VANCOUVER CLASSICAL GUITAR FESTIVAL
AUGUST 13-16, 2026
THE 7TH VANCOUVER CLASSICAL GUITAR FESTIVAL IS EXCITED TO BE PRESENTING LEGENDARY COMPOSER-GUITARIST MAXIMO DIEGO PUJOL! THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE AS IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS, MASTERCLASSES, AND CONCERTS FROM AUGUST 13-16 AT CAPILANO UNIVERSITY, 2055 PURCELL WAY, NORTH VANCOUVER, BC.
The Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival is back August 13-16! Presented in collaboration with the Vancouver Classical Guitar Society and Capilano University, this year’s festival is designed as an intensive learning experience in the beautiful setting of Capilano University in North Vancouver. The VCGFest is a unique opportunity for guitarists of all levels to participate in masterclasses, workshops, and guitar ensemble and for music lovers to be inspired by faculty concerts by acclaimed guest MAXIMO DIEGO PUJOL, and local faculty Michael Kolk, Vinny Linhares, Iminah Kani, Lucida Zhao, and Luis Angel Medina.
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 a week of masterclasses, workshops and faculty concerts with top-tier faculty from all over the world including Iliana Matos, Daniel Bolshoy, Marc Teicholz, Ben Verdery, Jeffrey McFadden, and Jorge Caballero.
Learning for Guitarists of All Levels: The 7th Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival offers in-person workshops, lectures, masterclasses and an ensemble playing. You will be able to develop your guitar skills with top tier, world-leading experts. From the beginner who just learned how to read notes, to the aspiring professional who is diving deeper into music, this week is designed to get everyone together to share a unifying experience of playing the guitar. Our faculty workshops and masterclasses will be offered by Maximo Diego Pujol, and our local faculty.
Festival Faculty
Joining Maximo Diego Pujol in the festival faculty is a line-up of celebrated B.C. guitarists demonstrating a broad range of guitar influences:
Luis Angel Medina - Festival Founder and Director; Capilano University Instructor; and nationally acclaimed classical guitarist.
Lucida Zhao – Festival Co-Director, Educator, Pianist and musicianship specialist.
Michael Kolk - One of Canada’s finest, most in-demand classical guitarists, recognized internationally for his recordings, duos and orchestral collaborations, and guitar instructor at Vancouver Community College.
Iminah Kani – Vancouver Island’s sizzling flamenco guitarist and flamenco festival favorite, inspired by Paco de Lucia.
Vinny Linhares - Award-winning guitarist specializing in the rich, syncopated harmonies and vibrant styles of Brazil.
Natasha Pashchenko - Guest artist at the Edmonton Guitar Seminar and Ensemble Director for the 2026 Northwest Guitar Festival, Natasha will be leading our festival orchestra this year.
CONCERT TICKETS AND PASSES
Concerts for Lovers of Classical Guitar: We’ve got two wonderful concerts for you to enjoy.
Tickets are $35 seniors/students and $45 general admission.
Two-Concert Passes are $60 seniors/students and $80 general admission. Includes admission to both, Friday and Saturday Concerts.
VCGS members are eligible for a 15% discount admission on concert tickets and passes. Go to the Members Page to buy your tickets. Members Only — Vancouver Classic Guitar Society
Saturday, August 15th, 7:30 pm: featuring Maximo Diego Pujol on a full solo-concert.
Friday, August 14, 7:30 pm: The Friday Concert is designed as a celebration of our own top tier globally influenced BC guitarists including duos by Michael Kolk (classical) and Luis Angel Medina, Iminah Kani (flamenco) and Vinny Linhares (Brazilian).
VENUE : All concerts and classes will be held at Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3H5
MASTERCLASS AND FULL REGISTRATION DETAILS:
MASTERCLASS REGISTRATION: $335 CAD* (by July 1st)
$385 CAD (after June 17th)
AUDITOR REGISTRATION: $260 CAD/week** (by July 1st)
$310 CAD/week (after July 1st)
UNIVERSITY STUDENT/YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MAY REGISTER AND QUALIFY FOR ONE OF THE REGISTRATION BURSARIES. Fill out the registration form below and check the box: “University student/young professional” when submitting the form.
*THE MASTERCLASS REGISTRATION INCLUDES ADMISSION IN ALL WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, CONCERTS AND ONE MASTERCLASS TIME SLOT WITH THE GUEST FACULTY.
**FULL REGISTRATION INCLUDES ADMISSION TO ALL WORKSHOPS, MASTERCLASSES, LECTURES, AND CONCERTS. PARTICIPATION INCLUDES AUDITING ALL MASTERCLASSES.
Events:
Musicianship with Lucida Zhao
Guitar Orchestra with Natasha Pashchenko
Masterclasses with Maximo Diego Pujol
Workshop with guest faculty Maximo Diego Pujol
Friday Night Faculty Concert featuring Michael Kolk, Luis Angel Medina, Iminah Kani and Vinny Linhares.
Saturday Night Concert featuring Maximo Diego Pujol
Technique Workshop with Luis Angel Medina
Flamenco Workshop by Iminah Kani
Brazilian Guitar Workshop with Vinny Linhares
Participants’ Closing Concert featuring the Festival's guitar orchestra
For more information and detailed schedule visit www.medinaguitar.com/vcgfest2026 or email Luis Medina at outreach@vancouverguitar.org or luismedina@capilanou.ca
Register here:
Please fill out the form below. Payment details will be finalized after speaking with one of our volunteers about your registration. Payment can be made by e-transfer or credit card. Credit card payments will be subject to an added processing fee.