The three-day event will take place at the Tolmen Centre from 14 to 16 October with five major concerts covering classical, jazz, world music, flamenco and early music, as well featuring a number of workshops, master classes, talks, book signings, recitals and films.
Headlining the afternoon master class and the main concert on the first night (Friday 14 October) will be the Czech classical maestro and professor of guitar at Brno Conservatoire, Vladislav Blaha.
On Saturday 15 October, the Family Wieczorek, a Polish guitar ensemble and pivotal members of the Silesian Guitar Octet, will give an afternoon concert bringing Szyman’s Group, a string quartet, to play with them. In the evening, Martin Carthy will headline – he is one of Britain’s most celebrated folk artists, both as a solo performer and with Steeleye Span and the Watersons. Following a film of Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scotts will be shown.
Classical guitarist Nicola Japelli will give a master class during the morning of Sunday 16 October followed by a concert with Jon Salfield. In the afternoon, there will be a flamenco dance workshop with Claudia Caolin and the amazing six-piece TG Collective will be the big name attraction during the evening, playing a mix of fast moving semi-acoustic jazz, gypsy and flamenco.
Other musicians taking part in the festival over the three days include Ben Salfield, Tom Clare, Denys Stephens, Bob Franklin and Florian Palier.
The event, supported by Classic Cottages, has been organised by local musician Ben Salfield who has used his connections as an international concert performer to attract such a varied mix of well-known names to Cornwall.
Ben Salfield said: “It is really exciting to see such a wealth of international musicians coming to our festival – the acts seem to get better and better every time! We’re already talked about in guitar circles all around Europe, and I’d go as far as to say that the Tolmen Festival is already considered to be one of the most important guitar gatherings in this part of the UK – it was talked about as far away as Slovakia when I was a judge at the Dolny Kubin guitar competition there in the summer! The performers thrive on the passion of our aficionados, and the audiences love being able to interact with and learn from international concert artists in such a friendly environment. This whole event is inspiring for everyone who is involved in it!”
Simon Tregoning, Chairman of Classic Cottages, said: “As a business at the heart of the local community, we are once again very proud to be supporting the third Tolmen International Guitar Festival. This year, the programme is really varied and spans a number of musical genres. Whether you’re passionate about the guitar or just enjoy music in general, whatever the influence or background, there really is something for everyone. The festival is gaining momentum and a great reputation every year and because it brings together internationally-renowned musicians with local Cornish talent, it’s certainly putting Constantine on the cultural map.”
Early booking is recommended and charges apply for most events. Tickets for the main events are priced at £10 for a full evening of musical entertainment. Call the booking line on 01326 341353.
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