Please join us in welcoming our June 2024 roster of world renowned artists, teachers, lecturers, and the fifth annual James Stroud National Classical Guitar Youth Competition Semi-Finalists to a concentrated series of world class classical guitar concerts, performance premieres, master classes, lectures, private lessons, and a demonstration of fine concert guitars, celebrating the classical guitar and art music: solo and ensemble, old and new.
The Cleveland International Classical Guitar Festival® strives to:
INSPIRE guitarists and non-guitarist of all ages, genders, national origins, and backgrounds;
ENCOURAGE deeper thought, discussion, and understanding about how we perceive, perform, teach, and evaluate fine music;
NURTURE new and old musical relationships;
PROMOTE the creation and dissemination of fine musical art.
FOR WE BELIEVE that it is in heightened moments of live musical magic—when art and chance coalesce, time stops, and egos dissolve—that often we become most mindful of our shared humanity.
The Cleveland International Classical Guitar Festival® is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Please consider making a tax deductible DONATION to support our artists and events. Concert ticket sales cover less than one third the cost of bringing the worlds' finest classical guitarists, lutenists, teachers, and assisting artists to Northeast Ohio, USA.
As always, I look forward to welcoming new and returning participants from near and far to this Spring's Festival.
Armin Kelly, Founder and Artistic DirectorCleveland International Classical Guitar Festival
®FEATURED FESTIVAL ARTISTS JUNE 6-9, 2024:
Jason Vieaux (USA), CIM Guitar Dept. Head - Grammy Winner [He is] perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation..... (NPR)
Along with [Chiesa's] own individual perspective, his teachers and those he’s worked with shape every guitar he makes.
His playing is musically compelling and precise, with good stage presence and great contact with his audience...." Marija Ilic, Artistic Director, OSilas Series
Jonathan Leathwood (England), guitar/lecturerJonathan Leathwood is a genius. (Classical Guitar)
Lorenzo Micheli (Italy), guitarFirst prize winner of the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition and many others.
Petra Polácková (Czech Republic), Viennese and Modern guitars[Her]
playing was so technically secure and musically insightful, it was
unimaginable that anything she played could possibly be difficult. (Cleveland Classical)
[His] arrangements have been performed by Grammy winning artists such as Jason Vieaux and Sasha Cooke, as well as the esteemed concert violinist Anne Akiko Meyers.
Mari Sato is “a visceral and engaging storyteller.” (ClevelandClassical.com)
Spera’s joy in playing this music was contagious to all, making this a performance to relish and remember. (Sharps & Flatirons)
Recipient of the Clifton Foundation’s Emerging Artists Award and a Winner of the 2021 Astral National Auditions.