Guitarnival! Newfoundland and Labrador's First International Guitar Festival

The Atlantic Guitar Society (AGS) will organize and host Newfoundland and Labrador’s first international classical guitar festival in summer 2026 in St. John’s. It will feature local Newfoundland and Labrador musicians alongside internationally acclaimed guest artists Emma Rush (BC), Jeffrey McFadden (ON), and Laura Snowden (UK). AGS principal members Ben Diamond, Tracy Smith, and Steve Murphy are all professional classical guitarists who have experienced firsthand the influence that a classical guitar festival can have on generations of musicians. Consisting of several concerts over the span of 3 days, along with masterclasses, workshops, a guitar ensemble, and a competition, this festival will benefit our community members by providing them with an opportunity to share their work with their peers, while also welcoming guests from outside our province to embrace the inspiring musical atmosphere that St. John’s offers.