[507] Acclaimed alumnus headlines 12th annual Tennessee Guitar Festival at MTSU

MURFREESBORO — The 12th annual Tennessee Guitar Festival and Competition will take place at MTSU May 30-June 1 featuring a headlining Friday night performance from School of Music alumnus Silviu Ciulei, an internationally acclaimed guitarist.

“This is a unique opportunity to hear some of the finest young guitarists in America compete for prestige and prize money," said Dr. William Yelverton, festival director and a professor of music at MTSU.

"This competition brings in world-class guitarists. The Saturday night finals will be an awesome display of solo guitar playing."

Ciulei, a classical and flamenco guitarist who began studying music at age 6, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, May 31, in Hinton Music Hall inside MTSU’s Wright Music Building. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in guitar performance in 2008 from MTSU as the university’s first full International Music Scholar.

Ciulei, a native of Romania, also was MTSU’s first four-time Undergraduate Research and Creativity Scholar and Grant recipient.

In addition to his impressive collection of international and U.S. music prizes, he also holds a master’s degree from Florida State University and is working toward a doctorate in guitar performance at Florida State.

Guitarists Ben Bolt, Carlos Castilla and Richard Todd will present the opening night concert at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, in Hinton Hall.

The guitar competition, with $2,750 in prize money, is expected to attract some of America's best young guitarists to compete for the $1,200 first prize. A special concert featuring the guitar competition finalists is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, June 1, in Hinton Hall.

In addition to the concerts and competition, the festival will feature guitar master classes and special workshops in Hinton Hall. Participants can walk in and register before the concerts, any festival event  or during regular registration on Wednesday, May 29, from 3 to 6 p.m.

All events are open to the public. Admission to an individual concert is $10, and students 16 and under will be admitted free. A registration fee of $30 will admit the guest to all concerts, lectures, workshops and master classes.