An extraordinary debut
The Mozarteum International Guitar Festival, which took place 9th-11th November, proved an extraordinary three-day celebration of the guitar, drawing nearly 800 listeners to afternoon and evening concerts. The event drew participants from far and wide, with 30 students making the journey from across Europe, Asia and the USA, while ten luthiers - from Brazil and several European countries - presented their instruments.
There was broad academic participation: faculty and guests represented the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW), the Conservatory of Milan and UNESPAR in Brazil. Faculty and student delegate were also sent by universities in Linz, Innsbruck, Vienna, Munich, Berlin and Liechtenstein, further highlighting the festival’s strong artistic network. Teachers from music schools across Austria also took part, further extending the event’s educational reach. Legendary artists, including the Brazil-based Assad Duo and French virtuoso Gabriel Bianco, performed for an enraptured audience, who gave them a standing ovation. Engaging lectures by international musicologists Luciano Lima, Frédéric Zigante and Cleyton Vieira Fernandes focused on central aspects of the Classical guitar repertoire.
Mozarteum guitar students had the opportunity to attend masterclasses led by renowned artists such as Adriano Del Sal and Gabriel Bianco, and to share insights and experiences with fellow international students.
The solo and chamber music competitions attracted excellent participants, with the finalists offering performances of remarkable artistry that delighted the audience.
Institutional and diplomatic support proved decisive. Key roles were played by the University’s Strings Department, the Brazilian Embassy in Vienna, and sponsors including Altamira Guitars, D’Addario and Augustine. The Brazilian Ambassador (Eduardo Paes Saboia) attended and signalled a clear intention to continue collaborating with the Mozarteum International Guitar Festival.
Overall, this was an extraordinary success that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the guitar in Salzburg, characterised by openness, collaboration, and the evident enthusiasm of the student community. More guitar projects are on the horizon.
