International Classical Guitar Festival 2025
16 to 21 August 2025
NOW IN ITS 32nd YEAR!
Festival Director: Andrew Gough
With concert artists and tutors: Pavel Steidl, Vincent Lindsey-Clark, Alexandra Whittingham, Jan Depreter, Amanda Cook, Tatiana Stachak, Bridget Mermikides and The Aquarelle Guitar Quartet.
Under the directorship of Andrew Gough, West Dean College once again offers the celebrated International Classical Guitar Festival in the idyllic and relaxing surroundings which make this the perfect setting for lessons, masterclasses, ensemble coaching and concerts. The festival is renowned for its tuition, performance, concerts and geniality, which make it a unique and fulfilling experience for all who attend.
Course structure
The 2025 Festival includes an intensive timetable of events and instruction in a wide range of areas: repertoire classes, ensemble performing, guitar orchestra, individual lessons, the ‘Learning Zones’ and masterclasses. A full list of the learning opportunities is in the outline programme and timetable attached.
The evening concert series for 2025 commences on Saturday with a recital by the truly virtuosic Pavel Steidl. On the Monday evening, we welcome the brilliant Jan Depreter to give his West Dean debut in St. Andrew’s Church. We then conclude the series on Tuesday evening with the return of the fabulous Aquarelle Guitar Quartet performing their unique selection of arrangements and works for four guitars.
The Open Day on Sunday 17 August (12:30pm – 7pm) will again celebrate all things guitar, with a selection of guitars and music on display, and a variety of events to enjoy. It includes an exhibition of music and instruments, a guitar makers’ showcase with Vincent Lindsey-Clark and a masterclass with Pavel Steidl, concluding with a recital by a ClassicFM ‘Rising Star’, the British guitarist Alexandra Whittingham in St. Andrew’s Church at 6pm. (Please see website for more information.)
Level: The carefully planned and highly varied programme will appeal to all enthusiasts, from grade two level experience all the way to advanced. The course is open to anyone aged eighteen years and over.
