led by Tejay Liao, on neuroscience-based learning strategies, which are aimed to help every guitarist of any level of expertise, learn more efficiently and effectively. The schedule this year has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure that participants make the most of the workshops, but also so that they can have time to explore the beautiful nature all around the Capilano University campus and its surroundings. Plus, we’re welcoming some returning favourites alongside first-time faculty members. And for the first time we’re partnering with the Vancouver Public Library to launch the festival with a free public concert on Wednesday, July 6th at 2 pm on 8th Floor Grand Staircase in the beautiful downtown library. I’m going to be performing and I can’t wait!
2. What are you most excited about?
I’m genuinely excited to welcome Marc Teicholz back to Vancouver. He’s one of my most influential mentors and someone the community he has a deep appreciation for. Not only has he greatly shaped my own playing and artistry, but he has also directly changed my own approach and philosophy to teaching since I first met him. To have him performing, teaching a masterclass, and leading a workshop in the same weekend is a rare treat and I cannot wait to expose participants to his artistry first-hand. I’m also excited about this being the 6th Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival! The festival has grown every year in spirit and scope, and I think this edition will feel particularly meaningful for returning participants and new faces alike.
I am also excited to be welcoming back David Sossa, Michael Kolk, Alec Pearson, and Louise Southwood with her violin duo. These are all artists that have helped build the festival from the beginning of its inception and I can't wait for them to share their expertise and music with the Greater Vancouver community.
And we have something extra special: I’m thrilled to be able to introduce Catherine Huo, a virtuosa 13-year old who just took 2nd place in the youth category at the world’s most prestigious guitar competition and recently won the NorthWest Guitar Festival in the Adult Category! This may very well be her professional debut and I cannot wait for her to bring her energy to the stage of the BlueShore Financial Centre of the Performing Arts at Capilano University!
3. How would you describe the calibre of this year’s faculty?
The faculty this year represents a diverse range of artistic voices, each with a deep commitment to pedagogy and musical excellence. Everyone on the team is not just a strong performer, but also a passionate and thoughtful teacher -- which is essential for a festival that prioritizes learning and community over competition. We’ve curated a faculty that reflects both international experience and strong local roots, with a shared dedication to nurturing guitarists of all levels. I insist, I not only invite the best guitarists, but the best people!
4. What’s special about this year’s concerts?
This year’s concerts are especially exciting because they reflect the full spectrum of artistry we celebrate at the festival — from internationally acclaimed performers to the next generation of emerging talent. We have two evening concerts, both held in the beautiful BlueShore Financial Theatre at Capilano University, which provides an intimate setting that brings audiences close to the music.
On Friday, July 18, our Faculty Showcase Concert features three of Canada's most inspiring classical guitarists: Michael Kolk, recently appointed Guitar Instructor at the Vancouver Community College and known internationally for his recordings and orchestral collaborations; David Sossa, a vibrant performer and educator with a global reach; and Alec Pearson, a brilliant local artist and key figure in Vancouver’s guitar scene. This concert is a deep dive into the diverse artistry and voice of the local Vancouver guitar world.
Then on Saturday, July 19, we welcome our featured guest artist, Marc Teicholz, who is not only a world-renowned guitarist but one of my greatest mentors. His performance, alongside the Sequoia Duo (guitarist Louise Southwood and violinist Jennie Press), will offer an imaginative and wide-ranging program from Bach to Brazilian music. We’ll also feature the 13-yar-old sensation Catherine Huo from Richmond, BC, who is burning up the competition circuit -- a shining example of the future of classical guitar.
Both concerts are open to the public, and we warmly invite anyone interested in classical guitar, chamber music, or live performance to join us. These events are not only highlights of the festival - they’re celebrations of music-making art its highest level, accessible to all.