Florida Guitar Foundation

Irina Kulikova
2020-03-15 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Unanimously acclaimed for the rare beauty of her tone and her enchanting presence on stage, Irina Kulikova has established herself as one of today’s leading guitarists. Soundboard Magazine wrote: “Some of the most sheerly beautiful playing I have ever heard.” And Luz Leskowitz, director of the Salzburger Schlosskonzerte in Austria, that accompanied her in concerts for royal and aristocratic families in Europe: “Wherever she performs, she plays herself into the hearts of her audience.”
Irina Kulikova tours far afield, with appearances at leading festivals in Europe, North America and Asia and in concert halls such as the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, the Palau de la Musica in Valencia, the Musashino Hall in Tokyo and the Oriental Arts Center in Shanghai. In the USA, she performed for major festivals and societies including Austin, Cleveland, Chicago and Dallas.
The daughter of a Russian cello pedagogue, Irina Kulikova combines an effortless virtuosity with a profound sensitivity when she is phrasing the voices of great composers like Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Barrios and Piazzolla. ‘Few can tell us something so special as she does’ (Carlo Marchione). She gained critical acclaim for her fourth solo CD – ‘Reminiscences of Russia’ – introducing some highly romantic Russian compositions to an international audience, including the breathtaking ‘Swan Princess’, that Konstantin Vassiliev dedicated to her.
Irina Kulikova received over 30 awards for her artistry, including 1st prizes at the highly prestigious competitions of Michele Pittaluga in Italy, Guitarra Alhambra in Spain, Forum Gitarre Wien in Austria and Iserlohn in Germany. She resides in The Hague (The Netherlands), Los Angeles (USA) and Salzburg (Austria). An ambassador of pure and heartfelt performing, she inspires guitar students in masterclasses all over the world with her personal motto: It’s about the touch.

Open Division Final Round – 2020 Competition
2020-03-15 17:00 - 18:30 | FL
• The Florida Guitar Foundation Classical Guitar Competition is open to all classical guitarists regardless of age and nationality.
• Eight competitors will be chosen to play in the Semi-final round.
• Three competitors will be chosen to perform in the Final Round.
• All judges’ decisions are final.
• Judges’ comments will not be made available to competitors.
• All music must be performed from memory.
• Previous 1st prize winners are not eligible to participate.
Repertoire
• Preliminary Round:
o 7 minutes of free repertoire
• Semi-Final Round:
o 10 minutes of free repertoire
• Final Round:
o 20 minutes of free repertoire
o Must include at least two (2) contrasting works
o Must include one composition of at least five (5) minutes length that has not been played in the previous rounds.

Youth Division Final Round – 2020 Competition
2020-03-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation Youth Classical Guitar Competition is open to all classical guitarists regardless nationality that are currently enrolled in high school (or younger).
• Three competitors will be chosen to perform in the Final Round.
• All judges decisions are final.
• Judges comments will not made available to competitors.
• All music must be performed from memory.
• Previous 1st prize winners are not eligible to participate.
Repertoire
• Preliminary Round:
o 7 minutes of free repertoire
• Final Round:
o 15 minutes of free repertoire
o Must include at least two (2) contrasting works
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.

Tengyue Zhang - Master Class
2020-03-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Rafael Padron - Master Class
2020-03-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Open Division Semi Final – 2020 Competition
2020-03-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
The Florida Guitar Foundation Classical Guitar Competition is open to all classical guitarists regardless of age and nationality.
• Eight competitors will be chosen to play in the Semi-final round.
• Three competitors will be chosen to perform in the Final Round.
• All judges decisions are final.
• Judges comments will not made available to competitors.
• All music must be performed from memory.
• Previous 1st prize winners are not eligible to participate.
Repertoire
• Preliminary Round:
o 7 minutes of free repertoire
• Semi-Final Round:
o 10 minutes of free repertoire
• Final Round:
o 20 minutes of free repertoire
o Must include at least two (2) contrasting works
o 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.

Tengyue Zhang - Technique Workshop
2020-03-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Music Memorization for the Classical Guitarist - Lecture
2020-03-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Rafael Padron - Master Class
2020-03-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Volpe Classroom 203, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Dr, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Tengyue Zhang - Master Class
2020-03-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Irina Kulikova - Master Class
2020-03-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States

Open Division 1st Round - 2020 Competition
2020-03-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
• The Florida Guitar Foundation Classical Guitar Competition is open to all classical guitarists regardless of age and nationality.
• Eight competitors will be chosen to play in the Semi-final round.
• Three competitors will be chosen to perform in the Final Round.
• All judges decisions are final.
• Judges comments will not made available to competitors.
• All music must be performed from memory.
• Previous 1st prize winners are not eligible to participate.
Repertoire
• Preliminary Round:
o 7 minutes of free repertoire
• Semi-Final Round:
o 10 minutes of free repertoire
• Final Round:
o 20 minutes of free repertoire
o Must include at least two (2) contrasting works
o 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.

Youth Division 1st Round – 2020 Competition
2020-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
• The Florida Guitar Foundation Youth Classical Guitar Competition is open to all classical guitarists regardless nationality that are currently enrolled in high school (or younger).
• Three competitors will be chosen to perform in the Final Round.
• All judges decisions are final.
• Judges comments will not made available to competitors.
• All music must be performed from memory.
• Previous 1st prize winners are not eligible to participate.
Repertoire
• Preliminary Round:
o 7 minutes of free repertoire
• Final Round:
o 15 minutes of free repertoire
o Must include at least two (2) contrasting works
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.

Rafael Padron
2020-03-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Cuban born guitarist, Rafael Padron, began studying the guitar at the age of eleven. He attended the National School of Art in Havana, Cuba, where he completed his studies with the distinguished Argentinean teacher and performer, Victor Pellegrini. In 1986, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Advanced Institute of Art in Havana, where he graduated with a degree in music in 1991, receiving the “Student of High Achievement” award. He has studied in Master Classes with such artists as composer Leo Brouwer, guitarists Maria Luisa Anido, Alvaro Pierri, Costa Cotsiolis, and David Russell.
Mr. Padron has won top prizes in many national and international competitions, among them the Best Interpretation of Latin American Music in Havana; The Diploma of Honor at the International Classical Guitar Competition in Chile; a top prize at the National Guitar Competition in Havana and winner of the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center Recital Series Competitions in United States of America.
He has been featured in festivals like the International Festival of the Guitar in Havana, Cuba; The International Festival of Music of the Hatilloin Caracas, Venezuela, where he premiered Leo Brouwer’s Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra No. 3, “Elegíaco”; The International Guitar Festival in Costa Rica were he premiered Leo Brouwer’s Suite “From Yesterday to Penny Lane”; The International Festival of the Guitar in Panama; The International Music Festival in Costa Rica; The Festival Iberoamericano de Guitarra, Tenerife, Spain; Rust International Guitar Festival and Competition, Rust, Austria; and Brno International Guitar Festival, Czech Republic.
Rafael Padron has performed both solo and with orchestras in various cities in Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Japan, Spain, and in the United States of America. He has performed as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra of Matanzas, Cuba; The Grand Marshall of Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela; The Chamber Orchestra of Caracas, Venezuela; The Camerata Latino Americana of Costa Rica; The Independence Symphony Orchestra in Costa Rica; and with The Panamerican Symphony Orchestra of Washington D.C. Mr. Padron has taught classical guitar at the Jose Antonio and Carmen Calcaño Foundation of Caracas, Venezuela; at the National University of Heredia, Costa Rica; the Costa Rica University of San Jose, Costa Rica; The Paco de Malaga Guitar Gallery in Washington D.C.; The Olenka Music School, Columbia, Maryland, and The Levine School in Washington D.C.
Mr. Padron graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, where he has completed his Graduate Performance Diploma on a full scholarship, under the tutelage of world-renowned guitarist Manuel Barrueco. Mr. Padron accomplished his Masters Degree Diploma at the University of Miami in December 2005.
Currently, he is the Chair of the Guitar Program at the University of Miami Frost School of Music
“Tuesday’s first concert was an all-Brouwer affair by Rafael Padron. Displaying beautiful tone, immaculate technique, and superb musicianship, Padron made it clear that guitar students at the University of Miami are in good hands.”
– Al Kunze. Soundboard the Journal of GFA. Vol. 45 No. 3 October 2019. Page 5

Open Mic Night
2020-02-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-01-10 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.
Join us once again for our monthly classical guitar open mic session! This event is free and open to the public and all are welcome. Whether you are an enthusiast, a beginner, or just love music, we’d love to see you in the audience.
If you play classical guitar or another similar fingerstyle, we invite you to bring your instrument and get on stage! We have had a lot of great impromptu performances in the past. Our audiences create a supportive, low-pressure environment in which to hone your performance skills or try out that new piece you’ve been working on.
If you know someone who would like to come, share this event! We hope to see you there!
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitar.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Open Mic Night and FGF Ensemble Recital
2019-12-13 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.
Join us once again for our monthly classical guitar open mic session! This event is free and open to the public and all are welcome. Whether you are an enthusiast, a beginner, or just love music, we’d love to see you in the audience. This Open Mic Night will feature a performance by the Florida Guitar Foundation’s Guitar Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Corey Harvin.
If you play classical guitar or another similar fingerstyle, we invite you to bring your instrument and get on stage! We have had a lot of great impromptu performances in the past. Our audiences create a supportive, low-pressure environment in which to hone your performance skills or try out that new piece you’ve been working on.
If you know someone who would like to come, share this event! We hope to see you there!
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to perform. If you are interested, please contact us at info@floridaguitar.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Rene Izquierdo
2019-12-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Rene Izquierdo, a native from Cuba, graduated from the Guillermo Tomas, Amadeo Roldan Conservatory and Superior Institute of Art in Havana. In the United States, Mr. Izquierdo earned a Master of Music and an Artist Diploma degrees from the Yale University School of Music, where he studied with Benjamin Verdery. While at Yale he represented the university in an exchange program with the Conservatoire National de Musique et de Danse du Paris and worked with guitarists Olivie Chassain and Roland Dyens. Rene has appeared as a guest soloist and in chamber music concerts throughout the United States, Cuba and Europe. He has shared the stage with prestigious guitarists including Eliot Fisk, Benjamin Verdery and Jorge Morel, as well as renowned flutist Ransom Wilson, soprano Lucy Shelton, David Jolley and Paquito d’Rivera. Renowned composers such as Jorge Morel and Carlos R. Rivera have dedicated works to him.
Mr. Izquierdo is a recipient of numerous awards. He is a winner of JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition in 2004, Extremadura International Guitar Competition, Schadt String competition, Stotsenberg International Guitar Competition among others.
He is currently a professor of classical guitar at the Wisconsin State University in Milwaukee and an active solo performer and chamber musician. Rene has studied with Leo Brouwer, David Russell, Shin-Ichi Fukuda, Eli Kassner, Pepe Romero, Angel Romero, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, David Starobin, Eduardo Fernandez, Jorge Morel, Robert Beaser and Anthony Newman among others.
His natural and instinctive interpretations are second to none: his virtuoso technique allows him absolute command of the instrument giving him the independence of subtle phrasing, dazzling speed, beautiful tonal control… everything.
– Classical Guitar Magazine, May, 2010

Award Ceremony GFA International Competitions
2019-06-22 21:00 - 22:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
ICAC Competition Winner Announced and other awards.

ICAC Final
2019-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Final round in the GFA International Concert Artist Competition.

Get Tickets

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.

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.

Masterclass: Manuel Barrueco
2019-06-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Grammy Nominated Manuel Barrueco is internationally recognized as one of the most important guitarists of our time. His unique artistry has been continually described as that of a superb instrumentalist and a superior and elegant musician, possessing a seductive sound and uncommon lyrical gifts.
His career has been dedicated to bringing the guitar to the main musical centers of the world. During three decades of concertizing, he has performed across the United States from the New World Symphony in Miami to the Seattle Symphony, and from the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to New York’s Lincoln Center.
Manuel Barrueco began playing the guitar at the age of eight, and he attended the Esteban Salas Conservatory in his native Cuba. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1967, as political refugees. Later, he completed his advanced studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he now shares his love for music with a small number of exceptionally gifted young guitarists from all over the world.
In 2011, Manuel Barrueco received the United States Artist Fontanals Fellowship for Artistic Excellence.

Senior Finals International Youth Competition
2019-06-22 13:30 - 15:30 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
The Senior Finals for the Guitar Foundation of America International Youth Competition.

International Youth Competition
PRIZES
Senior Division (Ages 15–18)
1st Prize: $2,000*
2nd Prize: $1,000*
3rd Prize: $750*
4th Prize: $500*
Other prizes awarded to all finalists will include:
Strings generously donated by D’Addario, Savarez, and Augustine
Gift Certificates from Guitar Solo Publications (GSP); Kling-On Products
All competitors receive gift certificates from Strings By Mail.
COMPETITION RULES AND ELIGIBILITY
Open to competitors, regardless of nationality, who are not older than 14 years of age (Junior Division) or 18 years of age (Senior Division) through the date of the competition finals, and who are not represented by professional management. Each division is limited to the first forty-five (45) applicants to have all required materials submitted to the GFA by the stipulated deadline. First Place-winners from any previous IYC are not eligible for the same age group.
All registrants under the age of 18 at the time of the convention must be accompanied by a paid adult registrant for the duration of their stay. Minors are not allowed on convention premises unless accompanied by an adult. The GFA does not take responsibility for any minor during their stay.
Competitors must participate in the division corresponding with their birthdate, with the exception that past winners of the Junior Division are eligible to compete in the Senior Division if desired; however past winners of Junior and Senior Divisions may not compete in the ICAC unless they have reached the minimum age requirement.
Competitors participating in the International Youth Competition (IYC) are eligible to participate in the International Ensemble Youth Competition (IEYC), but will need to register for that separately. Please note that International Youth Competition (IYC) participants cannot also be entered in the International Ensemble Competition (IEC). International Youth Competition (IYC) participants can only compete in the International Ensemble Youth Competition (IEYC).
If you will participate in more than one youth competition, you can register for one and then you must write an email to Ebaa Khamas, Operations Administrator, at info@guitarfoundation.org requesting directions to register for a second youth competition.
All decisions regarding eligibility are made by the IYC Artistic Director, Lynn McGrath.
DEADLINE: May 1, 2019. Entries with all fees and application materials, including submission of repertoire for the preliminary and final rounds as well as a an HD photo for the program, must be received by the GFA no later than the above deadline. No late entries will be considered.
REQUIRED PIECE – One solo from the Heitor Villa-Lobos Complete Works for Solo Guitar, Editions Max Eschig.
FREE CHOICE – One free choice piece of 4-7 minutes in length. This may include multiple movements from the same composition. For example, multiple movements from a Bach Suite or several etudes from Leo Brouwer’s Etudes Simples.
MANDATORY COMPETITOR’S MEETING: Thursday, 6/20/19. Time and location TBD.
Attendance at the Competitor’s Meeting meeting is required of all competitors. Procedures will be reviewed, and afterwards, there will be a brief tour of the Preliminary Round venue.
IMPORTANT CHANGE: The 2019 IYC has one change in the program submittal procedures. The programs for the preliminary and final rounds as well as an HD photo must be submitted via the provided program link by May 1st, 11:59PM EST (the same date and time as the registration deadline). Links will be sent upon successful completion of your registration. Please plan accordingly as those who do not submit a program by that deadline may be ineligible to compete.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Competitors who do not upload appropriate age verification with their registration are required to bring documentation to the competitor’s orientation meeting. Competitors who do not present appropriate materials will be allowed to perform for evaluation by the jury, but will not be eligible for advancing to the finals of the competition.
If you encounter a travel delay which prevents you from attending the meeting, you will need to provide proof upon arrival of earlier travel plans. Should you have another event in conflict with the competitors’ orientation meeting, which is not a sponsored GFA event, the competitor will only be permitted to perform for evaluation and will be ineligible to compete for competition prizes.
PRELIMINARY ROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH DIVISIONS
June 20th-21st: performance before a panel of three (3) judges for each division. This round will be closed to the public and no observers are allowed. If the number of competitors allows, this round will be held only on June 21st.
Each candidate must perform the following pieces and they may be performed in any order:
Required piece
Free Choice of 4-7 minutes length
All pieces must be performed from memory.
Each competitor is allotted a 12-minute performance slot in this round and a performance may be stopped by the judges if the player is not near completion of the music after 12 minutes of playing. Tuning or pausing between the selections is not included in the timing. All competitors must perform on a nylon string, classical guitar. Four (4) competitors from this round will advance to the Final Round. Announcement of the four (4) competitors to advance will be made at the conclusion of the Friday 4pm concert.
FINAL ROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR DIVISION
June 22nd: 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Performance order for this round will be determined by a Lottery-numerical order draw. The four (4) candidates will perform before a panel of three (3) judges. This round will be open to the public.
All finalists are required to perform a minimum of two (2) works of contrasting styles (by different composers) not to exceed a total of fifteen (15) minutes. They may be performed in any order. No works by Villa-Lobos may be included in the Final Round, but other works from the Preliminary Round may be repeated.
All pieces must be memorized. Performers may be stopped at a total of 15 minutes playing time. Tuning or pausing between the selections is not included in the timing. Announcement of the winners will be made at the end of the IYC Awards Ceremony, TBA (typically at the conclusion of the afternoon recital).
COMPETITION PROCEDURES
A list of preliminary round times will be e-mailed to each competitor a few weeks before the start of the convention. Order is determined by random number generating software. More detailed information about the IYC Competitor’s meeting will be provided by email communication after the registration deadline has been reached. Please check the email address you used when registering for all correspondence regarding the event.
PRELIMINARY ROUND
Competitors should be near the judging venue, ready to perform, at least 30-45 minutes before their scheduled time. This is necessary in the event judging runs ahead of schedule. Competitors should bring only their guitar (without the case) and guitar elevation device or footstool into the judging venue. Footstools will not be provided. Be certain to tune the instrument before entering the judging venue. Performers are allowed to check tuning once inside the venue. Judges do not require copies of the score.
JUDGING
Judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. Based upon this, they will vote their choice of the four (4) competitors from the Preliminary Round to advance to the Final Round. All votes are tallied and the four (4) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Final Round. Should a tie result, judges will discuss and re-vote on the tied competitors.
In the Final Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. The judges shall vote for each place, beginning with First then moving on to Second, Third, and Forth. No ties will be allowed. In the case of a tie during deliberation, judges will discuss and re-vote on the tied competitors to determine who will advance to the higher place.
All decisions by the judges are final.
Additional competition and convention registrations should be purchased separately. Chaperones attending with more than one competitor only need to purchase one pass for the appropriate competition period.
For competition questions, please contact: Lynn McGrath, Artistic Director of the International Youth Competition at iyc@guitarfoundation.org.
For registration questions, please contact: Ebaa Khamas, Operations Administrator, at info@guitarfoundation.org

IEC Winners' Concert
2019-06-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
2018 International Ensemble Competition Winners’ Concert.
The winners of the Guitar Foundation of America’s International Ensemble Competition are invited to perform at the next GFA Convention and Competition.

International Ensemble Competition
University of Miami | Miami, FL, USA
June 20-22, 2019
Eligibility
The GFA International Ensemble Competition is comprised of an Artist and Youth Division. The Artist Division attracts professional and collegiate-level ensembles while the Youth Division is designed for ensembles whose members are 18 years old or younger. The GFA International Ensemble Competition will take place during the GFA Convention in Miami, FL at the University of Miami. The convention will run from June 17-22, 2019 and the competition will take place on Thursday, June 20 (Youth Division) and Friday, June 21 (Artist Division).
1. International Ensemble Artist Competition – Open to all ages. For rules and more information, Click HERE
2. International Youth Ensemble Competition – All ensemble members must be ages 18 or under through the date of the competition finals. For rules and more information, Click HERE
Ensembles may only compete in one age division of the IEC per year.
*IYC and ICAC competitors are allowed to also compete in IEYC and IEAC, respectively.
If you will participate in more than one competition, first register for one of the two competitions through the appropriate online registration form. Next, contact Ebaa Khamas, Operations Administrator, at info@guitarfoundation.org or 877-570-1651 requesting directions to register for the second competition. An additional registration fee of $100 will be applied for participation in the second competition.
Prizes
International Ensemble Artist Competition (IEAC)
1st Prize: $3000* and Concert at 2020 GFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN**
2nd Prize: $1500*
3rd Prize $750*
International Youth Ensemble Competition (IEYC)
1st Prize: $1000*
2nd Prize: $700*
3rd Prize: $500*
String prizes from Augustine, D’Addario, and Savarez.
*All prizes subject to mandatory 30% federal tax withholding for foreign prize-winners; US prize-winners will be issued an IRS-1099 Form.
**The concert prize is awarded for the winner of the International Ensemble Artist Competition, only. Included with this prize is lodging for the following year’s convention and travel expenses up to $2,000. Jurors are not obligated to award a 1st place prize. Ensemble artists may also be asked to serve on competition juries or teach.
JURORS:
Concert Artist Competition: TBD
Youth Competition: TBD
Competitors Orientation Meeting:
The competitors meeting will be held at 10 am on Thursday, June 20th in location TBD. Attendance is mandatory for all ensemble members. Rehearsal spaces will be assigned for the day of the competition and can be accommodated during the week.

GFA Vendor Expo
2019-06-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Fillmore Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Dr, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Come check out the vendors at Guitar Foundation of America Convention! The Vendor Expo will take place in the Henry Fillmore Band and Nancy Greene Halls at the University of Miami Frost School of Music.
Vendors include:

MicroTōne GuitarsProductions d’OZ/Doberman
Sean Spurling Guitars
Kevin J. Cope
Vicente Carrillo Guitars
Editions Henry Lemoine
Wiseman Cases
Ubach Method for Guitar
Thomas Baldwin Guitars
Wood Ring Guitars
Dogal Strings
Lubos Naprstek, Luthier
Garrett Lee, Luthier
Sean Spurling, Luthier

Bill Glez GuitarsTraphagen Guitars
Cadiz Guitars
Rokkomann, Inc.
Reverie Classical Guitars
Vincent Xu, Luthier
Yanlei, Luthier
David Chaves, Luthier
The FJH Music Company Inc.
Sean Spurling Guitar Maker
Gregory Byers, Luthier
Hill Guitar Company
Kopecky Guitars
Kris Barnett Guitars

Lecture: Federico Sheppard
2019-06-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Foster 206, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
In this lecture, Federico “Frederick” Sheppard discusses the discovery and publication of the original Agustin Barrios Method for Guitar, and other original materials.

Luthier Federico Sheppard wears many hats other than building great guitars, which include his unique “Camino” models and replicas of the main concert guitars of Agustín Barrios Mangoré. He hosts guitar workshops and presents concerts (over 500 to date) in the north of Spain along the Camino de Santiago, where he also writes and publishes articles for the Guild of American Luthiers and Soundboard magazine. This is a short-list of all he does; however, it has been with Herculean effort that his current project is nearly complete: called “El Libro de Oro – The Book of Gold”, this is a multi-volume and new edition of the works of Agustín Barrios Mangoré, commemorating the 75th anniversary of his passing. Acting as editor, contributing author and collector, Sheppard has included many hitherto unknown works, including the Barrios method, studies, duos, solos and arrangements of other composers. Published by Les Productions D’Oz, a very well-known publisher of sheet music for the guitar, with a release date set for June 2019.

Lecture: Michael Kudirka
2019-06-22 10:00 - 10:50 | Foster 239, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
In this lecture, Dr. Michael Kudirka discusses Historical Tunings and Temperaments on Guitar: An Introduction to their Realization with Modern Microtonal Fretboards.

Dr. Michael Kudirka received his BM and DMA from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music where he studied with William Kanengiser, James Smith, and Brian Head, and his MFA from the California Institute of the Arts where he studied with Miroslav Tadic. He has taught at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, California Institute of the Arts, University of Southern California, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He is currently a faculty member at Arkansas State University.

Junior Finals International Youth Competition
2019-06-22 09:30 - 12:30 | Clarke Recital Hall, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
The Junior Finals for the GFA International Youth Competition.

International Youth Competition
PRIZES
Junior Division (Ages 14 & Under)
1st Prize: $1,000*
2nd Prize: $750*
3rd Prize: $500*
4th Prize: $250*
Other prizes awarded to all finalists will include:
Strings generously donated by D’Addario, Savarez, and Augustine
Gift Certificates from Guitar Solo Publications (GSP); Kling-On Products
All competitors receive gift certificates from Strings By Mail.
COMPETITION RULES AND ELIGIBILITY
Open to competitors, regardless of nationality, who are not older than 14 years of age (Junior Division) or 18 years of age (Senior Division) through the date of the competition finals, and who are not represented by professional management. Each division is limited to the first forty-five (45) applicants to have all required materials submitted to the GFA by the stipulated deadline. First Place-winners from any previous IYC are not eligible for the same age group.
All registrants under the age of 18 at the time of the convention must be accompanied by a paid adult registrant for the duration of their stay. Minors are not allowed on convention premises unless accompanied by an adult. The GFA does not take responsibility for any minor during their stay.
Competitors must participate in the division corresponding with their birthdate, with the exception that past winners of the Junior Division are eligible to compete in the Senior Division if desired; however past winners of Junior and Senior Divisions may not compete in the ICAC unless they have reached the minimum age requirement.
Competitors participating in the International Youth Competition (IYC) are eligible to participate in the International Ensemble Youth Competition (IEYC), but will need to register for that separately. Please note that International Youth Competition (IYC) participants cannot also be entered in the International Ensemble Competition (IEC). International Youth Competition (IYC) participants can only compete in the International Ensemble Youth Competition (IEYC).
If you will participate in more than one youth competition, you can register for one and then you must write an email to Ebaa Khamas, Operations Administrator, at info@guitarfoundation.org requesting directions to register for a second youth competition.
All decisions regarding eligibility are made by the IYC Artistic Director, Lynn McGrath.
DEADLINE: May 1, 2019. Entries with all fees and application materials, including submission of repertoire for the preliminary and final rounds as well as a an HD photo for the program, must be received by the GFA no later than the above deadline. No late entries will be considered.
REQUIRED PIECE – One solo from the Heitor Villa-Lobos Complete Works for Solo Guitar, Editions Max Eschig.
FREE CHOICE – One free choice piece of 4-7 minutes in length. This may include multiple movements from the same composition. For example, multiple movements from a Bach Suite or several etudes from Leo Brouwer’s Etudes Simples.
MANDATORY COMPETITOR’S MEETING: Thursday, 6/20/19. Time and location TBD.
Attendance at the Competitor’s Meeting meeting is required of all competitors. Procedures will be reviewed, and afterwards, there will be a brief tour of the Preliminary Round venue.
IMPORTANT CHANGE: The 2019 IYC has one change in the program submittal procedures. The programs for the preliminary and final rounds as well as an HD photo must be submitted via the provided program link by May 1st, 11:59PM EST (the same date and time as the registration deadline). Links will be sent upon successful completion of your registration. Please plan accordingly as those who do not submit a program by that deadline may be ineligible to compete.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Competitors who do not upload appropriate age verification with their registration are required to bring documentation to the competitor’s orientation meeting. Competitors who do not present appropriate materials will be allowed to perform for evaluation by the jury, but will not be eligible for advancing to the finals of the competition.
If you encounter a travel delay which prevents you from attending the meeting, you will need to provide proof upon arrival of earlier travel plans. Should you have another event in conflict with the competitors’ orientation meeting, which is not a sponsored GFA event, the competitor will only be permitted to perform for evaluation and will be ineligible to compete for competition prizes.
PRELIMINARY ROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH DIVISIONS
June 20th-21st: performance before a panel of three (3) judges for each division. This round will be closed to the public and no observers are allowed. If the number of competitors allows, this round will be held only on June 21st.
Each candidate must perform the following pieces and they may be performed in any order:
Required piece
Free Choice of 4-7 minutes length
All pieces must be performed from memory.
Each competitor is allotted a 12-minute performance slot in this round and a performance may be stopped by the judges if the player is not near completion of the music after 12 minutes of playing. Tuning or pausing between the selections is not included in the timing. All competitors must perform on a nylon string, classical guitar. Four (4) competitors from this round will advance to the Final Round. Announcement of the four (4) competitors to advance will be made at the conclusion of the Friday 4pm concert.
FINAL ROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR JUNIOR DIVISION
June 22nd: 9:30-11:30 am: Performance order for this round will be determined by a Lottery-numerical order draw. The four (4) candidates will perform before the same panel of three (3) judges and will be open to the public.
All finalists are required to perform a minimum of two (2) works of contrasting styles (by different composers) not to exceed a total of twelve (12) minutes. They may be performed in any order. No works by Villa-Lobos (whether or not they were played in the Preliminary Round) may be included in the Final Round, but other works from the Preliminary Round may be repeated.
All pieces must be performed from memory. Performers may be stopped at a total of 12 minutes playing time.
Tuning or pausing between the selections is not included in the timing. Announcement of the winners will be made at the end of the IYC Awards Ceremony, TBA (typically at the conclusion of the afternoon recital).
COMPETITION PROCEDURES
A list of preliminary round times will be e-mailed to each competitor a few weeks before the start of the convention. Order is determined by random number generating software. More detailed information about the IYC Competitor’s meeting will be provided by email communication after the registration deadline has been reached. Please check the email address you used when registering for all correspondence regarding the event.
PRELIMINARY ROUND
Competitors should be near the judging venue, ready to perform, at least 30-45 minutes before their scheduled time. This is necessary in the event judging runs ahead of schedule. Competitors should bring only their guitar (without the case) and guitar elevation device or footstool into the judging venue. Footstools will not be provided. Be certain to tune the instrument before entering the judging venue. Performers are allowed to check tuning once inside the venue. Judges do not require copies of the score.
JUDGING
Judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. Based upon this, they will vote their choice of the four (4) competitors from the Preliminary Round to advance to the Final Round. All votes are tallied and the four (4) competitors with the highest votes shall advance to the Final Round. Should a tie result, judges will discuss and re-vote on the tied competitors.
In the Final Round, judges will evaluate each competitor in several categories. The judges shall vote for each place, beginning with First then moving on to Second, Third, and Forth. No ties will be allowed. In the case of a tie during deliberation, judges will discuss and re-vote on the tied competitors to determine who will advance to the higher place.
All decisions by the judges are final.
Additional competition and convention registrations should be purchased separately. Chaperones attending with more than one competitor only need to purchase one pass for the appropriate competition period.
For competition questions, please contact: Lynn McGrath, Artistic Director of the International Youth Competition at iyc@guitarfoundation.org.
For registration questions, please contact: Ebaa Khamas, Operations Administrator, at info@guitarfoundation.org

Irina Kulikova Technique Workshop
2019-06-22 09:00 - 21:50 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Irina Kulikova tours far afield, with appearances at leading festivals in Europe, North America and Asia and in concert halls such as the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, the Academic Capella in St. Petersburg, Schloss Mirabell in Salzburg, the Palau de la Musica in Valencia, the Musashino Hall in Tokyo and the Oriental Arts Center in Shanghai.
She received over 30 awards for her artistry, including 1st prizes at the highly prestigious competitions of Michele Pittaluga in Italy, Guitarra Alhambra in Spain, Forum Gitarre Wien in Austria and Iserlohn in Germany.
With the rare beauty of her tone and and her enchanting presence on stage, Irina Kulikova catches the hearts of audiences across the globe. She belongs to that class of musicians that profoundly move people with the purity of their performance.
Some of the most sheerly beautiful playing I have ever heard
-Soundboard Magazine, Al Kunze

Lecture: Jonathan Godfrey
2019-06-22 09:00 - 09:50 | Foster 206, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
In this lecture, Jonathan Godfrey discusses Metric Dissonance in the Guitar Music of Joaquín Rodrigo.

Guitarist, composer, and arranger Dr. Jonathan Godfrey has been thrilled to call the Tampa Bay area home since 2012. Since then he has been honored to perform with some of the finest musicians on the SunCoast, including numerous appearances with The Florida Orchestra, national touring shows at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Choral Artists of Sarasota, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, the Florida Studio Theatre, and the Pops Orchestra of Sarasota. He has appeared in the concert series of such venues as GuitarSarasota, the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, the Sarasota Institute of Lifelong Learning, and many others.
Godfrey currently serves on the faculty of the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, where he teaches jazz, pop, and classical guitar students, as well as Music Appreciation and Music Theory.

Manuel Barrueco
2019-06-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States
Grammy Nominated Manuel Barrueco is internationally recognized as one of the most important guitarists of our time. His unique artistry has been continually described as that of a superb instrumentalist and a superior and elegant musician, possessing a seductive sound and uncommon lyrical gifts.
His career has been dedicated to bringing the guitar to the main musical centers of the world. During three decades of concertizing, he has performed across the United States from the New World Symphony in Miami to the Seattle Symphony, and from the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to New York’s Lincoln Center.
Barrueco’s commitment to contemporary music and to the expansion of the guitar repertoire has led him to collaborations with many distinguished composers such as Steven Stucky, Michael Daugherty, Roberto Sierra, Arvo Pärt, Jonathan Leshnoff, Gabriela Lena Frank, Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsky, and Toru Takemitsu, whose last orchestral work Spectral Canticle was a double concerto written specifically for Manuel Barrueco and violinist Frank Peter Zimmerman.
Manuel Barrueco has appeared on a wide array of television programs including “CBS Sunday Morning”, A&E’s “Breakfast with the Arts”, and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” on PBS. He was featured in a Lexus car commercial, and his work in music inspired Michael Lawrence’s biographical documentary: “Manuel Barrueco: A Gift and a Life” which has been aired by PBS stations around the United States. Barrueco’s performances have been broadcast by television stations around the world such as NHK in Japan, Bayerische Rundfunk in Germany, and RTVE in Spain.
Manuel Barrueco began playing the guitar at the age of eight, and he attended the Esteban Salas Conservatory in his native Cuba. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1967, as political refugees. Later, he completed his advanced studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he now shares his love for music with a small number of exceptionally gifted young guitarists from all over the world.
In 2011, Manuel Barrueco received the United States Artist Fontanals Fellowship for Artistic Excellence.
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