18th Turkey Guitar Meeting Kicks Off at Bilkent

Bilkent University will host the 18th Turkey Guitar Meeting from July 13-16, 2026, an event dedicated to the classical guitar. The festival, under the artistic direction of Prof. Dr. Kağan Korad, promises a rich program including concerts, masterclasses, and seminars designed to unite the classical guitar community in Ankara.

Supported by the Sevda-Cenap And Music Foundation, Koşanadam Music Production, and Başkent Music House, this gathering has been a significant contributor to classical guitar education and artistry in Turkey since 2006. It has evolved beyond mere concerts to become a vital platform for young guitarists' training and the transfer of knowledge between generations.

The festival opens with a recital by Krzysztof Meisinger, a renowned international classical guitarist. Throughout the event, guitarists from various Turkish generations will perform. Young musicians will have the opportunity to work with experienced artists in masterclasses and practical seminars.

A special concert, "Ceren İçin: Gitar Benim Hayatım" (For Ceren: Guitar Is My Life), will honor the memory of the young guitarist Ceren, who passed away at a young age. The program also includes a dedicated concert of works by composer and guitarist Çağatay Azat, featuring the premiere of his new piece "Vela." The closing concert will pay tribute to Roland Dyens, a significant figure in modern classical guitar repertoire, performed by Emre Ünlenen, Anıl Gelenler, and Gitar Kumpanyası.

Beyond performances, the festival emphasizes education with new seminars covering sound production, touch, sonority, study methods, and contemporary guitar techniques. Prof. Dr. Kağan Korad stated that the core goal is to build a "common guitar culture" in Turkey, emphasizing the need for shared global standards, work ethics, and artistic vision to elevate the nation's significant guitar potential.