WHAT IS THE GFI?

The GFI is an annual event celebrating the music of the guitar in its many forms. A unique event in the Republic of Ireland, the festival attracts top artists from both at home and abroad. It is a comprehensive guitar summer school based in Dublin city centre, comprising of daily tuition, concerts/gigs, seminars, music cinema and exhibitions. All events are open to the public as well as those on the course.

There is something here for everybody at whatever level of ability. As well as masterclasses intended for advanced players there will be informal and relaxed workshops for students of all abilities. Also you can join in on open question and answer sessions over coffee, sight-reading and musicianship classes, ensemble classes, lectures and a fantastic concert series.

The GFI has established the festival as a premium event on the international guitar calendar and procures only the top performers, teachers and composers in the world to perform and teach at the festival.

EVENTS

The activities at the festival will include: masterclasses and concerts with some of the world's finest guitarists, including John Williams and Tommy Emmanuel; the opportunity for students to participate in ensembles; individual and class tuition on a daily basis; performance experience; guitar-related seminars; open air gigs, jazz and fingerstyle workshops, an extensive concert series and much much more!

CONCERT PROGRAMME

The concert programme includes performances by John Williams & Richard Harvey, Tommy Emmanuel, David Russell, Xuefei Yang, John Feeley, Clive Carroll, Frank Bungarten, Impromp2, Louis Stewart, Amanda Cook, Arty McGlynn, Preston Reed and John Goldie.

VENUES

The festival will take place over eight days at various venues in Dublin city centre, including the National Concert Hall, Trinity College, Vicar St., National Gallery, Meeting House Square and the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre. The GFI residential applicants are treated to the finest modern clean one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with cooking facilities. All accommodation is situated on the grounds of Trinity College Dublin.

NOTABLE DATES

The programme of workshops, masterclasses, seminars, exhibitions, cinema presentations, concerts/gigs and open air events!

For those on the guitar courses registration is on Wednesday June 29th 2005. If you wish to enroll on the course please download the booking form and send before the 1st of June 2005.

GFI TEAM

Those working behind the scenes to make this festival possible include: Alec O'Leary, Michael O'Toole, Michael O'Leary, Margaret O'Leary, John Feeley, Edel Witherow, Dawn Kenny and Paul Mahon.