A celebration of the world's favourite musical instrument, Adelaide Guitar Festival returns in 2024 for a near, three-week showcase of the very best – both internationally and nationally – classical, blues, rock, jazz, flamenco, and country guitarists.
Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre, with performances staged there as well as Her Majesty’s Theatre between 12-29 September, this year's Adelaide Guitar Festival will commence with the Adelaide premiere of Requiem For The Earth.The legendary flamenco guitarist Paco Peña will be joined by the choral power of Adelaide's own Rising Voices and Young Adelaide Voices for a production that celebrates our glorious planet while reflecting on humanity's impact on nature.
At the other spectrum of the guitar will be The Rolling Stones Revue; comprised of Adalita (Magic Dirt), Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus), Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea) and Steve Kilbey (The Church), this full-blown rock & roll spectacle will celebrate the incredible 60 years of The Rolling Stones.
Travel Guide: A Global Gathering will highlight a host of outstanding virtuosic guitarists exploring the sonic beauty of the acoustic guitar: China's pioneering maestra Xuefei Yang, Brazil's innovative Chrystian Dozza, and Australia's ever-original Grigoryan Brothers.
"This year is my tenth Adelaide Guitar Festival as Artistic Director," Slava Grigoryan says. "It's a role that brings me great joy and each time I see a programme come together it feels like a new beginning.
"Along with the team, I am thrilled to present this programme of events highlighting the very best guitarists from around the world, Australia and South Australia. I hope you enjoy discovering the programme and get as much inspiration listening to these artists as I do."
A celebration of connection to Country, heartbreak and solace, Blak Country is a celebration of the profound resonance that First Nations people have found in country music. Curated by Barkindji songwoman Nancy Bates, Blak Country features Glenn Skuthorpe, Aunty Penny Bonney and Scott Rathman Jr.
Adelaide Guitar Festival will also feature two album launches with ARIA Award-winning festival favourite Jeff Lang joined by some very special friends featuring material from his forthcoming record 'More Life'. Acclaimed local producer, singer-songwriter and guitarist Dusty Lee Stephensen will also launch their solo album 'DUSTYN' with Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire, The Bamboos).
On the jazz tip will be Sydney's Josh Meader Trio who'll perform in Adelaide for the first time. While local foot-drumming phenomenon Lucas Day will take to the Adelaide Guitar Festival stage.
"I am delighted to welcome so many exceptional South Australian guitarists to Adelaide Guitar Festival this year," Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM says.
"We have such a wealth of musical talent in this State and I am thrilled to see them take to our stages joining a world class line-up of musicians from around Australia and the globe who come to Adelaide – our UNESCO City of Music – for this special event."
Joined by a live symphonic orchestra, Slava Grigoryan will perform the evocative Mark Knopfler score to 'The Princess Bride' across two concerts hosted by Australian comedy legend Steven Gates from Tripod.
In addition to the ticketed events, Adelaide Guitar Festival will also see the return of the Guitar Expo, where participants can meet and talk with expert makers of beautifully crafted, bespoke instruments and gear. Across the festival there will be a host of free talks, activities and live music.
Adelaide Guitar Festival will also reach beyond the walls of Adelaide Festival Centre with its Guitars In Bars programme; while the festival will hit the road to perform in South Australian regional areas later in the year with On The Road.
"Congratulations to Slava Grigoryan and the Adelaide Festival Centre team for putting together an exceptional 2024 Adelaide Guitar Festival programme," The Hon Andrea Michaels MP, South Australian Minister for Arts says.
"With performances brimming with wonderful South Australian artists and guitarists from across Australia and the world, this year’s programme promises to delight."
Tickets are on sale.
2024 Adelaide Guitar Festival runs at various locations from 12-29 September.
