9 November

The day started at 11 a.m. for the first round of the International Guitar Competition. Competitors came from France, India, the Philippines, Chile, Indonesia, Thailand and Germany. Luckily for us, the judging was easy with only 6 to judge since the German goes directly into the final. He took second placing the year before and had the right to be in the finals this year.

After this round, it was discussion time. Nutavut took the points from each member of the jury, added them up and then, coming up with the placing for each category. The results were to be announced on the final day of the festival.

Well, being in the jury means having to sign all the certificates, and here we are hard at work! Sew Hong took this photo, and why is Maurizio in the background...!? He is supposed to be signing the certificates as well...

At 3 p.m., was the masterclass by Ekaterina Pushkarenko (Russia). Here are some photos –

Tonight’s concert was something different as Maurizio de Fulvio is an Italian Jazz/pop guitarist. Below are photos of Maurizio in performance and a photo taken with KLGE II. We have Pernon Augustin from France, one of the international competitors, in the photo as well.

10 November

The morning’s masterclass was conducted by Maurizio de Fulvio but sadly, KLGE II could not attend as we spent the morning practicing. After lunch, the masterclass was conducted by Simon Cheong. I was really glad to have taught Rhythm Shaw and Nandini Sudhir from India. I had an hour for each and I tried to do as much as possible for each of them.

Simon with Rhythm Shaw, Nandini Sudir and Theophilus Benjamin

KLGE II with the participants from India

The evening’s recital started with Thailand’s famous young guitarist Nadol Jutasompakorn and was followed by Indonesia’s Rahmat Raharjo.

KLGE II with Rahmat and Simon with Nadol.