The 12th edition of the "Guitar Evenings" International Festival, titled "Jeux de Miroirs", offers a series of recitals and masterclasses in Bucharest between November 19th-23rd, bringing before the public three renowned guitarists - Pablo Márquez, Dragoș Ilie, and Bogdan Mihăilescu. Guitarist Costin Soare, president of the "Kitharalogos" Cultural Association, provided us with more information about this project in an interview conducted by Cristina Cirjan.

The 12th edition of the International Festival "Guitar Evenings" is titled "Jeux de Miroirs." What is the meaning of this title, and how is it reflected in the event's program?

First of all, this year's festival title is inspired by the one proposed by the Argentine guitarist Pablo Márquez for the recital he will give on Sunday, November 23rd, at the National University of Music in Bucharest - Homenaje (un jeu de miroirs).It is, in fact, a play of mirrors in which various early-20th-century composers, as well as the story of a guitar crafted by a legendary luthier - Francisco Simplicio - intersect. This is one direction, and the second is that of a play of mirrors between generations, since each of the four concerts belongs to a different generation.

The festival opens with the "Gala of Emerging Guitarists," held at Suțu Palace. How does this component of the festival support young artists? How important do you consider such opportunities to be for them?

They are very important, because at this age, as I have observed over time, many young guitarists have the impression that going on stage means participating in a competition. Here, we offer them the opportunity to appear on an important stage, in front of an audience that can simply enjoy what they bring there. In fact, the "Guitar Evenings" Festival began in 2008-2009, together with the ACCUMM Foundation and with Petru Maier Bianu and Verona Maier, at Suțu Palace. Therefore, this concert dedicated to young musicians is very important to us, as is the series of masterclasses offered by the guest maestros, which will take place at the Liszt Institute, the Hungarian Cultural Centre.

The event will bring to the stage the Argentine guitarist Pablo Márquez, one of the most highly regarded performers on this instrument. What does the presence of such an artist mean for the festival, and what impact do you believe it will have on the audience?

Pablo is already a good friend of our festival. It is the fourth time he is coming to Romania. In 2020, he performed for the first time the concerto dedicated to him by maestro Dan Dediu. There is a strong connection between what we are doing here and guitarist Pablo Márquez. As with the concerts he has performed over time within the "Guitar Evenings" Festival, I believe we will have a full house, and I am convinced that the impact this artist will have-through the proposed recital, as well as with the legendary guitar he brings, crafted by Francisco Simplicio-will be significant.

Alongside Pablo Márquez, two prominent Romanian musicians, Bogdan Mihăilescu and Dragoș Ilie, will give recitals as part of the festival. What unique qualities does each artist bring, and how do these three artistic personalities complement each other in the context of this year's edition?

Dragoș Ilie and Bogdan Mihăilescu are- and I'm not the only one to say this-probably the most valuable Romanian guitarists at the international level at the moment. The two musicians are quite different personalities, so to speak. Each brings something new to the festival in their own way.Dragoș Ilie, an extroverted musician with a very solid technique and an extensive concert activity, offers a recital that spans from the Renaissance to contemporary music-including works by Toru Takemitsu-and features a very interesting transcription of George Enescu's "Lăutarul." Bogdan Mihăilescu proposes a kind of mirror play, bringing to the forefront various transcriptions for the guitar, for example of piano works by Maurice Ravel or Frédéric Chopin. His recital also explores contemporary music, including works by Nuccio D'Angelo, a composer less frequently performed in Romania but gradually finding a place in concert hall repertoires.

The three guitarists will also offer masterclasses as part of the festival. What does it mean for a young performer to work directly with an internationally renowned musician? How do you see the role of these initiatives in shaping a new generation of guitarists?

The artists will hold masterclasses on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Liszt Institute, at the Hungarian Cultural Centre. Naturally, the impact that musicians of their experience have is significant when it comes to the development of young Romanian musicians. These masterclasses have always been a great joy for young performers. Contact with accomplished musicians means a great deal for them.

The proposed programs cover a wide range of periods and styles. The audience will hear works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Claude Debussy, Manuel de Falla, George Enescu, and Toru Takemitsu. How would you describe this year's repertoire?

As in every edition, the repertoire is varied, covering both transcriptions and arrangements, which guitarists generally create to expand the repertoire dedicated to the instrument. There is also the "traditional" repertoire, which starts from arrangements and transcriptions of music from the 16th-17th centuries, as well as original works from the classical period, such as compositions by Wenzel Thomas Matiegka-two sonatas that Dragoș will present during the festival. The repertoire also includes works by contemporary composers, as mentioned earlier.

Access to the three recitals is free, subject to available seating. How does this openness contribute to the festival's mission of bringing classical guitar closer to a wider audience?

The festival is primarily dedicated to this wide audience, which in previous years has filled the concert halls to capacity. We hope it will do so again this year. I should mention that this year the support of our sponsors is very important, as the festival is organized with private funding. Without the help of these individuals and companies, whom I sincerely thank, it would not have been possible to organize the festival in this way and to keep admission free for everyone who wishes to attend.