The University of Indianapolis will host the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Convention and Competition in 2020. The six-day convention, scheduled for June 22-27, 2020, will gather hundreds of classical guitar masters and enthusiasts from all over the world, including the most elite performers of the genre.
The annual GFA Convention, which is the single largest classical guitar event in the world, includes three concerts per day, a wide array of lectures, hands-on workshops, masterclasses and private lessons, a comprehensive vendor exposition and luthier showcase, the famous International Concert Artist Competitions, a Hall of Fame awards ceremony and two guitar orchestras, open to all attendees. Some performances will be open to the public.
The GFA Convention is also home to three divisions of classical guitar competitions. The winner of the GFA International Concert Artist Competition is awarded an extensive international tour, along with a cash prize, recording contract and publishing contract. The International Youth Competition (IYC) has both senior and junior divisions that offer young players the opportunity to perform for an elite panel of judges as well as the large GFA audience. Winners of the IYC receive cash awards and generous prizes from GFA sponsors.
Event organizer Nemanja Ostojić, associate adjunct professor of classical guitar, said the convention will make a positive impact throughout the Midwest.
“The festival will be packed with guitarists from all over the world. This is a great opportunity for students, faculty and the local community to get involved. Leading guitar magazines and international publications will cover the event, simultaneously placing the UIndy campus and our city on the world map of guitar,” Ostojić said.
“We are grateful for the energy of the entire team at the University of Indianapolis that has made it possible for the GFA to bring our annual classical guitar festival to Indianapolis. It is a great bonus for the implementation of our artistic vision that the strong guitar program at the University is led by an internationally renowned artist, Nemanja Ostojić, who has a deep understanding of and commitment to artistry at the highest level. We can’t wait to share great music with all of our guests in the beautiful facilities at UIndy,” said Martha Masters, Guitar Foundation of America president.
The GFA convention is a broader part of academic initiatives at the University of Indianapolis to connect students with expert musicians. Ostojić has organized trips for students to participate in the annual Guitar Art Festival in Belgrade, Serbia. He also has coordinated the University’s Classical Guitar Series, featuring musicians such as Martha Masters and Andrew Zohn, who gave performances and master classes on campus.
“Providing students with life-changing experiential learning opportunities is built into the curriculum at the University of Indianapolis,” said Robert L. Manuel, University of Indianapolis president. “We are proud to host the Guitar Foundation of America’s premier event, which continues our tradition of networking with world-renowned artists who contribute so much to a vibrant cultural life on campus and throughout the community.”
About the Guitar Foundation of America
The GFA was formed in 1973 at the National Guitar Convention sponsored by the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). It has, since the 1970s, published the quarterly journal, Soundboard, annual scholarly journal Soundboard Scholar, and quarterly youth oriented publication Prodigies; established a large archive of scores, books and manuscripts; hosted the annual GFA Convention and Competitions including the prestigious International Concert Artist Competition and International Youth Competitions; commissioned composers of the guitar; organized the annual GFA winner’s concert tour currently comprised of approximately 50 concerts around the country; held multiple annual Regional Symposia, one day mini-conventions in various locations; and established pre-college guitar programs in cities across the country.
About the University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, founded in 1902, is a private, liberal arts university located just a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis. UIndy is ranked among the top Midwest Universities by the U.S. News and World Report, with a diverse enrollment of more than 4,300 undergraduates, 1,400 graduate students and 400 continuing education students. The University offers a wide variety of study areas, including 100 undergraduate degrees, more than 40 master’s degree programs and five doctoral programs. More occupational therapists, physical therapists and clinical psychologists graduate from UIndy each year than any other state institution. With strong programs also in engineering, business and education, UIndy impacts its community by living its motto, “Education for Service.” uindy.edu.
