The event, hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, will feature concerts, competitions, workshops, and special exhibitions, fostering an environment of musical exchange between Vietnam and the global community.

From August 28 to September 1, the Saigon International Guitar Festival 2024 (SIGF 2024) will take place at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, showcasing performances by renowned guitarists, including 14-year-old prodigy Nutthachai Chaivanich from Thailand.

The festival will feature six concerts, an expanded classical guitar competition for Asian contestants, and a variety of workshops and masterclasses led by international guitarists.

The concerts are organized around distinct themes. The Opening Night will present performances by Kindle Jürg (Switzerland), Risa Shimono and Kozo Tate (Japan), and the Saigon Guitar Quartet, composed of Nguyen Thanh Huy, Nguyen Tri Doan, Huynh Ba Tho, and Tran Hoai Phuong.

The Talented Young Artists Night will spotlight rising stars like Kasia (Poland), Pongpat Pongradit, and Nutthachai Chaivanich (Thailand).

At just 14 years old, Nutthachai is already recognized as a guitar prodigy. He began playing the guitar at the age of 8 and has garnered numerous accolades, including first-place awards in several international guitar competitions in Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. His achievements include victories at the Thailand International Guitar Competition, the Pattaya International Guitar Festival, and the Saigon International Guitar Festival, among others.

The festival's Legends Night will feature performances by Vietnamese-American Guitarist An Tran and Benjamin Verdery (USA). Another highlight is the Baroque Splendor Night, featuring guitar virtuosos Admir Doci (Switzerland) and Gérard Abiton (France).

The festival’s guitar competition will include five categories: The Open Category, Under-18 Category, Ensemble Category, Amateur Category, and Under-13 Amateur Category.

In addition to performances and competitions, the festival will offer masterclasses taught by distinguished artists such as Benjamin Verdery (USA), Admir Doçi (Switzerland), Gérard Abiton (France), Keun Cheng (Malaysia), and Giovanni Grano (Italy).

Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with guitar makers and enjoy a special session showcasing the rare 13-string guitar played by Admir Doci.

Gia Bao