Miami International GuitART Festival
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The sound of classical, jazz and world guitar takes center stage as the Miami International GuitART Festival returns to Florida International University for its eleventh edition.
The Miami International GuitART Festival (MIGF) runs February 15–22 at the FIU Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center, bringing together an international lineup of artists, composers and luthiers for a week of concerts, masterclasses and workshops. This year’s program features acclaimed musicians including René Izquierdo, Celil Refik Kaya, Deepak Ram, Freddie Bryant, Maurizio Mastrini, Sandro Lazzeri, Liamna Pestana, Hande Cangökçe and Artistic Director Mesut Özgen.
Schedule
February 15
6:00 p.m. - René Izquierdo: Virtuoso Cuban guitarist opens the 2026 Miami International GuitART Festival.
February 16
7:30 p.m. - Celil Refik Kaya & Mesut Özgen: Turkish virtuosos perform Spanish and Turkish repertoire.
February 17
7:30 p.m. - Luis Zea: Venezuelan guitarist performs traditional and classical works from his homeland.
February 18
7:30 p.m. - Deepak Ram & Mesut Özgen: Bansuri and guitar duo perform Indian, jazz and Turkish music.
February 19
7:30 p.m. - Leonardi–Pluzhko Guitar & Piano Duo: Italian duo perform 20th-century works for guitar and piano.
February 20
7:30 p.m. - Hande Cangökçe: Turkish guitarist performs folk-inspired solo and duo works with Mesut Özgen.
February 21–22
9:00 a.m. - Luthiers Expo: A two-day celebration of the art of guitar-making, featuring instrument showcases and demonstrations.
February 21
3:00 p.m. – FIU Miami GuitART Orchestra
7:30 p.m. – Mastrini–Lazzeri Piano & Guitar Duo: Italian duo perform original compositions and European repertoire.
February 22
1:00 p.m. – Liamna Pestana: Cuban guitarist performs Baroque and Romantic works.
6:00 p.m. – Freddie Bryant: Jazz guitarist presents Solo Bossa, featuring music by Tom Jobim and original compositions.
The festival also includes lectures by Federico Bonacossa, Amanda Kaya, Freddie Bryant, Liamna Pestana and Mesut Özgen, as well as masterclasses and workshops led by participating artists. The Luthiers Expo showcases handcrafted guitars from artisans around the world.
Supported by the Knight Foundation, Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, MIGF continues its mission to unite artists and audiences through the shared language of music.