I suppose it had to happen some time.
The once classical guitar centric “International Guitar Festival (Singapore)” has now been rebranded as the “Singapore International Acoustic Guitar Festival”.
It’s more than a cosmetic change.
The competition and visiting personalities are now geared towards acoustic guitarists instead of classical guitarists. Whereas last year’s competition winner received a Sakurai/Kohno classical guitar, this year’s winner will receive a George Lowden acoustic guitar. There is also no set piece for the competition nor any criteria. It’s definitely not a ‘classical guitar only’ competition anymore. It’s going to be strange seeing classical and acoustic guitarists participating in the same contest.
I can’t imagine a classical guitarist winning and walking away with a high-end acoustic guitar.
For several months I heard rumours that Thomas was thinking about repositioning the festival. He has clearly followed through. I can’t blame Thomas for doing so, there is much more money in organizing an acoustic guitar event, which has more mass appeal, than a niche classical guitar event, especially in a small market like Singapore.
It’s the end of an era, and a start of a new one.
Sadly, this is the first festival that does not appeal to me at all. I’m not sure if I will be attending any of the items.
Competition Heats & Semi-finals:18-20 June
Concerts: 20-24 June
Workshops & Masterclasses: 21-23 June
Competition Finals: 24 June
Venue: RELC International Hotel
Featuring Martin Taylor (UK), Michel Haumont (France), Paolo Sereno (Italy), Thomas Leeb (Austria) and Paco Renteria (Mexico). Tickets on sale now.
More information available on tomas-music.com.
