This weekend, the best of the best are in town for the Seventh Annual International Guitar Festival (sponsored by Radford University). Known to host a diverse selection of performers, this year is especially international, boasting four amazing artists from abroad in a series of concerts and masterclasses. A large audience is anticipated for these free events, so April 3 through 6, the place to be is Radford.

The guitar is a rather diverse instrument, rich in history. The weekend’s events are varied both in repertoire and the actual instruments used. That said, whether one plugs in their guitar to “shred,” enjoys the campfire as they strum a few chords, or has no experience at all with the guitar, a great appreciation for the artists is bound to ensue. The classical guitarists lined up for this year’s events are of superior talent and will surely amaze all audiences with their aptitude for the instruments.

The festival owes much to its sole organizer, Dr. Robert Trent, Director of Guitar Studies at Radford University. He too is a star classical guitarist, known for performances that “are dignified, formal, and carefully thought out, with a sense of structural integrity that informs every passing tone” (The New York Times). His informed expertise in the field leads to a host of amazing guitarists selected for the festival each year.

Opening this year will be Carlo Barone (Thursday, 8 p.m. recital; Friday, 9 a.m. masterclass/workshop). The Italian spends much of his time these days in Paris and Milan. A specialist in historic instruments, often from the early 1800s, he has devoted himself to the corresponding literature of this time period. His abilities as a guitarist and as a skilled conductor have led to television and radio appearances, concerts with orchestras, and numerous recordings of wide acclaim.

Prizewinner of the “Guitar Foundation of America International Competition” William Yelverton (Saturday, 8 p.m. recital; Friday, 1 p.m. masterclass/workshop) is another of the featured guitarists. Yelverton specializes in Renaissance lute and guitar, holding a doctorate in guitar performance from Florida State University’s School of Music. His recording “Harpsichord Music on Guitar” was cited as “first-rate” by Guitar Review.

A native of Peru, Jorge Caballero (Friday, 8 p.m. recital; Saturday, 10 a.m. masterclass/workshop) is an artist of high anticipation. He holds the distinction of being the youngest ever (age 19 at the time) to win the prestigious Naumburg International Competition. Naumburg is a major competition open to musicians of all kinds, not just guitarists. Following his study at the National Conservatory in Lima, he came to the United States for the Manhattan School of Music. Upon applying, it was suggested that he list the pieces he could not play, as this would be shorter than listing all those for which he could. Lately, Caballero has been known to take the role of the entire orchestra with his single guitar, performing Antonín Dvorák’s “Symphony No. 9.”

Closing the weekend’s events will be the Mayes Duo (Sunday, 2 p.m. recital; Saturday, 1 p.m. masterclass/workshop). Joseph and Kathleen Mayes add to the eclectic mix of string instruments with the assortment of Renaissance guitars, lutes of all variety, and modern guitars. They are a duo of amazing talent with many accolades to boast; Joseph studied with internationally renowned concert guitarist Andres Segovia, for example. They certainly are a great way to round out an entire weekend of spectacular skill.

The festival has time after time brought a large audience to the New River Valley. People from all borders of Virginia and beyond mark this in their calendars. With this, free admission, and a maximum seating of around 120 people in the hall, it is advised that you arrive early to the events. Experience this talent-filled weekend at the Bondurant Center for the Arts (Norwood Room) at 1129 Main St. in Radford. More information and a complete listing of events can be found at: http://music.asp.radford.edu/festivals/GuitarFest/GuitarFest.htm.

C.R. Kasprzyk is a composer and saxophonist, resident of the NRV, and will be playing in three performances in California later this month. For more on this renaissance man, check out www.crkasprzyk.com.