WYGF is the World Youth Guitar Festival, which conjures up images of children aged 8-18 jumping up and down with balloons, enthusiastic tutors being silly in a panto, and also some serious ensemble work with some of the best names in the business. It is a place where young guitarists of all abilities make music together under the musical direction of inspirational tutors and mentors.
This year, tutors include Gaelle Solal from France, the Duo Agostino from Australia, Frank Gerstmeier from Germany, Johannes Moller from Sweden, Peter Nuttall, Mark Eden, Mark Ashford, Helen Sanderson, Chris Stell, Nick Powlesland, Matthew Robinson and myself. The organisation was ably managed by Sandra and Trevor Dukes, Georgina Bashford as Head Mentor and the Festival Director Helen Sanderson.
This all took place in the hallowed grounds of Uppingham School.

There were amazing concerts by the the Vida Quartet (stunning “Rhapsody in Blue” despite Chris getting cramp in his thumb) , Duo Agostino (fascinating rendition of Sculthorpe’s Djilili and Charlton’s 6 Quarks) , Gaelle (great Bach Chaconne and some Garoto and Gismonti) and Johannes (his own, Indian inspired music), and of course the final concert with everyone playing under the direction of their orchestra’s tutor. This included a first performance of a piece by Nick Powlesland, a revival of a piece by Richard Charlton and a piece of monkery from Pete Nuttall, evil genius behind The Guitarist’s Way series.

Pete and I shared the same room together at school, and often made up fanciful tunes and titles on the guitar – it was wonderful to reconnect and work together.
I hope the photos give some indication of the fun and high spirits, but also the dedication of the students and tutors.

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