By Tim Collins
On Jan. 27, the University of Victoria will host the 24th edition of International Guitar Night (IGN), and fans can’t wait to once again experience the sounds of some of the best guitar musicians in the world.
Since its inception in California in the late ‘90s, IGN has become the showcase for the world’s most amazing guitarists. It’s become the most recognized platform for celebrating both established virtuosos and rising stars, consistently providing audiences with an unparalleled musical experience.
This year the line-up will be comprised of a spectacular ensemble of internationally acclaimed guitarists whose music has thrilled audiences around the globe.
From Italy, Luca Stricagnoli will be appearing, bringing with him innovative fingerstyle techniques and genre-bending musical arrangements. Incredibly, his virtuosity extends to playing up to five guitars at the same time and his repertoire (played on double and triple-necked guitars that he designed) includes a blend of music from rock to film scores to his compositions.
From Vietnam, Thu Le will also be appearing. She entered the National Conservatory of Music in Hanoi at the age of seven and is still the youngest student ever admitted to that institution. Le plays music that reflects her cultural roots but mixes it with classical and contemporary compositions.
Marco Pereira is a living legend of the guitar world and comes to the festival from Brazil, where he has worked with superstars like Gal Costa, Milton Nascimento and Tom Jobim. His amazing interpretations of Brazilian guitar music and his original compositions have come to be considered masterpieces of modern guitar. They are marked with a depth and brilliance that transcend their cultural roots.
The span of musical genres encompassed by the guitar will be further demonstrated when Minnie Marks takes the stage. Marks is a dynamic powerhouse in Australian music with a fearless approach that includes accompanying herself on drums while playing guitar. Small wonder that she has won both the Bluesfest Busking Competition and a place as Best Guitarist in the Open Arms Festival.
Marks blends blues, rock and roots music to the delight of audiences around the world.
IGN will be presented at the Farquhar Auditorium at the University of Victoria on Jan. 27. Tickets are available at tickets.uvic.ca.
READ MORE: Herve Koubi’s dance spectacle unveils shared humanity
