After the themes of "peace" and "joy" in recent years, the international guitar festival in Millstatt am See is opening another chapter in the multifaceted world of life. Under the motto AMISTAD - Spanish for "friendship" - La Guitarra esencial 2025 is dedicated to the power of musical connections. Artists from different parts of the world and musical traditions take the audience on journeys of discovery that broaden horizons and build bridges.
ANTONIO GÓMEZ "EL TURRY", an outstanding voice on the international flamenco scene, will open the festival on August 5 with his ensemble and the Spittal choir AMBIDRAVI VOCAL and present the world premiere of the flamenco masterpiece Misa Flamenca. The premiere of the JM Amistad Project on the opening evening brings a unique collaboration between JULE MALISCHKE, a figurehead of the German fingerstyle scene, and an excellent ensemble to the stage. Original compositions, world music, classical music, poppy-jazzy sounds and tap dance make for an inspiring musical experience.
A double concert follows on August 7: American baritone, guitarist and songwriter BRYAN BENNER and Czech guitar virtuoso VÁCLAV FUKSA take the audience on a musical journey to Naples with Napoli. Afterwards, the Viennese jazz bassist GINA SCHWARZ and the Brazilian guitarist ANGELO DA SILVA will delight the audience with pure energy. On August 8, French guitarist Mathias Duplessy will take to the stage with his TRIO CALVACADE. He will be accompanied by Jérémy Jouve and tabla master Prabhu Edouard, whose interplay opens up fascinating worlds of sound.
Buika © La Guitarra Esencial
For the first time, a morning concert will be held in the Calvary Chapel on August 9 in cooperation with the Carinthian Summer. Guitar twins SARA and SANAZ ZAHER will be performing poetry by NADJA KAYALI, creating a day full of music and poetry in the spirit of friendship.
A special highlight in the evening will be Latin Grammy winner BUIKA, who will delight the audience with a unique blend of world music, flamenco, jazz and pop.
The festival concludes on August 10 with a concert featuring the crossover guitar duo CROSSING STRINGS and the festival participants in Barbara Egger Park. In addition to the crossover fingerstyle workshop with Crossing Strings, there will be further workshops with Sara & Sanaz Zaher, a songwriting seminar with Jule Malischke and a breathing workshop with Hans Lassnig.
August 5 to 10, 2025
