West Coast Strings Shine: the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival returns July 17–20 to Capilano University
The Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival is back for its sixth year — and this time, it’s a full celebration of the best classical guitar talent from the West Coast. From San Francisco to Vancouver to Vancouver Island, this year’s festival brings together a remarkable faculty of internationally recognized performers and star educators for four unforgettable days of music, learning, inspiration and community, July 17–20 at Capilano University in North Vancouver.
Launched in 2020 by guitarist Luis Angel Medina, the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival has evolved into a much-anticipated annual celebration of classical guitar. Dozens of guitarists from Metro Vancouver and beyond have participated in 4 days of masterclasses, workshops and faculty concerts with top-tier faculty from all over the world.
Headlining the 2025 festival (returning for his second time!) is Marc Teicholz, celebrated GFA winner and professor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, who will deliver a masterclass and headline Saturday night’s faculty concert joined by Alec Pearson and Louise Southwood. Joining him is Michael Kolk, one of Canada’s top classical guitarists and newly appointed faculty at Vancouver Community College, featured in the Friday evening concert alongside festival director Luis Angel Medina and guest faculty David Sossa.
Other distinguished faculty include:
Alec Pearson (UBC) – Technique and masterclass instruction
Tejay Liao – Neuroscience-based learning strategies
Lucida Zhao – Pianist-in-residence leading musicianship workshops
David Sossa – Latin-American rhythms workshop
Luis Medina (Capilano University) – Guitar orchestra, technique, and festival leadership
Presented in collaboration with the Vancouver Classical Guitar Society and Capilano University, the festival offers a unique, immersive opportunity for classical guitarists of all levels to engage in:
Daily masterclasses
Workshops on musicianship, technique, learning strategies, and rhythm
Guitar orchestra rehearsals
A participants’ concert
Two inspiring faculty concerts featuring leading guitarists from across the West Coast
Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring professional, the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival offers a rare chance to develop your skills under the guidance of world-class musicians in a welcoming and beautiful North Vancouver campus setting.
Registration Now Open!
Masterclass Registration: $325 CAD (before June 1); $375 CAD (after June 1)
Auditor Registration: $250 CAD/week (before June 1); $300 CAD/week (after June 1)
Bursaries available for university students and young professionals
Location: Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, BC
If you have questions about participating in the festival, contact Luis directly at outreach@vancouverguitar.org or luismedina@capilanou.ca
Go to www.vancouverguitar.org for complete details. Come celebrate the West Coast’s rich guitar tradition — join us this summer for four days of learning, performing, and connection at the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival!