Five Years of Guitar Magic: The Okanagan Guitar Festival returns with multi-award winning classical guitarists including a teen phenom

The Okanagan Guitar Festival celebrates a major milestone this summer as it marks its fifth anniversary with three unforgettable evenings of music featuring award-winning virtuosos, festival favourites, and one of Canada's most exciting young musical talents.

From August 6 to 8, the 5th Annual Okanagan Guitar Festival returns to Kelowna's Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels with a concert series showcasing an exceptional lineup of B.C. artists including Simon Farintosh, Alec Pearson, Vivien Chen, Tejay Liao, and Catherine Huo.

Over the past five years, the festival has grown from an ambitious idea into a highly anticipated summer cultural event, attracting audiences from throughout the Okanagan and beyond.

"Each year our audience grows, and I think that means a lot in a city that is absolutely bustling with events during the summer months," says festival founder and artistic director Alec Pearson. "People have countless entertainment options available to them, yet they keep coming back to the Okanagan Guitar Festival year after year. That tells me we're creating something meaningful. We've introduced audiences to remarkable artists, offered learning opportunities through workshops and masterclasses, and helped build a deeper appreciation for classical guitar in the region. My hope has always been that the festival would become a place where people can discover music they never knew they would love, and I think we've been fortunate enough to accomplish that."

The festival opens Thursday, August 6, with acclaimed guitarist, composer and educator Simon Farintosh. Named one of CBC's 30 Under 30 Classical Musicians in 2023, Farintosh is celebrated for his imaginative programming and distinctive artistic voice.

"I first heard Simon when we performed a joint recital in Vancouver, and I immediately knew I wanted Kelowna audiences to experience what he does," says Pearson. "His programs are unlike anything else I've encountered. He introduces audiences to extraordinary music that deserves far more attention while seamlessly incorporating his own outstanding arrangements. He draws inspiration from so many different musical worlds and creates concerts that feel fresh, engaging and deeply personal. It's exactly the kind of artistic experience this festival was created to present."

On Friday, August 7, audiences will experience the enchanting combination of guitar and harp as Pearson joins acclaimed Taiwanese-Canadian harpist Vivien Chen.

"Anyone who has never heard a pedal harp live is in for a real treat," says Pearson. "There's something almost magical about the instrument. It has this incredible ability to immediately capture people's attention and transport them somewhere else. When paired with the guitar, the effect becomes even more special. The harp provides this rich, warm, resonant foundation while the guitar contributes clarity, sparkle and rhythmic energy. Together they create an astonishing palette of colour and expression. Vivien is one of the finest harpists I've had the pleasure of working with, and I think audiences are going to find this concert both moving and unforgettable."

The festival concludes Saturday, August 8, with a special double bill featuring returning audience favourite Tejay Liao and rising guitar sensation Catherine Huo.

"Tejay is one of those musicians who never stops refining his craft," says Pearson. "His level of preparation and attention to detail is extraordinary. Every phrase, every note and every musical decision is carefully considered. Watching him perform is a masterclass in artistry and discipline, and audiences consistently leave impressed by both his technical brilliance and his musical sensitivity."

The evening also features 14-year-old Catherine Huo, whose rapid ascent has made her one of the most talked-about young classical guitarists in North America.

"Catherine is truly remarkable," says Pearson. "I've known her since she was about eight years old, and it has been incredible to watch her development. At just fourteen, she is already competing successfully against university students and professional performers who are often twice her age. She possesses a level of focus, musical maturity and technical command that is exceptionally rare. What excites me most is that Kelowna audiences will have the opportunity to experience her artistry firsthand. There is a very special moment that happens when people hear Catherine perform for the first time. The room becomes completely still. People lean forward in their seats. They almost stop breathing. Then the piece ends and you can see the amazement on their faces. As a festival presenter, creating those moments is what makes all the work worthwhile."

All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, 608 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna.

Festival Passes
• General Admission: $60
• Concession (Senior, Student & Youth): $40

Single Concert Tickets
• General Admission: $30
• Concession (Senior, Student & Youth): $20

"Kelowna is one of my favourite places in British Columbia," adds Pearson. "It's beautiful, welcoming and full of energy. The festival allows me to share incredible music with a community that has embraced us from the very beginning. Whether you're a dedicated classical music enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys outstanding live performance, these concerts offer something genuinely special."

For tickets and festival information, visit www.okanaganguitar.com.
More more information contact Alec Pearson, Festival Director or Valerie Boser, Publicity Director at publicity@vancouverguitar.org