The University of Alicante marks a decade of excellence in Classical Guitar Performance with a broad program of events through December 2022. These festivities include book presentations, exhibitions, concerts, and recitals, along with the delivery of the Classical Guitar Alicante Award and an International Congress featuring notable alumni. The master’s program has welcomed more than a hundred students over the decade, and leaders emphasize ongoing collaboration among institutions to keep Alicante on the map as an international hub for guitar culture.
The calendar begins on a Tuesday at 7 PM with the presentation of a new book by a soloist and guitar professor at UA Alicante. The volume, focused on the instrument and its development from 1500 to 1900, traces the technique and procedures that have shaped modern performance. The book represents the culmination of a long doctoral project that began several years ago, and it has already earned recognition for its insightful treatment of guitar history and practice. It presents an accessible journey through technical evolution and places the instrument within a broader music history narrative, emphasizing both scholarly context and practical artistry for readers and players alike.
Readers will discover a collection of anecdotes and intriguing details, including early drawings from a renowned 19th-century guitarist once held by noble families. The event will feature performances and commentary from a renowned guitarist and educator, accompanied by associates from prestigious institutions. The host center and several distinguished guests bring together legal and editorial expertise to enrich the discussion and ensure a wide audience can engage with the material.
The week continues with a recital in a prominent venue where a celebrated guitarist performed recently. The event is part of a broader effort to celebrate the master program and its community, with local authorities presenting the Classical Guitar Alicante Award. The ceremony is hosted by city leadership and university leadership, underscoring the joint commitment to the program’s growth and public engagement.
The commemorations proceed with a festive reception at a major city location where students, the master’s program team, and members of the regional guitar society are welcomed by leaders and peers. The celebration is a milestone in the ten-year journey and signals the community’s continued support for higher education in the arts. The closing day of this segment features a traditional ceremony that marks the end of the tenth edition at the UA campus, followed by a quiet reflection on the year’s achievements.
After a summer break, the schedule resumes with more concerts and exhibitions. A classical guitar recital is planned at a local marine museum, followed by a contemporary art exhibition around the guitar scene in the city. A curated display of work by artists connected to Alicante will be open to the public, with the exhibition running through December. The event series is supported by collaboration between the university, municipal facilities, and cultural organizations that foster artistic exchange and community involvement.
In November, the university hosts the Second International Congress of Former Students of the Master’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance. The gathering includes a book launch featuring new transcriptions for guitar, authored by postgraduate scholars. A roundtable discussion and a video summary of previous editions are planned, along with public concerts and workshops by skilled luthiers. A featured recital showcases leading performers, with additional concerts presented by local orchestra ensembles and a high-profile concert event at a major venue featuring a guest conductor and guitar soloist, highlighting the integration of guitar into the broader orchestral repertoire.
The tenth anniversary program culminates on December 3 at noon with a conference on silent guitars led by a renowned artist.
commemorative plaques
In addition to the events already listed, plaques will be placed at the homes of two notable guitarists in memory of the decade of activity. The locations are announced when confirmed, reflecting a citywide culture of recognition for musical contribution.
The planning of the entire program was coordinated by a team formed from faculty and staff, with leadership from key figures in guitar pedagogy and music education. The anniversary is supported by the university and collaborating institutions, including local authorities and cultural associations, with ongoing partnerships that extend through the region. The project also benefits from support networks with guitar communities and housing authorities to ensure accessibility and lasting impact.