Back for the seventh year, the famous Asia International Guitar Festival boasts the finest assembly of international guitar players, makers and enthusiasts who will be giving masterclasses and performances at The Sukosol Hotel from June 13 to 16.

Held in collaboration with the Thailand Guitar Society, the festival promises to be the biggest and most vibrant event for classical guitar aficionados and music lovers in the region.

This year's agenda includes masterclasses, guitar exhibitions, competitions and concerts by acclaimed world-class musicians hailing from around the globe. A varied programme sees four days of activities, each day culminating in a concert by one or more celebrated guitar maestros.

The opening night will feature a "Balkan" medley by Leon Koudelak (Switzerland/Czech Republic), Apichai Chantanakajornfung (Thailand), Woratep Rattana-umpawan (Thailand), Sakol Siripipattanakul (Thailand) and Maria Duo (Japan).

The talented Sachiko Miyashita (Japan) and Admir Doci (Albania) will perform on June 14 and the internationally acclaimed Canadian-German Amadeus Guitar Duo on June 15.

The festival will conclude on a high note with a solo concert by the world-renowned player Marco Tamayo (Cuba). Other performances promising to be festival highlights include two afternoon concerts featuring Stefanie Diclas Quintin (Philippines), Carsten Linck (Germany) and Monching Carpio (Philippines) on the first day; and Ekachai Jearakul (Thailand) along with the Wong-Kojorn Guitar Quartet (Thailand) on June 15.

The event will also feature a guitar competition open to all, with the winner receiving a guitar, case, string sets, certificate and performance rights at four prestigious events.

Leon Koudelak.

Top luthiers will also join the festival. They include Yuichi Imai (Japan), Karl Heinz Roemmich (Germany), Young Seo (South Korea), Hanief Palopo (Indonesia), Sumio Kurosawa (Japan), Narongsak Visesnut (Thailand), Wiroon Song-Bundit (Thailand) and Pansaeng Chantarangkul (Thailand).

All concerts will be performed in the Rattanakosin Lounge of The Sukosol on Si Ayutthaya Road.

Tickets cost 600 baht (400 baht for students).

The fee for observers of the masterclasses, which run on the mornings of June 13-14 and 16, and competitions on the last three days is 200 baht.

To book, call 02-247-0123 ext 1912 or 1944. Visit www.thailandguitarsociety.com.