Concerts Australia Guitar Festival: SYDNEY

Concerts Australia Guitar Festival: SYDNEY

Dates: June 26–28, 2026 Location: Ascham School Packer Theatre (188 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027, Australia)

Three days of world-class performances, masterclasses and an exclusive luthier expo!

📅 THE LINEUP

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 — OPENING NIGHT

7:30pm | FLAMENCO: DUENDE
Featuring Paco Lara (guitar), with dance and percussion

Duende, or ‘tener duende’ (having duende) translates in Spanish as having soul, a heightened sense of emotion, expression, and heart. It refers to spirit in Spanish, Portuguese and Filipino folklore and literally means ‘ghost’ or ‘goblin’ in Spanish.

Passionate Spanish flamenco guitarist, Paco Lara, has a distinguished international career in Europe and Australia of more than 30 years, featuring collaborations with some of Spain’s finest flamenco artists.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

12:00pm | Boilermaker (Guitar Duo) Born from a decades-long partnership within the Melbourne Guitar Quartet, Ben Dix and Dan McKay are the Boilermaker Guitar Duo. Since their 2020 debut, the duo has become known for bringing a "quartet-level" intensity to the intimacy of the guitar duo format.

3:00pm | Edith Pageaud A solo recital by an artist renowned for her dazzling technique and deeply expressive artistry. Her program includes works by Glass, Schubert, Biber, Rachmaninoff, Scarlatti, Rameau, Piazzolla, Yupanqui, and Tansman.

7:00pm | Joscho Stephan Trio Breathing fresh life into the classic gypsy swing tradition pioneered by Django Reinhardt.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

12:00pm | Ernest Aines Experience the extraordinary talent of Ernest Aines, an acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter. With a unique blend of heartfelt lyrics, intricate guitar work, and a voice described as flowing “like water over mossy rocks,” In this fresh performance, he introduces electric guitar alongside his renowned fingerstyle playing, adding a new dynamic layer to his music that will captivate both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

3:00pm | Melbourne Guitar Quartet Celebrating two decades at the forefront of Australian chamber music, the Melbourne Guitar Quartet has established itself as one of the country’s most distinctive and dynamic ensembles. Renowned for their rich, orchestral sound and innovative arrangements, MGQ brings a fresh perspective to guitar performance through their use of the full Guitar Family of instruments — including classical bass, baritone, standard, treble, and octave guitars.

5:30pm | Gala Concert - Grand Finale The festival concludes with a spectacular showcase featuring highlights from all festival artists.

🎓 MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS & EXPO (Free Entry)

• What is Gypsy Jazz? An interactive session exploring the style of Django Reinhardt.

• Meet the Family: Luthier Domenic Roscioli discusses the "Guitar Family" concept with the Melbourne Guitar Quartet. Includes a special performance demonstration.

• Edith Pageaud Masterclass: Observation open to the public.

• The Art of Flamenco: Beginner class covering basic Flamenco technique (Bring your own guitar!)

• Introduction to Songwriting: A free class by Ernest Aines, sharing his process involved in writing and approaching music!

• Luthier & Vendor Expo

🎟️ TICKET INFORMATION

BEST VALUE!

3-Day PREMIUM Pass ($198)

• Entry to ALL 7 Concerts.

• Reserved Seating for the best views in the house.

• Fri, Sat & Sun Included.

3-Day Standard Pass ($160)

• Entry to ALL 7 Concerts.

• Unreserved Seating.