Presented by Rochester Classical Guitar

Korean guitarist, Bokyung Byun, the grand prize winner of the 2021 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition, will be teaching a master class to four guitarists from the Greater Rochester Area.

Praised by Classical Guitar Magazine as “confident and quite extraordinary,”   Bokyung enjoys a reputation as one of the most sought-after guitarists of her generation. Byun holds the distinction of being the first female winner of the prestigious JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, where Falletta herself described  Byun’s performance as "stunning, showcasing her gorgeous tone, immaculate technique, and sophisticated musicianship.”

Free and open to public!

Swiss classical guitarist Johan Smith, the grand prize winner of Guitar Foundation of America's International Concert Artist Competition in 2019, will be teaching a masterclass to guitarists Yunzhe Lin, Nikhil Goswami, Taylor Klinsky, and Christos Benetatos. Audience members are invited to observe these open lessons.

Free and open to the public!

Playing at the highest level, Johan Smith has won some of the world’s most competitive and distinguished guitar competitions. He has also been invited to perform in renowned festivals, is a highly in-demand concert soloist, and has performed with orchestras such as the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, and the Versoix Chamber Orchestra. 

Johan is on a six-month tour through June 2022, presenting solo concerts, conducting masterclasses, and outreach activities in over 50 cities across the United States and Canada. 

Johan recorded his first solo album with the Naxos Label (2020) and is currently recording his second album with the Naxos Label as part of his prize for winning 1st place in the Changsha International Guitar Competition in 2019. He will also be embarking on a 6-city tour throughout China.

Part of the Rochester Guitar Festival, hosted by Rochester Classical Guitar