The 26th International Guitar Festival convenes in a vibrant cultural setting, bringing together more than 80 national and international musicians and artists for 22 concerts scheduled from 8 to 22 July. As a highlight, the winner of the 22nd José Tomás Competition will have the opportunity to record aCD with a symphony orchestra for the first time, marking a historic milestone for the festival.
The festival’s leadership presented the event, outlining the 26th edition of the José Tomás–Villa de Petrer International Guitar Festival, which runs from 8 to 22 July. The program showcases a diverse lineup and a broad range of guitar styles, underscoring the festival’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and high artistic standards.
“Diversity, outstanding artists, and a very successful edition under the banner Always Mobile—an ever-moving guitar,” was explained by the festival director. The organizers noted there will be all kinds of guitars featured, including early music instruments and tango-adapted pieces, with performances spanning a symphony orchestra collaboration and evolving formats as part of a season that often revisits the concept of a temporary guitar orchestra as a stellar highlight.
Petrer as a Global Guitar Hub with Representation from 17 Countries
Festival activities will connect Petrer with more than 80 musicians, artists, and ensembles from Spain and around the world, including participants from Uruguay, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Germany, Norway, France, Cuba, the United States, Paraguay, Turkey, Argentina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Bosnia, and Slovenia. These artists will present a total of 22 concerts across open-air stages at celebrated corners of the municipality, in intimate indoor venues such as the Cervantes Theater and the Cultural Center.
Squad of “Great Artists”
The festival director also introduced several distinguished guests who will participate in Petrer this year. Manuel Barrueco will receive the José Tomás Honorary Award; Enrike Solinis and other renowned guitarists will be featured, along with Josélea, a prominent figure in the flamenco scene. The lineup also includes Edin Karamazov and Pavel Steidl, who recorded the album Songs from the Labyrinth with Sting, as well as Mak Grigić, recently nominated for two Grammys, and Bertha Rojas, a two-time Latin Grammy winner in 2022.
And alongside these names, master guitarists such as Margarita Ecarpa, Alex Garrobé, Marco Socías, Fernando Espi, Giampaolo Bandini, Jusicael Perroy, Aniello Desidero, Zoran Dukik, Carlo Marchione, and Anders Clemens are set to perform, enriching the festival with a broad spectrum of styles and generations.
When Peter Plays the Guitar
The opening program will feature a grand symphonic concert performed by local artists from the Spanish Philharmonic and the festival’s permanent orchestra. During the cycle’s presentation, the mayor emphasized that culture in Petrer is inseparable from the guitar, asserting pride in this long-running tradition. The municipal First Youth Plan, recently presented to the public, notes that young people recognize the importance of major events like the Guitar Festival, reflecting the depth of Petrer’s cultural landscape and its societal resonance.
A Band from Petrer Takes Music to the Spanish Embassy in Sudan
The quartet associated with the festival, known for its collaborative spirit, continues to expand its reach and share Petrer’s musical vitality with new audiences.
José Tomás Guitar Competition
Marina Payá, director of the competition, announced a major innovation for this 22nd edition: the first-place professional winner will record a CD with a Symphony Orchestra. This unique opportunity also includes the chance to perform with the orchestra the following year, placing Petrer at the forefront of international guitar competitions.
The competition will also resume its tradition of presenting international tours. With performances planned in Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, more than 30 concerts are distributed across three categories, reinforcing its status as a benchmark on the global guitar stage.
The competition already welcomes artists from the United States, Canada, the Philippines, France, China, Italy, Mexico, Denmark, Portugal, Ukraine, and various Spanish regions, reflecting a wide geographic footprint and a growing professional network.