The 5th annual Okanagan Guitar Festival returns to Kelowna August 6 – 8 with three stellar classical guitar concerts featuring festival favorites, award-winning virtuosos and a remarkable teen prodigy. The line up includes Simon Farintosh, Alec Pearson, Vivian Chen (harp), Tejay Liao and Catherine Huo. ‍ ‍

All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels.

August 6 – Award-winning guitarist, composer and educator based in Victoria, BC, Simon Farintosh presents a solo recital that will captivate you with his refined virtuosity, strong rhythmic delivery, and imaginative arrangements. Simon was named one of CBC’s “30 Under 30 Classical Musicians” in 2023. He is known for his unconventional programming choices, connecting with audiences by integrating the classical guitar with more contemporary musical forms such as ambient electronica.

August 7 – This concert explores the unique sounds of the harp and the guitar with the return of the magical duo Vivian Chen and Alec Pearson. Both plucked instruments, the guitar and harp sound worlds are often associated with the ancient, the mythical and the folkloric. Original compositions by Alec and Vivian play off of these elements and bring you something new and beautiful that you may never have heard before.

August 8 – Catherine Huo is a 14-year-old guitar prodigy and a rising star. Described as a ‘huge talent, she has already won numerous international awards and competitions, often beating out young pros in adult categories. Last summer, she came in first in Calgary’s Guitar Fest West competition, cementing her appearance in this years festival. Catherine’s performance will be inspiring and memorable!

Festival favourite Tejay Liao returns to perform the first half of this concert. Tejay is a young guitarist merging science and art in his approach and technique. HIs programming choices are unique and his playing has been praised as sensitive and technically brilliant.

Time: 7:00 pm, doors open 6:40