The Radford University International Guitar Festival, under the direction of RU guitar studies professor Robert Trent, opens with a gala concert on Friday, March 19, at 8 p.m., at Christ Episcopal Church in Roanoke. The theme is women guitarists and composers and coincides with RU’s celebration of Women’s History Month.

Paraguayan guitarist and Barrios expert Luz Maria Bobadilla (right) and Flamenco guitarist/singer/dancer Marija Temo are among the featured musicians at the festival, which includes master classes, workshops and concerts.

“This festival is dedicated to bringing international performers and teachers to RU and the campus community. Our past performers have included Manuel Barrueco, the Pearl/Grey Duo, Nikita Koshkin, Carlo Barone, Ronn MacFarlane, Jorge Caballero, Paul O’Dette and Anthony Glise,” says Trent. “We’ve consistently drawn an audience to the New River Valley and have drawn them from beyond the borders of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, March 19, 8 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, Roanoke
Gala opening concert featuring all artists

Saturday, March 20, Covington Performance Hall, Radford University
9 a.m.: Youth group check-in; small ensembles
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Youth technique class
10 a.m. – noon: Marija Temo; introduction to Flamenco/masterclass
11 a.m. – noon: Guitar Orchestra sectionals
Noon – 1 p.m.: Lunch on your own
1 – 2 p.m.: Robert Trent and Leslie Marrs flute and guitar duo concert
2 – 3:30 p.m.: Guitar orchestra featuring students and faculty
3 p.m.: Rehearsal and performance
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Showcase with soloist Max Hiner and Martha Craig
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Dinner on your own
7 p.m.: Marija Temo, Flamenco and Luz Maria Bobadillia, South American Guitar

Sunday, March 21, Covington Performance Hall
10 a.m. – noon: Luz Maria Bobadilla, South American Guitar Class
Noon – 2 p.m.: Marija Temo, Flamenco class

Admission to all events is free. To learn more, e-mail rstrent@radford.edu. More information is also available on Facebook.

The festival is sponsored by the RU Department of Music, the Campus Programming Committee, Mu Phi Epsilon and the Southwestern Virginia Classical Guitar Society.