Florida Guitar Foundation

GFA Registration
2019-06-17 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Sign in and grab your badge at the start of the GFA Convention and Competition.

ICAC Preliminary
2019-06-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Third group of International Concert Artist Competition preliminary competition performances.

PRIZES
Rose Augustine Grand Prize:

$10,000 Cash*
GFA Sponsored International Concert Tour, including approximately 50 concerts throughout the United States, Canada,and Mexico.
Naxos CD Recording
Mel Bay Publication
3 year supply (52 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories
Generous string package provided by Savarez
CD and booklet design and production as well as print/digital marketing and distribution by Contrastes Records

2nd Prize:

$7,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

3rd Prize:

$5,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

4th Prize:

$3,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

*All prizes subject to mandatory 30% federal tax withholding for foreign prize-winners; US prize-winners will be issued an IRS-1099 Form.
*All donated prizes are subject to the delivery by the sponsor. GFA will do everything possible to ensure delivery of all prizes, but GFA will not be held responsible if donor does not deliver a prize as listed above.
All Semifinalists will receive a $500 Travel Stipend. Foreigners must provide receipts to avoid tax withholding.
Other prizes awarded to all Finalists will include gift certificates donated by GSP, Strings by Mail, and KLING-ON products.

JURY
Preliminary Round: TBA
Semifinal and Final Rounds: TBA

COMPETITION RULES
ELIGIBILITY
Open to competitors, who must be 18 years of age by June 1, 2020 (the year following the competition), regardless of nationality.
Required Piece: Fantasia, by Roberto Gerhard.
Competitors’ Orientation Meeting, Sunday, June 16, 8:00 p.m. This meeting is required of all competitors. This meeting will determine the performance order for the three-day Preliminary Round by means of a Lottery – numerical order draw. If you have a travel delay that prevents you from attending the meeting, you will need to provide proof upon arrival of earlier travel plans to be granted a slot in the Preliminary Round. If you have any other reason that you cannot attend the meeting, you must write to and receive a reply from the Artistic Director in advance to receive permission to have your performance order drawn by a GFA staff person in your absence. Any registered competitors who do not either receive advance permission to miss the meeting for good cause or do not have a documented travel delay will not be allowed to compete.
All competitors are required to submit their free choices for all rounds via a link on our website (to be provided after the registration deadline has closed). Any changes to your submitted program may be made until May 8, after which programs may not be altered. Competitors who do not submit programs by this date will be disqualified, and no refund will be provided.

PRELIMINARY ROUND
June 17-19, 2019: performance before a panel of five (5) judges. All rounds are open to the public.
Each candidate must perform the following in the order of their choice:

Set Piece; a work specially composed for the competition, hereinafter referred to the “set piece”. Each registered competitor will receive the set piece on May 2 after receipt of all registration fees and materials by the declared Deadline Date.
A free choice program not to exceed ten (10) minutes.

The judges have the option of stopping the candidate during any of these performances. All works in all rounds are to be performed from memory with the exception of the set piece, for which memorization is optional. Should you choose to read the score, a page-turner will be permitted.
Twelve (12) competitors from this round will advance to the Semifinal Round. Announcement of the twelve competitors to advance will be made Wednesday evening at the beginning of Intermission. All decisions by the judges are final.

SEMIFINAL ROUND
Thursday, June 20, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Performance order for this round will be determined by a lottery. The twelve (12) candidates will perform before a panel of seven (7) new judges.
The repertoire for this round will be:
Maximum twenty-five (25) minutes of stage time (timed from the first note, including time between all pieces). All competitors will play the required piece, Fantasia, by Roberto Gerhard, as part of their 25-minute program.
Pieces from previous rounds may NOT be repeated in later rounds.
Four (4) competitors from this round will advance to the Final Round. Announcement of the four (4) competitors to advance will be made Thursday evening at the beginning of Intermission.

FINAL ROUND
Saturday, June 22, 6:30 pm, with live webcast: Performance order for this round will be determined by a lottery. Four (4) candidates will perform before a panel of the same seven (7) judges.
Finalists will perform a free choice program along with the Set Piece. The total performance time, including the Set Piece, must not exceed the length of the Set Piece plus the thirty (30) minute program. Players will be timed from the moment the first note is played (initial entry/tuning time will not be counted provided it is within reason), and the timer will run throughout the performance, including the time between pieces. The timer will be stopped at the end of the piece preceding the set piece, and started again immediately at the conclusion of the set piece. Players who exceed the thirty (30) minute time limit on their free choice program will be stopped.
Pieces from previous rounds may NOT be repeated in later rounds. All decisions by the judges are final.

JUDGING
The judging procedures are reviewed each year by the Competition Committee, and GFA reserves the right to change the procedures outlined below at the discretion of the committee, in advance of the competition. Any changes will be posted on this page.
The Guitar Foundation of America does not use a point system. All judges votes are weighted equally. Judges will evaluate each competitor at their own artistic discretion, and each juror will vote their choice of the twelve (12) competitors from the Preliminary Round to move on to the Semifinal Round. All votes will be tallied and the twelve (12) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Semifinal Round. Should a tie result, judges will re-vote on only the tied competitors.
In the Semifinal Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. Each judge will vote their choice for four (4) finalists, all votes will be tallied and the four (4) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Final Round. Should a tie result, judges will re-vote on only the tied competitors.
In the Final Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. The judges will first vote for first place; then for second; then for third. No ties will be allowed in the Final Round. In the case of a tie in the initial vote, judges will re-vote on the tied competitors to determine who will advance to the higher place.
The winner of the International Concert Artist Competition will perform the Set Piece during the Winner’s Tour.

For further information, please contact Martha Masters, Artistic Director at martha@marthamasters.com
-Martha Masters, Artistic Director, GFA International Concert Artist Competition.

Youth Guitar Orchestra Rehearsal
2019-06-17 15:00 - 17:00 | University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
This year, The GFA Youth Guitar Orchestra will perform a world premiere by popular UK composer Mark Houghton, his latest Guitarchestra No. 10, to open the evening concert of Marcin Dylla on Wednesday June 19, 2019.

The Youth Guitar Orchestra is open to all registrants 18 or younger. Music will be distributed to participants at least one month prior to the Convention. You will need to bring your own guitar. The performance will take place at 8pm on Wednesday June 19 at 8pm.

The rehearsal schedule for YGO is as follows:
Monday, June 17, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The Guitar Orchestras will be led by Chuck Hulihan. Repertoire will be posted and distributed by mid May, 2019

Signing up: To sign up for the Guitar Orchestras, just make the selection when you register for the Convention, and you will be provided links to music and any other information via email.

ICAC Preliminary
2019-06-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Second group of International Concert Artist Competition preliminary competition performances.
[hr]
PRIZES
Rose Augustine Grand Prize:

$10,000 Cash*
GFA Sponsored International Concert Tour, including approximately 50 concerts throughout the United States, Canada,and Mexico.
Naxos CD Recording
Mel Bay Publication
3 year supply (52 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories
Generous string package provided by Savarez
CD and booklet design and production as well as print/digital marketing and distribution by Contrastes Records

2nd Prize:

$7,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

3rd Prize:

$5,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

4th Prize:

$3,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

*All prizes subject to mandatory 30% federal tax withholding for foreign prize-winners; US prize-winners will be issued an IRS-1099 Form.
*All donated prizes are subject to the delivery by the sponsor. GFA will do everything possible to ensure delivery of all prizes, but GFA will not be held responsible if donor does not deliver a prize as listed above.
All Semifinalists will receive a $500 Travel Stipend. Foreigners must provide receipts to avoid tax withholding.
Other prizes awarded to all Finalists will include gift certificates donated by GSP, Strings by Mail, and KLING-ON products.

JURY
Preliminary Round: TBA
Semifinal and Final Rounds: TBA

COMPETITION RULES
ELIGIBILITY
Open to competitors, who must be 18 years of age by June 1, 2020 (the year following the competition), regardless of nationality.
Required Piece: Fantasia, by Roberto Gerhard.
Competitors’ Orientation Meeting, Sunday, June 16, 8:00 p.m. This meeting is required of all competitors. This meeting will determine the performance order for the three-day Preliminary Round by means of a Lottery – numerical order draw. If you have a travel delay that prevents you from attending the meeting, you will need to provide proof upon arrival of earlier travel plans to be granted a slot in the Preliminary Round. If you have any other reason that you cannot attend the meeting, you must write to and receive a reply from the Artistic Director in advance to receive permission to have your performance order drawn by a GFA staff person in your absence. Any registered competitors who do not either receive advance permission to miss the meeting for good cause or do not have a documented travel delay will not be allowed to compete.
All competitors are required to submit their free choices for all rounds via a link on our website (to be provided after the registration deadline has closed). Any changes to your submitted program may be made until May 8, after which programs may not be altered. Competitors who do not submit programs by this date will be disqualified, and no refund will be provided.

PRELIMINARY ROUND
June 17-19, 2019: performance before a panel of five (5) judges. All rounds are open to the public.
Each candidate must perform the following in the order of their choice:

Set Piece; a work specially composed for the competition, hereinafter referred to the “set piece”. Each registered competitor will receive the set piece on May 2 after receipt of all registration fees and materials by the declared Deadline Date.
A free choice program not to exceed ten (10) minutes.

The judges have the option of stopping the candidate during any of these performances. All works in all rounds are to be performed from memory with the exception of the set piece, for which memorization is optional. Should you choose to read the score, a page-turner will be permitted.
Twelve (12) competitors from this round will advance to the Semifinal Round. Announcement of the twelve competitors to advance will be made Wednesday evening at the beginning of Intermission. All decisions by the judges are final.

SEMIFINAL ROUND
Thursday, June 20, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Performance order for this round will be determined by a lottery. The twelve (12) candidates will perform before a panel of seven (7) new judges.
The repertoire for this round will be:
Maximum twenty-five (25) minutes of stage time (timed from the first note, including time between all pieces). All competitors will play the required piece, Fantasia, by Roberto Gerhard, as part of their 25-minute program.
Pieces from previous rounds may NOT be repeated in later rounds.
Four (4) competitors from this round will advance to the Final Round. Announcement of the four (4) competitors to advance will be made Thursday evening at the beginning of Intermission.

FINAL ROUND
Saturday, June 22, 6:30 pm, with live webcast: Performance order for this round will be determined by a lottery. Four (4) candidates will perform before a panel of the same seven (7) judges.
Finalists will perform a free choice program along with the Set Piece. The total performance time, including the Set Piece, must not exceed the length of the Set Piece plus the thirty (30) minute program. Players will be timed from the moment the first note is played (initial entry/tuning time will not be counted provided it is within reason), and the timer will run throughout the performance, including the time between pieces. The timer will be stopped at the end of the piece preceding the set piece, and started again immediately at the conclusion of the set piece. Players who exceed the thirty (30) minute time limit on their free choice program will be stopped.
Pieces from previous rounds may NOT be repeated in later rounds. All decisions by the judges are final.

JUDGING
The judging procedures are reviewed each year by the Competition Committee, and GFA reserves the right to change the procedures outlined below at the discretion of the committee, in advance of the competition. Any changes will be posted on this page.
The Guitar Foundation of America does not use a point system. All judges votes are weighted equally. Judges will evaluate each competitor at their own artistic discretion, and each juror will vote their choice of the twelve (12) competitors from the Preliminary Round to move on to the Semifinal Round. All votes will be tallied and the twelve (12) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Semifinal Round. Should a tie result, judges will re-vote on only the tied competitors.
In the Semifinal Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. Each judge will vote their choice for four (4) finalists, all votes will be tallied and the four (4) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Final Round. Should a tie result, judges will re-vote on only the tied competitors.
In the Final Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. The judges will first vote for first place; then for second; then for third. No ties will be allowed in the Final Round. In the case of a tie in the initial vote, judges will re-vote on the tied competitors to determine who will advance to the higher place.
The winner of the International Concert Artist Competition will perform the Set Piece during the Winner’s Tour.
[hr]
For further information, please contact Martha Masters, Artistic Director at martha@marthamasters.com
-Martha Masters, Artistic Director, GFA International Concert Artist Competition.

ICAC Preliminary
2019-06-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
First group of International Concert Artist Competition preliminary competition performances.
[hr]
PRIZES
Rose Augustine Grand Prize:

$10,000 Cash*
GFA Sponsored International Concert Tour, including approximately 50 concerts throughout the United States, Canada,and Mexico.
Naxos CD Recording
Mel Bay Publication
3 year supply (52 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories
Generous string package provided by Savarez
CD and booklet design and production as well as print/digital marketing and distribution by Contrastes Records

2nd Prize:

$7,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

3rd Prize:

$5,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

4th Prize:

$3,000 Cash*
3 year supply (26 sets a year) of D’Addario guitar strings in addition to Planet Waves guitar accessories.
Generous string package provided by Savarez
Generous string package provided by Augustine

*All prizes subject to mandatory 30% federal tax withholding for foreign prize-winners; US prize-winners will be issued an IRS-1099 Form.
*All donated prizes are subject to the delivery by the sponsor. GFA will do everything possible to ensure delivery of all prizes, but GFA will not be held responsible if donor does not deliver a prize as listed above.
All Semifinalists will receive a $500 Travel Stipend. Foreigners must provide receipts to avoid tax withholding.
Other prizes awarded to all Finalists will include gift certificates donated by GSP, Strings by Mail, and KLING-ON products.

JURY
Preliminary Round: TBA
Semifinal and Final Rounds: TBA

COMPETITION RULES
ELIGIBILITY
Open to competitors, who must be 18 years of age by June 1, 2020 (the year following the competition), regardless of nationality.
Required Piece: Fantasia, by Roberto Gerhard.
Competitors’ Orientation Meeting, Sunday, June 16, 8:00 p.m. This meeting is required of all competitors. This meeting will determine the performance order for the three-day Preliminary Round by means of a Lottery – numerical order draw. If you have a travel delay that prevents you from attending the meeting, you will need to provide proof upon arrival of earlier travel plans to be granted a slot in the Preliminary Round. If you have any other reason that you cannot attend the meeting, you must write to and receive a reply from the Artistic Director in advance to receive permission to have your performance order drawn by a GFA staff person in your absence. Any registered competitors who do not either receive advance permission to miss the meeting for good cause or do not have a documented travel delay will not be allowed to compete.
All competitors are required to submit their free choices for all rounds via a link on our website (to be provided after the registration deadline has closed). Any changes to your submitted program may be made until May 8, after which programs may not be altered. Competitors who do not submit programs by this date will be disqualified, and no refund will be provided.

PRELIMINARY ROUND
June 17-19, 2019: performance before a panel of five (5) judges. All rounds are open to the public.
Each candidate must perform the following in the order of their choice:

Set Piece; a work specially composed for the competition, hereinafter referred to the “set piece”. Each registered competitor will receive the set piece on May 2 after receipt of all registration fees and materials by the declared Deadline Date.
A free choice program not to exceed ten (10) minutes.

The judges have the option of stopping the candidate during any of these performances. All works in all rounds are to be performed from memory with the exception of the set piece, for which memorization is optional. Should you choose to read the score, a page-turner will be permitted.
Twelve (12) competitors from this round will advance to the Semifinal Round. Announcement of the twelve competitors to advance will be made Wednesday evening at the beginning of Intermission. All decisions by the judges are final.

SEMIFINAL ROUND
Thursday, June 20, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Performance order for this round will be determined by a lottery. The twelve (12) candidates will perform before a panel of seven (7) new judges.
The repertoire for this round will be:
Maximum twenty-five (25) minutes of stage time (timed from the first note, including time between all pieces). All competitors will play the required piece, Fantasia, by Roberto Gerhard, as part of their 25-minute program.
Pieces from previous rounds may NOT be repeated in later rounds.
Four (4) competitors from this round will advance to the Final Round. Announcement of the four (4) competitors to advance will be made Thursday evening at the beginning of Intermission.

FINAL ROUND
Saturday, June 22, 6:30 pm, with live webcast: Performance order for this round will be determined by a lottery. Four (4) candidates will perform before a panel of the same seven (7) judges.
Finalists will perform a free choice program along with the Set Piece. The total performance time, including the Set Piece, must not exceed the length of the Set Piece plus the thirty (30) minute program. Players will be timed from the moment the first note is played (initial entry/tuning time will not be counted provided it is within reason), and the timer will run throughout the performance, including the time between pieces. The timer will be stopped at the end of the piece preceding the set piece, and started again immediately at the conclusion of the set piece. Players who exceed the thirty (30) minute time limit on their free choice program will be stopped.
Pieces from previous rounds may NOT be repeated in later rounds. All decisions by the judges are final.

JUDGING
The judging procedures are reviewed each year by the Competition Committee, and GFA reserves the right to change the procedures outlined below at the discretion of the committee, in advance of the competition. Any changes will be posted on this page.
The Guitar Foundation of America does not use a point system. All judges votes are weighted equally. Judges will evaluate each competitor at their own artistic discretion, and each juror will vote their choice of the twelve (12) competitors from the Preliminary Round to move on to the Semifinal Round. All votes will be tallied and the twelve (12) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Semifinal Round. Should a tie result, judges will re-vote on only the tied competitors.
In the Semifinal Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. Each judge will vote their choice for four (4) finalists, all votes will be tallied and the four (4) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Final Round. Should a tie result, judges will re-vote on only the tied competitors.
In the Final Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. The judges will first vote for first place; then for second; then for third. No ties will be allowed in the Final Round. In the case of a tie in the initial vote, judges will re-vote on the tied competitors to determine who will advance to the higher place.
The winner of the International Concert Artist Competition will perform the Set Piece during the Winner’s Tour.
[hr]
For further information, please contact Martha Masters, Artistic Director at martha@marthamasters.com
-Martha Masters, Artistic Director, GFA International Concert Artist Competition.

Guitar Foundation of America Convention & Competition
2019-06-17 - 2019-06-22 | University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Bienvenidos a Miami!
The GFA will be joining us at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music June 17-22, 2019. Check back here for updates.
Local hosts: Dr. Federico Musgrove-Stetson and Prof. and Program Director Rafael Padron
Featured Artists Include:
Manuel Barrueco
Brasil Duo
Marcin Dylla
Lukasz Kuropaczewski
Duo Amaral
Petrit Ceku
Zoran Dukic
Les Freres Meduses
Iliana Matos
Raphaella Smits
Laura Snowden
Rafael Padron
Irina Kulikova

ICAC Orientation Meeting
2019-06-16 20:00 - 21:00 | University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Competitors’ Orientation Meeting, Sunday, June 16, 8:00 p.m.
This meeting is required of all competitors.
This meeting will determine the performance order for the three-day Preliminary Round by means of a Lottery – numerical order draw.
If you have a travel delay that prevents you from attending the meeting, you will need to provide proof upon arrival of earlier travel plans to be granted a slot in the Preliminary Round. If you have any other reason that you cannot attend the meeting, you must write to and receive a reply from the Artistic Director in advance to receive permission to have your performance order drawn by a GFA staff person in your absence. Any registered competitors who do not either receive advance permission to miss the meeting for good cause or do not have a documented travel delay will not be allowed to compete.
All competitors are required to submit their free choices for all rounds via a link on our website (to be provided after the registration deadline has closed). Any changes to your submitted program may be made until May 8, after which programs may not be altered. Competitors who do not submit programs by this date will be disqualified, and no refund will be provided.
Required Piece: Fantasia, by Roberto Gerhard.
Open to competitors, who must be 18 years of age by June 1, 2020 (the year following the competition), regardless of nationality.

Patterson/Sutton Duo
2019-04-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Praised by The Strad for their “Wit and imagination”, The trailblazing cello and guitar duo of Dr. Kimberly Patterson and Dr. Patrick Sutton are known for their passionate performances and engaging stage presence as they bring the rich cello and guitar repertoire to audiences around the world. The duo have been featured on Performance Today on American Public Media, Radio New Zealand, Fine Music Radio South Africa, among others. Featured artists at the 2016 Guitar Foundation of America Convention, the Patterson/Sutton Duo frequently concertizes throughout the United States and abroad with recent engagements as Juilliard Global Visiting Artists.
Formed in 2011 as doctoral students at the University of Colorado in Boulder, the Patterson/Sutton duo released their debut album, “Cold Dark Matter: Music for Cello & Guitar,” on the MSR Classics label in May of 2013 to critical acclaim. Composer, Dušan Bogdanović declared: “Everything [on Cold Dark Matter] is performed with excellence and sensitivity. I especially like the beautiful tone and sense of lyricism, though the virtuosity of both is apparent.”

“Hearing Kimberly and Patrick’s duo was a highlight for me at the 2016 GFA. I was amazed by their ability to achieve a perfect balance. Kimberly played with a gorgeous and colorful sound that never seemed inhibited by the logistics of playing with the reputedly more delicate classical guitar. On the contrary, Patrick’s playing was so vibrant that their equal partnership was announced from the first phrase. I know their performance of Dusan Bogdanovic’s four pieces would have brought a big smile to the composer’s face and I was sitting next to Steve Goss when they played his heartbreaking Autumn song. He told me that nobody has ever played it better! The beautiful world of cello and guitar music is currently underrepresented but I don’t think that will be the case much longer as Kimberly and Patrick continue to forge their inspired trail.

Open Mic Night
2019-04-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Miami Conservatory of Music, 2911 Grand Ave, Ste 400A, Coconut Grove, FL, 33133, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation is inviting all guitarists in the community to our next Open Mic.
Friday, April 12, at 7:00pm
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitarfoundation.org.
This event is open to the public at no charge. The idea is to offer a friendly environment for performers and a forum where we can discuss guitar related subjects with all participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Miami Conservatory of Music
Mayfair Center
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400-A
Miami, FL 33133

Aniello Desiderio
2019-03-17 20:00 - 22:30 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
“…the kind of musician that seems to have disappeared long ago, Aniello Desiderio sweeps away the audience with enthusiasm—as the great virtuosi, Paganini, Regondi or Giuliani of the 19th century did—racing through breath-taking changes of register, acrobatic arpeggios and scales of extraordinary brilliance and elegance like a Ferrari.”
– Stuttgarter Zeitung

“Actually he knocked me out.”
– Chick Corea

Unlike other classical guitarists, Aniello Desiderio seems to have it both ways. While his virtuosic abilities are compared to those of Paganini and other nineteenth-century icons, he receives praise from the finest purveyors of twentieth-century music, including celebrated artists Chick Corea and John McLaughlin. And while his classical sensibilities are steeped in centuries of rich tradition, his unique approach makes his music timeless.
Born in Naples, Italy, in 1971, Mr. Desiderio was drawn to the guitar at an early age. He started performing locally at eight years old, and internationally at eighteen, collecting accolades along the way.
His enthusiasm, passion, and charisma quickly caught the attention of the international media. Culture columns far and wide began remarking on his “acrobatic arpeggios and scales of extraordinary brilliance,” likening his elegance to a Ferrari (Stuttgarter Zeitung, Germany), and proclaiming him “the most brilliant talent of the decade,” (Süddeutsche Zeitung, one of Germany’s largest newspapers).
Meanwhile, his stunning musicality was catching the ears of his fellow artists.Pianist Chick Corea was quoted as saying, “[Aniello] knocked me out.” Austrian artist Ernst Fuchs observed “a lightness and a profundity” in Aniello’s music that he’d previously “heard in Beethoven’s music only.” And lauded conductor Lorin Maazel revealed, after hearing Aniello play, “now I know the real sound of guitar.”
Mr. Desiderio has toured and recorded extensively as a solo performer, the featured soloist of renowned orchestras, and with his own ensembles. In 2003, he co-founded the World Guitar Ensemble, which brought together the talents of 10 exceptional classical guitarists. In 2008, together with his brothers Gennaro Desiderio (violin) and Gaetano Desiderio (piano), Aniello founded Quartetto Furioso, a group that ambitiously blends baroque and tango music into a sound as unique as Aniello himself.
Aniello is a professor atS. Giacomantonio University of Music in Cosenza Italy.
This Performance is his Miami Debut.
“Nothing is impossible for Aniello with his instrument.”
– Classical Guitar/ England

“He is very young, but he plays like an angel.”
– Les Cahiers de la Guitare/ France

“In your music there is a lightness and a profundity that I heard only in Beethoven’s music.”
– Prof. Ernst Fuchs

Competition Finals
2019-03-17 17:15 - 18:30 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Three (3) competitors will play 20 minutes of free repertoire that must include at least two (2) contrasting works and must include one composition of at least five (5) minutes length that has not been played in the previous rounds.
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty.
It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation.
Prizes
1st Prize: $3,500
2nd Prize: $1,500
3rd Prize: $750
Rank order of the winners will be announced during the Aniello Desiderio Concert at 8:00pm.
To enter the competition, please visit the Competition Page here.

Youth Competition Finals
2019-03-17 16:15 - 17:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Three (3) youth competitors will play 15 minutes of free repertoire that must include at least two (2) contrasting works.
Youth Competition Finalists:
Angela Hernandez
Patricia Hernandez
Chase Schallen
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty.
It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation.
Prizes
1st Prize: $500
2nd Prize: $300
3rd Prize: $200
Rank order of the winners will be announced during the Aniello Desiderio Concert at 8:00pm.
To enter the competition, please visit the Competition Page here.

Masterclass with Meng Su
2019-03-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Multifaceted guitarist Meng Su is captivating audiences around the world with her stunning virtuosity and refined artistry. New York Concert Review called her performance “seemingly effortless and stunningly polished…. Add to that a beautiful – and fashionable! – stage presence and she is poised to be in high demand” while Classical Guitar Magazine wrote that “she has already reached the status of a seasoned artist.”
Meng Su’s performances and recordings have impressed the public with “an ability and artistry that exceeds her years.” (Baltimore Sun) Her debut duo CD “Maracaípe” received a Latin Grammy nomination for the titled piece, which was dedicated to the Duo by renowned guitarist/composer Sergio Assad. Their second CD, “Bach to Tan Dun,” a “must-listen” according to composer Tan Dun, has been widely noted for the world-premiere recording of his “Eight Memories in Watercolor.” A recording in trio, “China West,” with Maestro Barrueco and the Beijing Guitar Duo was released in May 2014 to critical acclaim. Meng Su’s debut solo recording “Meng,” released in 2016 was called “awe-inspiring” and “this year’s finest debut by far” by Classical Guitar Magazine.
Born in Qingdao, China, Meng Su began studying the guitar at the age of 5 and showed her talents from an early age under the guidance of Prof. Chen Zhi at the Central Conservatory in Beijing. Meng Su has won first prize in numerous international competitions around the world, the last one being in the prestigious Parkening International Guitar competition in 2015. She obtained a Master’s Degree and an Artist Diploma with Maestro Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.

Open Competition Semifinals
2019-03-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
8 players will play 10 minutes of free repertoire in the competition semifinals.
Open Competition Semifinalists:
Dragos Illie
Christopher Mrofchak
Laura Mazon Franqui
Thomas Riamon
Jesus Serrano Huitron
Misael Barraza Díaz
Juan José Alpizar Rodriguez
Robby Brown
Yuki Saito
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty.
It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation.
To enter the competition, please visit the Competition Page here.

Meng Su
2019-03-16 20:00 - 22:30 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
“…having the star potential to serve as inspiration for new generations of guitarists to come.”
– Classical Guitar Magazine

Multifaceted guitarist Meng Su is captivating audiences around the world with her stunning virtuosity and refined artistry. New York Concert Review called her performance “seemingly effortless and stunningly polished…. Add to that a beautiful – and fashionable! – stage presence, and she is poised to be in high demand” while Classical Guitar Magazine wrote that “she has already reached the status of a seasoned artist.”
In addition to her busy solo career, Meng Su is an avid chamber musician who tours regularly in the Beijing Guitar Duo and as a soloist with orchestras. This season, Ms. Su will make her solo debut with China Philharmonic Orchestra in the Chinese premiere of Tan Dun’s concerto Yi2; with the Mulhouse Symphony Orchestra in Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez; and with the Adelaide Symphony with her duo partner Yameng Wang in Rodrigo’s double concerto, Concierto Madrigal.
Meng Su’s performances and recordings have impressed the public with “an ability and artistry that exceeds her years.” (Baltimore Sun) Her debut duo CD “Maracaípe” received a Latin Grammy nomination for the titled piece, which was dedicated to the Duo by renowned guitarist/composer Sergio Assad. Their second CD, “Bach to Tan Dun,” a “must-listen” according to composer Tan Dun, has been widely noted for the world-premiere recording of his “Eight Memories in Watercolor.” A recording in trio, “China West,” with Maestro Barrueco and the Beijing Guitar Duo was released in May 2014 to critical acclaim. Meng Su’s debut solo recording “Meng,” released in 2016 was called “awe-inspiring” and “this year’s finest debut by far” by Classical Guitar Magazine.
Born in Qingdao, China, Meng Su began studying the guitar at the age of 5 and showed her talents from an early age under the guidance of Prof. Chen Zhi at the Central Conservatory in Beijing. Meng Su has won first-prize in numerous international competitions around the world, the last one being in the prestigious Parkening International Guitar competition in 2015. She obtained a Master’s Degree and an Artist Diploma with Maestro Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.

CANCELLED: Pavel Steidl
2019-03-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
This event has been cancelled and replaced with a concert with Meng Su.
We apologize for any inconvenience.

Open Competition Wave 3
2019-03-16 16:30 - 18:30 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
10 competitors will play their choice of music for 7 minutes each.
Competitors will be evaluated on their technique, musicianship, and overall presentation. Judges’ comments will not be made available to competitors. Competitors are encouraged to inquire for comments from the judges directly only after the competition has ended.
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. All music must be performed from memory. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation. All judges’ decisions are final.
CLICK HERE to enter the competition.

Youth Competition Round 1
2019-03-16 16:30 - 18:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Youth competitors will play their choice of music for 7 minutes each.
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the youth competitor. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty.
It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation.
To enter the competition, please visit the Competition Page here.

Open Competition Wave 2
2019-03-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Masterclass with Aniello Desiderio
2019-03-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
In 1992, Aniello Desiderio graduated with honors from the Conservatory of Music in Alessandria.
He performed in public for the first time when he was 8 years old, displaying such outstanding gifts that music critics started to speak of him as an “infant prodigy”, “wunderkind”, “a genius”, “the Orpheus of the guitar”, “a guitarist of the century”, and “il Fenomeno”.
He won 18 first International Awards in both national and international competitions, including:

1st Prize and Special Prize for the best interpretation of South American music at the International Guitar Competition in Habana, Cuba (1988)
“Neapolitan of the Year” Award for Mr. Desiderio, Italy (1988)
1st Prize and Special Prize of the best interpretation of Tarrega’s music at the International Francisco Tarrega Competition, Benicassim, Spain (1992)
1st Prize at the International “Guerrero” Competition, Madrid, Spain (1995)

He performed as a recitalist and soloist with orchestras in North and South Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa; regularly in the most important Theaters of the world including Carnegie Hall, Munich Philharmonie, Alte Opera, Tonhalle, Teatro delle Palme, Radio France, Die Gloke, Istanbul Philharmonie, Berlin Philharmonie, and Opera House Wien.

Open Competition Wave 1
2019-03-16 11:30 - 13:30 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
10 competitors will play their choice of music for 7 minutes each.
Competitors will be evaluated on their technique, musicianship, and overall presentation. Judges’ comments will not be made available to competitors. Competitors are encouraged to inquire for comments from the judges directly only after the competition has ended.
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. All music must be performed from memory. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation. All judges’ decisions are final.
To enter the competition, please visit the Competition Page here.

Florida Guitar Foundation International Guitar Competition
2019-03-16 - 2019-03-17 | University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation is inviting all up-and-coming guitar professionals to enter the FGF’s 2019 International Classical Guitar Competition.
Participation Fee: $90
There are Open and Youth Divisions for competitors, based on age.
Competitors will be evaluated on their technique, musicianship, and overall presentation. Judges’ comments will not be made available to competitors. Competitors are encouraged to inquire for comments from the judges directly only after the competition has ended.
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. All music must be performed from memory. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation. All judges’ decisions are final.
Registration covers one (1) entry to the competition, master classes, and admission to performances by Pavel Steidl, and Aniello Desiderio.
By entering and by your presence here, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media by the Florida Guitar Foundation.
All master classes and competition events are free and open to the public. Due to limited space, not every student will have the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with the guest artists. Performing students will be chosen by random drawing.
Per U.S. IRS regulations, prizes awarded to non-U.S. citizens may be subject to tax withholding, dependent upon current tax treaty between the U.S. and the winner’s country of citizenship. U.S. citizens who are awarded prizes will not have tax withheld, and will receive an IRS Form 1099 from the Florida Guitar Foundation at the end of the year if the total of earnings are $600 or more.
No refunds.
Winners will receive prize money and gift bags from our sponsors.
For more information, and to enter the competition, please visit the Competition page here.

The competition features two showcase evening concerts by Pavel Steidl (March 16, 2019 at 8:00pm) and Aniello Desiderio (March 17, 2019 at 8:00pm).

Event Schedule
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Open Competition Wave 1: 11:30am – 1:10pm
Master Class with Aniello Desiderio: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Open Competition Wave 2: 2:00pm – 3:40pm
Open Competition Wave 3: 4:30pm – 6:10pm
Youth Competition 1st Round: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Pavel Steidl Concert: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Open Competition Semifinals: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Master Class with Pavel Steidl: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Youth Finals: 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Open Competition Finals: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Aniello Desiderio Concert: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Winners will be announced during the Aniello Desidero Concert

Open Mic Night
2019-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Miami Conservatory of Music, 2911 Grand Ave, Ste 400A, Coconut Grove, FL, 33133, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation is inviting all guitarists in the community to our next Open Mic.
Friday, March 8, at 7:00pm
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitarfoundation.org.
This event is open to the public at no charge. The idea is to offer a friendly environment for performers and a forum where we can discuss guitar related subjects with all participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Miami Conservatory of Music
Mayfair Center
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400-A
Miami, FL 33133

Open Mic Night
2019-02-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Miami Conservatory of Music, 2911 Grand Ave, Ste 400A, Coconut Grove, FL, 33133, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation is inviting all guitarists in the community to our next Open Mic.
Friday, February 8, at 7:00pm
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitarfoundation.org.
This event is open to the public at no charge. The idea is to offer a friendly environment for performers and a forum where we can discuss guitar related subjects with all participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Miami Conservatory of Music
Mayfair Center
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400-A
Miami, FL 33133

Open Mic Night
2019-01-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Miami Conservatory of Music, 2911 Grand Ave, Ste 400A, Coconut Grove, FL, 33133, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation is inviting all guitarists in the community to our next Open Mic.
Friday, January 11, at 7:00pm
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitarfoundation.org.
This event is open to the public at no charge. The idea is to offer a friendly environment for performers and a forum where we can discuss guitar related subjects with all participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Miami Conservatory of Music
Mayfair Center
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400-A
Miami, FL 33133

Open Mic Night
2018-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Miami Conservatory of Music, 2911 Grand Ave, Ste 400A, Coconut Grove, FL, 33133, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation is inviting all guitarists in the community to our next Open Mic.
Friday, December 14, at 7:00pm
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitarfoundation.org.
This event is open to the public at no charge. The idea is to offer a friendly environment for performers and a forum where we can discuss guitar related subjects with all participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Miami Conservatory of Music
Mayfair Center
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400-A
Miami, FL 33133

Kupiński Guitar Duo
2018-12-08 20:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
The Kupiński Guitar Duo is the peerless example of artistic talent in the world of classical music and one of Europe’s most renowned guitar duos. Acclaimed by both the public and critics alike as two musicians with a brilliant technique, passion, quality of sound and infinite elegance.
In addition to the numerous solo achievements, after graduating the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice (guitar class of prof. Alina Gruszka and prof. Wanda Palacz) and Hochschule für Musik in Weimar (guitar class of prof. Thomas Müller-Pering), Ewa and Dariusz decided to establish the guitar duo, bringing to their performances a masterful sense of ensemble and charming personal chemistry.
As soloists and in a duo they have won numerous awards in important international competitions (Weikersheim, Parma, Tychy, Viareggio, Bojano, Erwitte). They have been honoured multiple times with prestigious awards and scholarships for artistic achievements, such as “Young Poland” Scholarship, the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage Scholarship and DAAD. They have played recitals in Europe (e.g. Poland, England, Germany, France, Slovakia), USA (e.g. Washington, Houston, San Jose, Oklahoma City, Louisville), Mexico and China.
As a part of their passion for education, they have been invited to give Master Classes in Europe, Asia and USA. Ewa holds the Habilitation degree in guitar performance and is currently teaching at the Institute of Music of Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa.
In 2011 their debut CD “SPANISH MUSIC” has been released. From that time this husband and wife duo has been gaining momentum and attracting fans throughout the World. Their latest CD (2016) features mostly arrangements of music of Chopin, Rossini, Piazzolla and Gershwin. With a growing reputation for performing with tremendous energy and artistry, their aim is to create a rich and varied concert experience for audience through great performances of great music.

Master Class: Kupiński Guitar Duo
2018-12-07 17:30 - 20:30 | Broby Hall, University of Miami, Foster Building, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Kupiński Guitar Duo is leading a Master Class FREE and Open to the Public.

Open Mic Night
2018-11-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Miami Conservatory of Music, 2911 Grand Ave, Ste 400A, Coconut Grove, FL, 33133, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation is inviting all guitarists in the community to our next Open Mic.
Friday, November 2, at 7:00pm
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitarfoundation.org.
This event is open to the public at no charge. The idea is to offer a friendly environment for performers and a forum where we can discuss guitar related subjects with all participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Miami Conservatory of Music
Mayfair Center
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400-A
Miami, FL 33133

Jorge Luis Zamora
2018-10-20 20:00 - 22:30 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
