International Classical Guitar Festival 2026
15 to 20 August 2026

NOW IN ITS 33rd YEAR!

Festival Director: Andrew Gough 

With concert artists, lecturers and tutors: SoloDuo (Lorenzo Micheli & Matteo Mela), Raphaella Smits, Laura Snowden, Ingrid Riollot, Damon Smallman, Peter Katona, Eleanor Kelly, Ian Watt, Mike Baker and Gerald Garcia.

Under the directorship of Andrew Gough, West Dean College once again offers the celebrated International Classical Guitar Festival in the idyllic and relaxing surroundings which make this the perfect setting for lessons, masterclasses, ensemble coaching and concerts.  The festival is renowned for its tuition, performance, concerts and geniality, which make it a unique and fulfilling experience for all who attend. 

Course structure

The 2026 Festival includes an intensive timetable of events and instruction in a wide range of areas: repertoire classes, ensemble performing, guitar orchestra, individual lessons, the ‘Learning Zones’ and masterclasses. A full list of the learning opportunities is in the outline programme and timetable attached. 

The evening concert series for 2026 commences on Saturday with a concert by the highly acclaimed Italian guitarists Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli, performing together as SoloDuo. On  Monday evening, we welcome the return of virtuoso 8-string and historical instrumentalist Raphaella Smits to St. Andrew’s Church. We then conclude the series on Tuesday evening with an exciting debut performance by the imaginative guitarist-composer Laura Snowdon.

The Open Day on Sunday 16 August (12:30pm – 7pm) will again celebrate all things classical guitar, including an exhibition of music and instruments, and a guitar makers’ showcase with Scottish guitarist Ian Watt. We are excited to present a lecture-demonstration by Damon Smallman on the history and design of the world-renowned Smallman Guitars, and two masterclasses with Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli. The day concludes with a recital by the internationally acclaimed French-Australian guitarist Ingrid Riollot in St. Andrew’s Church at 6pm. (Please see the website for more information.)

Level: The carefully planned and highly varied programme will appeal to all enthusiasts, from grade two level experience all the way to advanced. The course is open to anyone aged eighteen years and over. 

2026 Programme

The carefully planned and highly varied programme will appeal to all enthusiasts, from grade two level experience all the way to advanced . The course is open to anyone aged eighteen (18) and over.

Ensemble playing: These sessions provide important awareness of reading and listening skills, and they also help with rhythm and counting.  Participants are allocated a place in a medium-sized ensemble with students of a similar standard.  The course concludes with a performance by the ensembles on Thursday morning. Please note that ensemble music will be given out during the first rehearsal, not in advance. 

Guitar Orchestra: This year, the orchestra welcomes the return of Gerald Garcia as guest conductor. These exciting rehearsals with a larger group of players culminate in a final performance at the end of course concert. Orchestral parts will be emailed out in advance.

Masterclasses: In 2026, we are pleased to offer masterclasses with Lorenzo Micheli, Matteo Mela, Raphaella Smits and Laura Snowden. (N.B. All masterclasses require a video audition; details on how to apply are found on the Musical Details form. The deadline for applications is 12 June 2026.)

Private lessons: Each course participant will receive two 30-minute individual lessons. Please note that playing in a Masterclass is regarded as one lesson. 

Repertoire Classes: These are sessions where students may perform 'own choice' solo or small ensemble pieces to a small group of fellow students, followed by some positive feedback from the tutor and an open discussion about the chosen repertoire. 

Student Concerts: These concerts provide a great opportunity for course members to try out their pieces in public, and this year will again include an informal debut recital for those students for whom this would be their first public performance. There will be three lunchtime concerts, plus an evening concert on Wednesday.

Technique Workshops: These increasingly popular ‘question and answer’ classes provide students with the opportunity to discuss, and find ways to improve, a variety of technical issues. 

'The Learning Zones': These consist of a series of lectures and practical workshops covering a wide range of musical and technical aspects of guitar performance. 

 

Saturday 15 August - Concert by SoloDuo - Read more / Book tickets

Sunday 16 August - Festival Open Day, including Recital by Ingrid Riollot - Read more / Book tickets

Monday 17 August - Concert by Raphaella Smits - Read more / Book tickets

Tuesday 18 August - Concert by Laura Snowden - Read more / Book tickets

About the Guitarists and Tutors

Andrew Gough - Director of the West Dean Classical Guitar Festival, Head of Guitar at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Junior Department, Ensembles Director and a Concert Guitarist. 

Damon Smallman – Internationally renowned Australian guitar maker, working with Greg since the early 90's refining their emphasis on the process of innovation and fine tuning. Holding a degree in mechanical engineering, his instruments are played by many of the world’s leading classical guitarists.

Eleanor Kelly – Well-known Merseyside (UK) based classical guitarist. A passionate advocate for women in music, promoting repertoire by both historical and contemporary women composers.

Gerald Garcia – World-renowned guitarist-composer, recording artist, former musical director of the National Youth Guitar Ensemble and guitarist in ensembles including the Mandolinquents.

Ian Watt – Prize-winning international soloist and teacher from Scotland, noted for his exceptional range of timbre. Lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Ingrid Riollot – Internationally acclaimed Franco-Australian classical guitarist. She performs and records regularly as a soloist and chamber musician, and is also a respected educator and adjudicator in international guitar competitions.

Laura Snowden – A leading guitarist of her generation, a highly popular concert and recording artist. Composer of eclectic repertoire derived of classical, folk and story-telling music.

Lorenzo Micheli – Italian prize-winning concert artist, half of the guitar duo, SoloDuo with Matteo Mela. Lecturer at the University School of Music in Lugano, Switzerland.

Matteo Mela – Highly acclaimed Italian concert artist (Soloduo). Teacher at the Conservatoire Popular de Musique in Geneva, Switzerland. Recording artist for NAXOS, Mel Bay and Stradivarius.

Mike Baker – Founder member of the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, arranger and popular teacher based in Manchester, UK. Tutor at the renowned Manchester Grammar School.

Peter Katona – Member of the internationally renowned guitar duo The Katona Twins. Multi-album recording artist and lecturer at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin, Ireland.

Raphaella Smits – World-renowned Belgian concert and recording artist, specialising in performances on both the eight-string guitars and historical instruments.

Provisional Timetable

Time

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

8-9am

 

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

9.15am

Warm-Up & 

Ensembles 

Warm-up and

ensembles

Warm-up and

ensembles

Warm-up and

ensembles

9.15am
Ensembles

10am 
Orchestra

10.30am

COFFEE

COFFEE

COFFEE

COFFEE

COFFEE

11.00am

Orchestra & 

Repertoire Classes 

 

11am – 12:15pm 

Learning Zone: Eleanor Kelly Lecture
(Old Library)

Raphaella Smits

Masterclass 

 

11am – 12:30pm 

 (Old Library) 

Laura Snowden

Masterclass

11am – 12:30pm

 (Old Library)

Course

Ensemble Concert

(Old Library)

12.00pm

Private lesson

Practice time

12.30-1pm

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

1.20pm

OPEN DAY

12.30 – 7pm

 

Guitar Exhibition

 

Damon Smallman Lecture

 

Bursary Winners’ Recital

 

SoloDuo

Masterclasses

 

Makers’ Showcase with Ian Watt

 

Ingrid Riollot Recital

 

Informal Student Concert

(Old Library)

Informal Student Concert

 (Old Library)

Informal Student Concert

 (Old Library)

Course disperses

after lunch

2pm

Students' arrival and registration

Orchestra and

repertoire classes

Orchestra and

repertoire classes

Orchestra and

repertoire classes

3.30pm

TEA

TEA

TEA

TEA

4pm

3.30pm - Welcome and Introduction 

(Old Library)

Learning Zone:

Peter Katona Lecture

(Old Library)

Learning Zone 

or 

Masterclass  

(Old Library) 

Repertoire Classes

or Technique Workshop

5.00pm

4.45pm Ensembles

 

5.30pm Break

 

5.45pm

Orchestra

Repertoire classes

or technique workshop

Repertoire classes

or technique workshop

Practice time

6.05pm

Practice time

Private lesson

5.45pm Student concert

6.30-8pm

DINNER

7pm
DINNER

DINNER

DINNER

DINNER

8pm

DuoSolo

Concert

Free time or practice

Raphaella Smits

Concert

Laura Snowden Concert

7.30pm

Student Concert


Timetable maybe subject to change.

Bursaries

Bursaries are available to first study classical guitarists aged 18 – 26, especially those who are studying towards a music degree. If you wish to apply for the International Classical Guitar Festival Bursary, please download and complete the Application Form. Read the full Bursary information and Criteria.


Application deadline is 30 April 2026

Bursary Application Form
West Dean Guitar Festival bursary students

Required preparation

Please complete the Musical Details form and send or email to the Bookings Office at the time you make your booking.  You need to bring your own guitar, music stand, footstool/guitar-rest, and a selection of current repertoire to use in lessons and repertoire classes, and for performances in the student concerts.

Musical Details Form

Fees and accommodation

Non-resident student fee: £799, including coffee, lunch, tea and dinner daily, as evening events are planned.
Accommodation fees Summer 2026 per person, including breakfast:

Annexe Rooms Standard Rooms Superior Rooms
With en-suite shower Single occupancy with private bath/shower en-suite or adjacent (Main House/Vicarage) Twin occupancy with private bath/shower en-suite or adjacent (Main House/Vicarage) Single occupancy with en-suite bath/shower (Main House/Vicarage) Sharing twin bedroom with en-suite bath/shower (Main House/Vicarage)
£390 £440 £290 £500 £350

 

Partners are welcome to stay with you at the Festival on a resident-only basis, please read our accommodation page for more details. Partners/guests can also purchase tickets for the concerts.

Start/End Times: The Festival begins on Saturday 15 August at 3:30pm. (Please note the new earlier start time to the festival.)  Please arrive and register between 1:30pm and 3pm (before tea). If you wish to arrive in time for lunch on Saturday, it is essential that you book in advance – please contact the Bookings Office.

The course ends at 2pm on Thursday 20 August. Please advise us in advance if you need to depart before the advertised finishing time.

If you wish to arrive early and arrive on the evening of Friday 14 August, rooms may be available if booked in advance with the Bookings Office.

Booking your place

To make your booking, please complete the Musical Details Form and Book Online.

Course booking Terms and Conditions 

Further enquiries

If you have any queries concerning course content please contact:

Andrew Gough, Festival Director
E-mail: [email protected]

If you have any queries concerning booking the course or accommodation please contact:
The Bookings Office, West Dean College, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ.
Tel 01243 818300  
Phoning from abroad: +44 1243 818300 
Fax: +44 (0) 1243 818293
Email: [email protected]

Book your place today
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