I still have so much to discover in both guitar repertoire and great guitarists. Last night Alberto Mesirca treated us to a stunning concert of Italian repertoire and some fantastic playing. I have seen a great number of guitar concerts here in Granada but Alberto Mesirca is a cut above. As the professional guitarists in attendance agreed, he is among the very best.
Alberto Mesirca with Javier Riba
The latest edition of the guitar festival of Granada was presented yesterday! This year’s festival looks great and as always it will be great for Granada. It seems to grow and get better every year. Please see the following links for any information about the festival and the guitar-maker’s competition. Despite the many posts here about both events over the years I have no affiliation with the organization. The European Guitar Foundation is solely responsible for the festival and the competition. For more information click here.
In 1922 a few young artists got together to organise a flamenco festival which brought prestige and publicity to a truly Spanish art. Granada will be celebrating that festival over the course of this year but here is a festival created specifically with the original in mind. Another great reason to come to Granada!
The most pressing urgencies in the world today are certainly climate change or people fleeing from mortal danger of violence or famine. However, I believe that we have enough resources in the rest of the world to address these and many other problems. I know of a few initiatives to give young people access to a musical education.
The Recycled Orchestra
Right now, thanks to a generous owner of one of my guitars and the GSI Foundation a guitar I made in 2004 is instrumental in helping young people get access to musical instruments. Place your bid now.