Welcome to the Connecticut Guitar Guild’s 4th Annual Guitar Festival! This year, we are thrilled to move our festival to the iconic Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford.

Our festival is a celebration of classic, contemporary, and global guitar traditions, bringing together world-class guest artists, students, educators, luthiers, and music enthusiasts for a weekend of immersive learning and inspiring performances. Experience full-length virtuoso concerts, hands-on technique workshops, masterclasses, an interactive luthier showcase, and community ensemble opportunities—all in a welcoming, inclusive setting!

​

[ GET YOUR TICKETS ]

​

Headlining Artists

 

João Luiz Rezende

Headliner Concert: Saturday, Nov 14 at 7:30 PM

Masterclass: Sunday, Nov 15 at 9:00 AM

 

Grammy-nominated Brazilian guitarist, composer, and educator João Luiz Rezende is internationally acclaimed for his virtuosity, compelling interpretations, and diverse repertoire spanning classical, Latin American, and contemporary music. As a founding member of the critically acclaimed Brasil Guitar Duo, Luiz has performed in major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and international festivals across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Luiz earned his Master’s degree from the Mannes School of Music under Frederic Hand and holds a doctorate from Manhattan School of Music. In addition to his active international concert tour schedule, Luiz serves as the Director of Chamber Music at CUNY Hunter College and teaches guitar on the faculties of Stony Brook University and the Mannes School of Music.

• ​

Gohar Vardanyan

Headliner Concert: Sunday, Nov 15 at 4:00 PM

Masterclass: Saturday, Nov 14 at 3:00 PM

 

Armenian-American classical guitarist Gohar Vardanyan has captivated audiences worldwide with her technical mastery, passionate musicality, and expressive depth. Hailed by Guitar International Magazine as "the complete package" with "a musicality beyond her years," Vardanyan has performed at renowned stages including Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and major guitar societies across North and South America.

Born in Armenia, Vardanyan began studying guitar at age five under her father and made her public debut by age eight. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory, where she studied under Manuel Barrueco, and a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Sharon Isbin. A dedicated educator, author of four instructional books published by Mel Bay Publications, and featured recording artist for Strings by Mail, she continues to tour globally as a soloist and clinician.

 

​Featured Presenters & Artists (in alphabetical order)

Aaron Green

Luthier Showcase & Q&A: Saturday, Nov 14 at 5:00 PM

Aaron Green is a world-renowned master luthier specializing in hand-crafted classical and flamenco guitars. Beginning his apprenticeship at age 16 under legendary builder Alan Carruth, Green has spent over three decades perfecting traditional Spanish construction methods, earning praise and mentorship from concert virtuosos like Dennis Koster. His instruments are played by top professionals around the globe.

Jaclyn Jones

Workshop Presenter: Sunday, Nov 15 at 2:30 PM

Jaclyn Jones is an active soloist, chamber musician, and educator performing across the United States. Co-founder of the Luca Duo and Artistic Director of the Connecticut Guitar Guild, Jones has been featured on Guitar Salon International, GFAtv, and WPAA-TV. She earned her BM and MM degrees in Guitar Performance from The Hartt School and is passionate about commissioning and premiering new contemporary compositions.

Christopher Ladd

Masterclass Clinician: Sunday, Nov 15 at 2:00 PM

Internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Christopher Ladd has performed extensively across North America, Europe, and Asia. Praised by Soundboard Magazine and Fingerstyle Guitar for his expressive, confident playing, Ladd is a founding member of The Pandora Duo and The Amaranth Duo. He currently serves as Chair of the Guitar and Harp Program at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, where he has taught for over 25 years.

Catherine O’Kelly

Workshop Presenter: Saturday, Nov 14 at 10:00 AM

Catherine O’Kelly is a New England-based classical guitarist and chamber musician. She completed her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at The Hartt School under Christopher Ladd and holds a BA from Vassar College. A dedicated Suzuki teacher and founder of the Online Guitar Festival, O’Kelly performs regularly as a soloist and as part of the Tedesco Duo.

Michael Stubblefield

CGG Ensemble Director & Festival Faculty

Michael Stubblefield is an active guitarist, singer-songwriter, and instrumental composer. Known for his evocative works for classical guitar and chamber ensembles, Stubblefield's compositions have been commissioned and premiered by prominent regional guitarists and chamber groups. He frequently collaborates with the Connecticut Guitar Guild as a composer, performer, and ensemble director.

Benjamin Tint

Guest Lecturer: Saturday, Nov 14 at 2:00 PM

Benjamin Tint is an active classical guitarist, music educator, and Executive Director of the Connecticut Guitar Guild. Holding a Master’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, Tint is an active performer and scholar dedicated to classical guitar literature, regional lecture-recitals, and community arts outreach throughout New England.

​

Ticketing & Registration​

• Full Weekend Festival Pass: $125

  Includes access to all festival concerts, masterclasses (as an observer), lectures, workshops, ensemble rehearsals, and the Luthier Showcase.

• Single-Day Festival Pass: $75

• Masterclass ticket: Required for all students taking a masterclass (see audition specifics below).

  Includes full access to all events scheduled on either Saturday or Sunday.

• Virtuoso Concert Tickets (Individual Performances):

  • João Luiz Rezende: Saturday, 11/14 at 7:30 PM — $25 ($20 Students/Seniors)

  • Gohar Vardanyan: Sunday, 11/15 at 4:00 PM — $25 ($20 Students/Seniors)

Masterclass Audition Notice:

Masterclass performer spots for headline and featured clinicians are selected by audition. To apply, please submit a video recording of your piece to info@connecticutguitarguild.com by October 24, 2026. Auditions are free, but selected participants must hold a valid Festival Pass as well as a masterclass ticket.

​​

[GET YOUR TICKETS]