From the melodies of a Spanish guitar legend to rock ‘n’ roll royalty and a beloved princess, the Adelaide Guitar Festival 2024 offers a wide range of musical experiences for both die-hard guitar enthusiasts and newcomers. Starting tonight, the festival, organized by the Adelaide Festival Centre, will run from September 12 to 29, featuring performances at both the Adelaide Festival Centre and Her Majesty’s Theatre, as well as other venues. The program showcases some of the world’s most accomplished guitarists across various genres, including classical, blues, rock, jazz, flamenco, and country.
Slava Grigoryan, Artistic Director of Adelaide Guitar Festival, said:
“It’s exhilarating to be on the brink of this year’s festival. The gathering of so many talented performers in Adelaide, many visiting for the first time, is truly exciting. I’m confident that all the concerts will honor our audiences, and I’m personally thrilled to be participating in a few performances myself. Let the festivities begin!”
Festival Highlights:
The festival opens tonight with the majestic “Requiem for the Earth” by flamenco guitar maestro Paco Peña, performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre. This remarkable concert is one of only two shows in Australia, blending the profound power of a traditional requiem with the vibrant energy of flamenco. It’s a musical journey that celebrates the Earth while contemplating humanity’s impact on nature. The performance includes world-class musicians from Spain, Adelaide’s Rising Voices, and Young Adelaide Voices. Brisbane’s Aurora Guitar Ensemble, comprising 26 young players, will also perform, making this a festival highlight with a timely message.
Another major event is The Rolling Stones Revue at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday, September 14. Featuring Australian rock icons like Adalita (Magic Dirt), Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus), Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea), and Steve Kilbey (The Church), this one-night-only concert will include the entire Sticky Fingers album along with many of the Stones’ greatest hits.
On Friday, September 13, “Travel Guide: A Global Gathering” will bring together some of the finest guitarists from around the world. Among them are China’s Xuefei Yang, one of the top classical guitarists globally, Brazil’s innovative Chrystian Dozza, and Australia’s renowned Grigoryan Brothers. The evening begins with a grand opening by the 80-piece Adelaide Guitar Festival Orchestra, joined by the Aurora Guitar Ensemble, making this a spectacular international musical event. Megan Burslem from ABC Classic Breakfast will serve as the evening’s MC.
Douglas Gautier AM, CEO & Artistic Director of Adelaide Festival Centre, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome performers and audiences alike to Adelaide, a UNESCO City of Music, for this extraordinary celebration of guitar music. This year’s festival showcases a mix of international and Australian artists performing the very best in guitar music across a variety of genres.”
At the Dunstan Playhouse, the Blak Country concert will celebrate the deep connection First Nations artists have found in country music. Curated by award-winning Barkindji songwoman Nancy Bates, who toured extensively with the late Archie Roach, the program features performers like Glenn Skuthorpe, Yawuri Penny Bonney, Scott Rathman Jr, Ngananyi Lakinyeri, and Jess Hitchcock. Bates will also perform during this evening of profound music.
Two exciting album launches will occur during the festival. ARIA award-winning blues legend Jeff Lang will perform material from his upcoming album “More Life.” Meanwhile, acclaimed local singer-songwriter and guitarist Dusty Lee Stephensen will debut his solo project, DUSTYN, joined by Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire, The Bamboos) and a 10-piece band.
Classical guitar lovers can enjoy two exquisite solo recitals at the Dunstan Playhouse. On Saturday, September 14, South Korea’s Deion Cho, the winner of the 2023 Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition, will perform alongside Xuefei Yang in an intimate daytime concert. That same evening, the internationally acclaimed duo of Antoine Boyer and Yeore Kim will return to Adelaide after their successful performances in 2023, earning them rave reviews and standing ovations.
This year, Sydney’s Josh Meader Trio will perform in Adelaide for the first time, showcasing their modern jazz prowess. Antoine Boyer and Josh Meader, who have collaborated online with great success, will share the stage for just the second time in an exclusive performance.
Space Theatre will host an exciting lineup of guitarists, including Lucas Day, known for his soulful and captivating performances. Day will be accompanied by his dynamic four-piece band. Sharing the bill will be Opelousas, a Melbourne-based trio that brings a swampy, psychedelic blues sound led by Kerry Simpson, Alison Ferrier, and Anthony Shortte.
After decades abroad, South Australian Music Hall of Famer Carl Orr returns for a special homecoming concert with Slava Grigoryan and jazz legend James Muller in Carl Orr’s London Underground at Space Theatre.
In a special flamenco event, guitarist Rafael Montilla from Paco Peña’s touring group will be joined by South Australian dancers from Compañia Alma Flamenca and flamenco singer Cherie Morgan for a passionate performance at Space Theatre on September 14.
Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, South Australian Minister for Arts, commented:
“Adelaide Guitar Festival is always a highlight in our annual music calendar. This year’s program, curated by Slava Grigoryan and the team, is exceptional. We’re excited to welcome international and Australian guitarists, along with some of South Australia’s finest musicians, for a fantastic three weeks of performances.”
One of the closing events, The Princess Bride in Concert, will take place on September 28-29 at Festival Theatre. The classic film will be shown on the big screen, accompanied by a live symphonic orchestra playing Mark Knopfler’s score. Slava Grigoryan will perform, and Australian comedian Steven Gates will host the event.
The Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition will also attract top guitarists from around the world, including participants from Spain, France, South Korea, the USA, Germany, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia. The competition, held on September 15, will be open to the public for free at the Dunstan Playhouse.
Finally, don’t miss the popular Guitar Expo and Come and Try sessions, where attendees can explore the latest guitar gear. Free talks, including ABC Radio Adelaide Drive Live on Friday, September 13, and other activities will add to the festive atmosphere. For details, visit adelaideguitarfestival.com.au.
The festival will also extend beyond Adelaide’s main venues with Guitars in Bars, starting on September 16 at various local spots. Additionally, the festival will hit the road with On the Road, bringing performances to regional areas of South Australia in November.
