As Festival Director and on behalf of Allan Hancock College and the Central Coast Guitar Society, it is my privilege to invite you to the 2007 La Guitarra California Festival.

Our three-day guitar festival will be held September 21 to 23 in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California. (60 miles north of Santa Barbara, 25 miles south of San Luis Obispo and is approximately half-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles.)

Since 1999, La Guitarra California has become one of the premier classical guitar festivals in the United States with ever increasing international interest.

The 2007 Festival will be a true "Celebration of Guitar" -- we'll present 23 highly acclaimed artists performing in 14 separate events in three days!
There will be eleven major concerts, three Masterclasses, a very unusual lecture, a guitar "silent-auction", dozens of luthiers exhibiting their instruments and the famous Forderer Collection of Rare and Historical Guitars will be on public display.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(see "2007 Festival Schedule" page and "Artist BIOs" page) 

FRIDAY, September 21st
Friday's events start with a 4:00 pm Masterclass conducted by the internationally acclaimed French composer and guitarist, Roland Dyens.

Friday evening’s "Women of Classical Guitar" will start with the Duo Erato, featuring Martha Masters and Risa Carlson.
After a short intermission, the world renowned Ana Vidovic will share her formidable talents in concert.
(Both concerts sold as one ticket).

SATURDAY, September 22nd
The events start with a Masterclass conducted by Martha Masters.

Saturday's concerts begin with the fabulous Scott Tennant followed by Triada (3 brothers from Bulgaria). Then guitarists Tony Harmon and Ray Pannell with flamenco percussionist, Johnny Sandoval take the stage for a Latin/Classical concert.
After the evening break, the audience will experience the exciting flamenco music of the Chris Burton Jacome Flamenco Trio.
To end Saturday’s events, the great French Master, Roland Dyens will mesmerize the audience with a concert including a North American Premiere of his new arrangements for solo guitar and string quartet.

SUNDAY, September 23rd
The events start with a Masterclass conducted by Ana Vidovic.

Then, our attendees will be treated to a very unusual and interesting lecture by the acclaimed lecturer and guitarist, Dr. Thomas Heck. During his lecture, "Recent Research on the Origins of the Six-String Guitar", guitarist James Edwards will perform on period instruments from the Forderer Collection as examples.  The lecture will conclude with Mr. Edwards performing Mauro Giuliani's Grand Overture Op 61 (pub. 1814) on an period instrument.

After the lecture, direct from Spain, Marcos Diaz (renowned for his Bach and early music) will perform in concert followed by the Brazilian and World Music specialist, David Burgess, "The Music of Brazil, from Ragtime to Bossa Nova"

To close the 2007 Festival, the internationally acclaimed Maestro, Pepe Romero will perform for our audience!

Please join us for a musical experience of a lifetime celebrating the wonderful music of classical guitar in a friendly and festive atmosphere!

Russ De Angelo, Festival Director