A harmonious gathering

In three weeks, a troupe of international guitar players, makers and enthusiasts will be gathering during the Asia International Guitar Festival & Competition 2023 which will take place at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel, from Sept 1-3.

Cassie Martin. photo: ANDRE MIRAT

Organised by the Thailand Guitar Society in collaboration with Savarez Strings, Silpakorn University's Faculty of Music and Fai-Fah by TTB, this is the 23rd edition of what has been hailed as Southeast Asia's biggest and most vibrant event for classical guitar enthusiasts and music lovers.

This year's agenda includes masterclasses, guitar exhibits, competitions and concerts by acclaimed world-class musicians hailing from around the globe. Each day will start at 10am and conclude with a concert by guitar maestros at 7.30pm.

Guests include Gérard Abiton and Cassie Martin from France; Admir Doci from Italy; Leon Koudelak from Czech; Huy Thanh Nguyen and Vuong Quoc Anh from Vietnam; as well as Pongpat Pongpradit, Panuphan Prasithikunaporn, Worrapat Yansupap, Siam Guitar Quartet, and CGO Classic Guitar Orchestra from Thailand.

Among the participating luthiers will be Young Seo from Korea, Karl Heinz and Folko Rommich from Germany, and Narongsak Visesnut, Wiroon Songbundit and Pansaeng Chantarangkul from Thailand.

All concerts and competitions will be held in Cashmere Room on the 7th floor. The opening concert, the guitar test and the mini concert are free to attend for the public. Tickets cost 500 baht (250 baht for students) for the evening concert and 700 baht per person for the masterclass. Observer tickets cost 100 baht for the competition session and 200 baht for the masterclass.

For more information on the three-day programme, application form, admission terms and conditions, prizes and special package rates inclusive of accommodation and entry tickets for both contestants and observers, visit aigf.weebly.com or mhg.to/y6juz.

To make a reservation or purchase event tickets, email sales.vsuk@avanihotels.com or call 02-079-7555.