Viljandi guitar festival draws growing audiences, Ain Agan says

The Viljandi International Guitar Festival is attracting more people, with interest growing, festival director and artistic leader Ain Agan told ERR. The festival opened in Viljandi for its 19th edition, with a focus on nurturing the next generation of guitarists.

Agan said the idea for the festival came about with fellow musician Robert Jürjendal. Their gatherings for guitarists and fans of guitar music remain a pleasure to organise. This year’s festival also celebrates Jürjendal’s 60th birthday.

“The audience is growing, interest is greater, and the performers are always very good, from Estonia and abroad,” Agan told ERR’s Aktuaalne kaamera. He said he continued to enjoy the work as the festival reached its 19th edition.

The festival’s third day, Friday, began with a workshop by Finnish guitarist and teacher Peter Lerche for students at music schools. The day concludes with Stochelo Rosenberg presenting a special project featuring music by Charlie Chaplin.

The festival has invited young people to attend its workshops and concerts. First-year rhythm music student Erik Kala said he particularly enjoys watching performers play and drawing inspiration from them. Second-year student Elizabeth Maasing said she had been drawn to the guitar since she was 13 and hoped to play on bigger stages with other artists, possibly abroad.

The Viljandi Guitar Festival runs until Sunday.