Alicante marks Guitar Day this weekend with two special concerts hosted at ADDA, highlighting a rich tradition of classical guitar performance. The events are woven into the Alicante Classical Guitar collaboration project, a regional initiative supported by the Provincial Assembly, the City Council, the University of Alicante, and the Spanish Guitar Art Association of the Valencian Community. This collaborative effort brings together educational excellence and artistic achievement, transforming the city into a space for intimate chamber recitals and large-scale orchestral showcases alike.
The first recital takes place on Friday, November 10, at 20:00 in the ADDA chamber. It showcases the emerging talents who are alumni of the Guitar Master Program at the University of Alicante. Arturo Vera from Monterrey, Mexico, and Thanapot Lerttham Thai are among the featured performers, each representing the high caliber of the program. Each year, the top students who graduate with honors return to Alicante to share their music with the community, serving as living examples of how rigorous study translates into compelling live performance. The program promises a night of diverse repertoire performed with technical finesse and expressive depth, inviting attendees to witness the continued growth of a new generation of guitarists.
Throughout the evening, former students with promising careers and a string of international competition awards present an engaging program. Works by Rodrigo Nefthalí, Giulio Regondi, Joaquín Rodrigo, Manuel de Falla, Marco Pereira, Astor Piazzolla, Stephen Goss, and Leo Brouwer are included, offering a spectrum that ranges from classical and romantic origins to contemporary and cross-cultural pieces. Admission remains free for those who reserve a seat in advance, a policy that aligns with the community-oriented spirit of Guitar Day by ensuring that everyone has access to exceptional live music without financial barriers.
On Saturday, November 11, the ADDA Simfònica orchestra will occupy the main symphony hall for an evening at 20:00. Josep Vicente conducts the ensemble, while Anabel Montesinos, a renowned guitarist, performs as soloist. The concert features the world premiere of a guitar and orchestra concerto by Italian composer Nicola Campogrande, a piece commissioned specifically by ADDA for this occasion. The collaboration between composer and performers highlights the ongoing commitment to commissioning new works and expanding the guitar repertoire, enriching the listening experience for audiences in Alicante and beyond.
Montesinos stands out in the lineage of celebrated performers associated with Alicante. As the youngest winner of the Francisco Tárrega Competition, she returned to her city of study to further develop her craft under the guidance of esteemed educators at the Superior Conservatory of Music. Her narrative mirrors the broader story of the weekend: a community that nurtures talent from formal study to public performance, and that continually seeks fresh voices for a rich cultural dialogue. The convergence of masterful technique and expressive interpretation promises a program that resonates with both seasoned listeners and those discovering the guitar as a compelling concert instrument for the first time. The weekend thus presents a comprehensive picture of pursuit, achievement, and shared artistry that defines Alicante’s ongoing musical conversation.