the Cheltenham Guitar Concert Series 2026 IGF PRESENTS 11 - 15 AUGUST 2026 DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL, CHELTENHAM
WELCOME Welcome to the Cheltenham Guitar Festival Concert Series Celebrating the diversity of the Guitar – the next 30 years!
The transition from the last stage of conservatoire or college to the professional concert platform is when young artists need most help. YAP offers concert opportunities on major UK concert platforms, as well as masterclasses, mentoring and training in a wide range of subjects that young professionals need to develop a successful career. YOUNG ARTIST PLATFORM
31 Years ago, the Bath Guitar Festival and Summer School was IGF’s (International Guitar Foundation and Festivals) very first event. It was the root of all our national and international work that was to come in the next 30 years. It is with great pleasure I welcome you to our 2026 Concert Series! This time held in the beautiful spa town of Cheltenham. As usual we have concerts in a wide variety of styles, as well as workshops, lectures and masterclasses as part of our famous summer school, new music commissions, young artists from IGF Young Artist Platform and a special celebration of women music creators.
IGF’S NEW MUSIC COMMISSIONS 2025-2026
A key objective of IGF is the creation and performance of high-quality new works for solo guitar and guitar in a variety of ensemble settings.
We are the leading organisation for new music for guitar in Europe having commissioned 136 new works for guitar from both emerging and established composers and promoted 292 premières of new music for guitar. This year’s new commissions include Basilem by Martha-Maria Mitu; Night Sky in a Stone by Freya Waley-Cohen; The Millipede is walking by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and River Reflects the Great Sky Above by Sarah Lianne Lewis.
LA LEONA CELEBRATING WOMEN MUSIC CREATORS
IGF celebrates women music creators!
We build on our long history of supporting women and the guitar starting with innovative projects like Girls Rock (2004), Venus and the guitar (2019), Women Flamenco Guitarists (2019) and La Leona which was started in 2021 during lockdown and is now receiving a new impetus. Over the next three years we will initiate a range of new work in a wide variety of styles, showcasing the versatility and diversity of the guitar and other plucked instruments like sitar, oud, kora, mandolin, banjo, domra and others. In Cheltenham this year we feature Holly Carter , guitarists Xuefei Yang, Eva Victoria Schockmel, Maryna Vosmirova, Zoë Meadowcroft and new work by women classical composers Martha-Maria Mitu, Freya Waley-Cohen , Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Sarah Lianne Lewis .
Xuefei Yang
Francisco Bernier
Supported by:
WHAT’S ON
HELEN PORTER HALL | BACON THEATRE
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
EVENING CONCERTS
Weds 12 Aug 1.00 pm
Tues 11 Aug 7.30 pm
Maryna Vosmirova | Rhossili Duo
Francisco Bernier
Thurs 13 Aug 1.00 pm
Weds 12 Aug 7.30 pm
Eva Victoria Schockmel | Fika Duo
Tom Kerstens
Thurs 13 Aug 7.30 pm
Francisco Correa | Samuel Moore
STUDENT CONCERTS
Thurs 13 Aug 7.30 pm
Fri 14 Aug 5.00 pm
Classical | Flamenco (HP Hall)
Holly Carter (Bacon Theatre)
Sat 15 Aug 7.30 pm
Fri 14 Aug 7.30 pm
Contemporary (Bacon Theatre)
Xuefei Yang
NOTE: Summer school students get free entry to all concerts (no ticket required)
Francisco Bernier
“Wonderful music, majestically performed by Francisco Bernier.” Revue Guitare Classique (France)
“What guitarist Francisco Bernier does with these pieces is simply impeccable — brilliant.” Paulino García Blanco, Ritmo (Spain)
Programme
Tuesday 11 August th 7.30pm - 9.00pm
general admission £14 seniors £10 | under 18s free
Agustin Barrios Mangoré (1885–1944) Último trémolo Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909) Mallorca (Barcarola), op. 202 Francisco Tárrega (1852–1909) Recuerdos de la Alhambra Gran Jota de Concierto
Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887–1959) Preludio número 1 Manuel de Falla (1876–1946) Homenaje a Claude Debussy Romance del pescador Joaquín Turina (1882–1949) Sonata op. 61 Allegro Andante Allegro vivo
Guest Artist
Francisco Bernier
With more than 500 concerts in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, Francisco Bernier is considered by critics as one of the great guitarists of his generation. He has performed in prestigious halls such as Salle Cortot and Théâtre Mogador (Paris), Corum (Montpellier), Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, Oji Hall (Tokyo), Kyoto Concert Hall, the Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg), Teatro Maestranza (Seville), Teatro Comunale (Alessandria), Merkin Hall (New York), the OAS Hall (Washington), and Zellerbach Hall (San Francisco)
IGF’s work with Spanish artists is supported by SPAIN arts & culture and the Embassy of Spain London
There will be a 20 min interval . Refreshments can be purchased at the bar in the foyer area of Bacon Theatre nearby.
Young Artist Platform - lunchtime concert
Rhossili Duo The Rhossili Duo (comprising Gabriella Alberti and Cai Charles) are a vibrant guitar and flute pair who explore the passionate world of dance and tango music. They have had a busy year performing as Young Ensemble Artists for the Beaumaris, Budleigh and Fishguard Music Festivals. As individuals, flutist Gabriella Alberti has freelanced with orchestras such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Welsh National Opera and the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Guitarist Cai Charles has performed internationally as part of the ‘Maestros de la Guitarra' concert series in Spain and premiered the ‘Dos Dalias’ concerto by Gerardo Tamez in St David’s Hall, Cardiff. About the Young Artist Platform IGF's YAP aims to help young musicians in the critical phase between the final stages of music education and the concert platform. The programme provides much needed performance opportunities and mentoring for young guitarists starting out in their careers, as well as the opportunity to work with a composer and premiere a new work.
Wednesday 12 August th 1.00pm - 1.45pm
general admission £7 seniors £5 | under 18s free
Maryna Vosmirova | Rhossili Duo
Programme
Maryna Vosmirova
Rhossili Duo Sarah Lianne Lewis (b. 1988) River reflects the great sky above (World premiere: IGF 2026 Commission)
Maryna Vosmirova Programme includes IGF 2026 commission Basilem by Martha-Maria Mitu .
Maryna Vosmirova is a classical guitarist, composer and arranger from Sumy, Ukraine. She has performed as a soloist with Lorenzo Micheli at the Sassari Guitar Festival in Sardegna and performed in masterclasses with Francisco Bernier, Giulio Tampalini and Paolo Pegoraro. She is primarily a passionate chamber musician, and her unique skill set as composer and arranger is showcased in her work in The Juno Duo, Young Artists of the International Guitar Foundation and finalists for the New Elizabethan Award. Maryna is also exploring digital composition, blending technology with her instrument to create innovative sounds and open new opportunities for the guitar.
Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) Café 1930 (from Histoire du Tango)
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968) Sonatina for Flute and Guitar, Op. 205 I. Allegretto grazioso
This is a shared concert in two parts with no interval .
Tom Kerstens
“Tom Kerstens is in a rather different league…he manages to make the guitar sound like a harp, a human voice or even a whole orchestra…his interpretations continue to amaze… Vivid, colourful guitar playing.” BBC Radio 3, CD Review He has released 9 highly acclaimed albums and will release a new album with his G Plus Ensemble in 2027 featuring especially commissioned music written by Léo Brouwer, Joe Cutler, Bobbie-Jane Gardner, John Metcalfe, Howard Skempton, Laura Snowden and Errollyn Wallen.
“A true poet of the guitar” Gramophone, Rodrigo CD
Programme
Wednesday 12 August th 7.30pm - 9.00pm
general admission £14 seniors £10 | under 18s free
Freya Waley-Cohen (1989-) Night Sky in a Stone (2026 IGF commission) Enrique Granados (1867-1916) La Huerfana Danza española no. 5 (Andaluza) Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) Granada Cuba (Suite Española no 1, no 4) Rumores de la Caleta (n.o 6 de Recuerdos de viaje op 71)
Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) Mallorca, barcarola op. 202 Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909) Rosita, Alborada, Preludio no 7 (Chopin) Capricho árabe Enrique Granados (1867-1916) Danza Española no. 4 Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Lob der Tränen Die Post Ständchen (arr JK Mertz)
Tom Kerstens Tom Kerstens is a major figure in the world of the guitar, highly regarded as a versatile performer on both modern and period instruments and an influential champion of the guitar in his roles as player, recording artist and artistic director of IGF. Since 1994, Tom Kerstens has led IGF (International Guitar Foundation) as Artistic Director, bringing with him a passion for the guitar’s heritage and a genuine commitment to its future having commissioned 136 new works for guitar from many leading composers including 3 concertos. He has also created important young artist development programmes and extensive outreach projects visiting underserved schools around the UK.
There will be a 20 min interval . Refreshments can be purchased at the bar in the foyer area of Bacon Theatre nearby.
Young Artist Platform - lunchtime concert
Fika Duo The Fika Duo was formed in September 2023 by guitarist Zoë Meadowcroft and flautist Emma Lörstad in their first year at the Royal Academy of Music, where they both hold scholarships. Since their debut performance at the Academy, they have aimed to build a unique concert repertoire through new arrangements and collaborations with composers, including new works written by Zoë, as well as highlighting under-represented areas of the existing repertoire. The name ‘Fika Duo’ comes from the Swedish tradition of ‘fika’, to take a break in one’s day to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and something sweet – Emma and Zoë’s secret weapon for long rehearsals. About the Young Artist Platform IGF's YAP aims to help young musicians in the critical phase between the final stages of music education and the concert platform. The programme provides much needed performance opportunities and mentoring for young guitarists starting out in their careers, as well as the opportunity to work with a composer and premiere a new work.
Thursday 13 August th 1.00pm - 1.45pm
general admission £7 seniors £5 | under 18s free
Eva Victoria Schockmel | Fika Duo
Programme
Eva Victoria Schockmel
Fika Duo Stephen Goss (b. 1964) From Honey to Ashes i. Hot iv. Brazil Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) (arr. Zoë Meadowcroft) Invierno Porteño
Eva Victoria Schockmel Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806-1856) Fantaisie Hongroise op. 65 Eva Victoria Schockmel (b. 2001) Le château de ma grand-mère Cheryl Frances-Hoad (b. 1980) The Millipede is Walking (IGF 2025 Commission) I. The Millipede is Walking II. Serenade III. Solitary Bees
Born in 2001, Eva Victoria Schockmel is a classical guitarist from Luxembourg. Embarking on her musical journey at the Conservatoire de la Ville d’Esch-sur-Alzette, she developed her passion for the guitar in the class of Christian Peckels from the age of seven, culminating in a ‘Diplôme Supérieur’ with ‘Grande Distinction’. In 2025, Eva Victoria earned her Bachelor’s degree at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the class of Gabriel Bianco, graduating with the highest distinction. Alongside solo recitals, she is an avid chamber musician (e.g. Duo Encordé and Pulsar Quartet), orchestra soloist (e.g. Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra) and performs in prestigious concert halls (Het Concertgebouw, Kings Place and Philharmonie Luxembourg).
Effy Efthymiou (b. 1980) Swarming (IGF 2022 Commission)
Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) (arr. Zoë Meadowcroft) Primavera Porteña
This is a shared concert in two parts with no interval .
Francisco Correa | Samuel Moore
Samuel Moore
Hailed as “a fantastic flamenco guitarist” (BBC Radio 3) and winner of the Vienna International Music Competition (2025) and the Manhattan International Music Competition (2023), Samuel Moore is fast establishing himself as one of the leading musicians of his generation. Since 2007 he has performed in venues across the UK, Europe, and North America. Solo performance highlights include prestigious concert halls such as New York’s Carnegie Hall and intimate venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London.
Thursday 13 August th 7.30pm - 9.00pm
general admission £14 seniors £10 | under 18s free
Programme
Samuel Moore Bulerías (Traditional) Arranged by Samuel Moore For My Grandmother (Alegrías) Composed by Samuel Moore The Maestro (Farruca) Composed by Samuel Moore Echoes of Carnegie Hall (Tientos y Tangos) Composed by Samuel Moore Homecoming (Colombiana) Composed by Samuel Moore Rudyard (Alegrías) Composed by Samuel Moore Bulerías del Diego Composed by Diego del Gastor and arranged by Samuel Moore
Francisco Correa Lucas Saboya (1980-) Costurera Zamba Negra Stephen Goss (1964-) Serenity (after No Woman, No Cry) Agustín Barrios (1885-1944) Julia Florida Vals Op. 8 No. 4 La Catedral
Francisco Correa Colombian guitarist Francisco Correa (Colombia–UK) has been praised by Gramophone for his “eloquence” and by Soundboard Magazine for his “beautiful and expressive interpretation.” He has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in over 20 countries across the UK, Europe, and South America. Francisco Correa performs on a Philip Woodfield guitar and is a D’Addario artist, supported by Mundo Music Gear. “One of the most talented and creative guitarists of our time.” Guitare Classique Magazine - France
There will be a 20 min interval . Refreshments can be purchased at the bar in the foyer area of Bacon Theatre nearby.
Holly Carter
“Holly brings masterful skills as a musician and composer, along with an engaging commitment to music’s rich tradition of accompanying social change. Go see her!” Martyn Joseph
“A prodigious talent.” Americana UK
Instrumentalist of the Year 2023 & 2024 Americana Music Association UK (AMAUK)
Thursday 13 August th 7.30pm - 8.30pm
general admission £7 seniors £5 | under 18s free
Holly Carter Holly Carter is an award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Bristol, UK. Widely recognised as an exceptional fingerstyle guitarist and one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players, she is making waves not only as a tasteful and sensitive accompanist, but as an artist in her own right. While her technique found its feet in an early music education based in classical guitar, it was an exposure to the likes of Mark Knopfler, Doc Watson and John Fahey that really shaped her own unique approach to fingerstyle guitar, combining the technical prowess of classical technique with the roughness and edge of early American folk and blues.
Growing up around a diverse array of influences allowed for a depth of musical appreciation and curiosity that is evident within Holly’s music; however, it was the socially conscious approach of bands like The Clash and the Manic Street Preachers that had the biggest impact, and led to a deeper exploration of the role music can play in education and social change. The influence of artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger is evident within Holly’s songwriting, and her passion for the history and humanity behind her songs is infectious. As a session musician, Holly has performed and toured extensively with some of the best on the UK and US circuits, including Lady Nade, Michele and Romeo Stodart (The Magic Numbers) and Elles Bailey.
There is no interval. Refreshments can be purchased at the bar in the foyer area of Bacon Theatre .
Gramophone magazine praised her as “one of the leading innovators of her generation” for continuing to build the guitar repertoire.
Her recent recordings include Songs from our Ancestors with Ian Bostridge and solo albums: Summertime, Winter Songs (Apple Music), Sketches of China (Decca) and Magna Carta: the complete guitar works of John Brunning with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (Apple Music).
Programme - Silk and Fire
Homage to Manuel de Falla - III Falla - Spanish Dance No1, from 'La vida breve' (arr. Xuefei Yang) Debussy - La fille aux cheveux de lin Falla Homenaje ‘pour le tombeau de Claude Debussy’ Falla Dos piezas de El sombrero de tres picos - Danza del molinero Along the Silk Road - I Yong Ning (arr. Xuefei Yang) - Camel Bells Along the Silk Road Shades of Andalucia - I Isaac Albéniz (arr. Xuefei Yang) - Sevilla, from Suite española, Op. 47 Along the Silk Road - II Changjun Xu (arr. Xuefei Yang) - Sword Dance Shades of Andalucia - II Sabicas – Zapateado
Homage to Manuel de Falla on the 150th anniversary of his birth - I Falla Tres piezas de 'El amor brujo’ - Pantomima - Canción del fuego fatuo - Danza del terror Homage to Manuel de Falla - II Joaquín Rodrigo - Invocacíon y Danza Byzantine empire: the gateway from East to West Carlo Domeniconi - Koyunbaba
Friday 14 August th 7.30pm - 9.00pm
general admission £14 seniors £10 | under 18s free
Guest Artist
Xuefei Yang
Xuefei Yang is acclaimed as one of the world’s finest classical guitarists. Her fascinating journey began after the Cultural Revolution, a period where Western musical instruments and music were banned in China. Fei was the first-ever guitarist in China to enter a music school and became the first recognised Chinese guitarist on the world stage. Her artistry connects with audiences far beyond the guitar fraternity and she has performed in more than 50 countries at prestigious venues. She is frequently invited to play with the world’s leading orchestras, and collaborate with artists such as Ian Bostridge, Johannes Moser, Roberto Alagna and Sir James Galway.
There will be a 20 min interval . Refreshments can be purchased at the bar in the foyer area of Bacon Theatre nearby.
Student Concerts
GETTING THERE Dean Close School, Cheltenham GL51 6EP
admission free
Contemporary Genres Saturday 15 August th 7.30pm
Classical & Flamenco Friday 14 August th 5.00pm
Concerts take place on the school campus at the Helen Porter Hall (classical guitar and flamenco) and the Bacon Theatre (contemporary styles) .
Dean Close School is approx 1.5 miles from the city centre and walking distance from the train station.
Come along to the student concerts (entry is free)
Classical and Flamenco - Helen Porter Hall
Each student has the opportunity to play solo or in a duet (or trio / quartet). The guitar orchestra will also perform their pieces in the concert. Contemporary Genres - Bacon Theatre Blues & Country | Groove | Jazz | Vintage Electric | Rock & Blues | Acoustic | Singer-Songwriters Each class plays a set and shows off what they have learnt. After the main show students (and tutors) can get up and play some more in an open mic session.
Helen Porter Hall
Student concerts are free of charge but a ticket is required for entry .
ABOUT IGF
CONTACT US
IGF is the flagship UK organisation for the guitar/plucked strings. We support next generation composers and guitarists.
info@igf.org.uk
We capitalise on the guitar’s strengths as accessible, affordable, easy to learn and transportable and as the most popular instrument with young people. For many the guitar is their way into music-making.
www.igf.org.uk
03330 419 701
SUPPORTING OUR WORK
Learning music builds cognitive skills like no other activity, explores creativity and gives a sense of fun. Playing together builds social skills and nurtures confidence and self-belief in young people. Guitar is the ideal instrument to achieve this goal. In recent times music education in schools has been steadily reduced, we at IGF are filling this void by offering great music education experiences to schools free of charge.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Please join IGF’s mailing list so we can tell you about upcoming concerts and events. We know what it’s like being bombarded by mailings so we promise not to inundate you and we won’t EVER pass on your details. You can unsubscribe anytime.
www.igf.org.uk/mailing
We need your support to ensure no child misses out on the transformative power of music.
www.igf.org.uk/support
OUR SUPPORTERS 2025-26
Young Artist and Composer programme | La Leona, supporting women music creators | Classical guitar scholarships
The Aspinwall Educational Trust
Golsoncott Foundation
THE MARCHUS TRUST
IGF’s work with Spanish artists is supported by Spain ARTS & CULTURE and The Embassy of Spain – London
James T Howat Charitable Trust
Fidelio Charitable Trust
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