Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Autumn Experiences in Sweden – Our Top Picks
highlight the best of the Brazilian music tradition with a mix of guitar and song,” says Pontvik. “It will be a powerful blend of these excellent performers.” Russian classic guitarist Dimitri Illarionov will also take to the stage and host a masterclass. Internationally praised, he has won prominent competitions such as the Guitar Foundation of America Competition in the US and the Francisco Tárrega Guitar Competition in Spain. Also performing is fingerstyle guitarist Igor Presnyakov from Russia, an icon with over one million subscribers and over 300 million views on YouTube.
Legends premiere new Metheny piece Do not miss the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet from the US. With legendary guitarists John Dearman, William Kanengiser, Matthew Greif and Scott Tennant, the quartet is somewhat of a reference name in the acoustic genre, says Pontvik. “For the first time in Europe they will perform a piece by Pat Metheny, especially written for them. This is extraordinary, a legendary group playing a new piece dedicated by another great artist.” The programme also offers another special treat for classical guitar enthusiasts: a concert with Bosnian lutenist and guitarist Edin Karamazov and Cuban composer and conductor Leo Brouwer. It will be a melting pot of new and traditional music, also featuring Brouwer’s
work performed by Indrakvartetten and Guitar Orchestra. In addition to its many established guitarists, the festival also highlights young talent from across the world and a range of genres. For instance, the Noelia Moncada Trio from Argentina will perform amazing tango, and two up and coming guitar stars, Hedvika Svendova from Czech Republic and Yan Kok from Norway, will share the stage. The youngest performer in the line-up this year is Frano, a 12-year-old superstar from Croatia, who will be guest performing with Igor Presnyakov. “He is absolutely outstanding,” says Pontvik proudly.
Photography by Pattie Boyd To top it all off, the festival will also host an exhibition by model, photographer and author Pattie Boyd, who will tell her stories about her fascinating range of legendary photos that include former husbands George Harrison and Eric Clapton.
Festival programme 2017 Wednesday 11 October Sinfonity, Spain. Classical. Thursday 12 October Dimitri Illarionov, Russia. Classical. Frank Gambale Soulmine, US. Soul fusion. Friday 13 October Igor Presnyakov, Russia, & Frano, Croatia. Fingerstyle. Marco Pereira, Brazil, & Miriam Aida, Sweden. Brazilian. Saturday 14 October Edin Karamazov, Bosnia, & Leo Brouwer, Cuba. Cuban/Classical. Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, US. Crossover. Sunday 15 October Hedvika Svendova, C. Republic. Classical. Noelia Moncada Trio, Argentina. Tango. 12 Sep-18 Oct Pattie Boyd Photography
Tickets: www.uppsalagitarrfestival.se
This year’s festival will take place at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress from Wednesday 11 October to Sunday 15 October. Uppsala is best known for its 15th century university and cathedral, but the city also offers stunning surroundings, fantastic restaurants, museums and shopping. The beautiful setting combined with one of Sweden’s foremost music venues without a doubt contributes to the strength and success of the festival.
Left: Young talent Frano from Croatia.Press photo. Middle: Miriam Aida will perform with Brazilian guitarist Marco Pereira. Photo: David Pahmp. Top right: From Pattie Boyd exhibition 12 Sep-18 Oct at Uppsala Concert Hall: Pattie & George’s Rose Garden, self portrait. Photo: Pattie Boyd. Right: Fusion guitarist Frank Gambale. Press photo
Issue 103 | August 2017 | 47