In June 2023 we celebrate the International Festival of Luthiers GUITARRA BADALONA 2023 in homage to the figure of the luthier José Luis Romanillos, one of the most outstanding artisan guitar makers of the last decades, who passed away in 2022. Many luthiers and guitarists from all over the world attended the Festival.
We were able to see a unique exhibition of concert guitars and enjoy three excellent classical guitar recitals, all free of charge. This was made possible thanks to the contribution of the Festival's collaborators and sponsors and especially thanks to the voluntary work of many members of the Badalona Guitar Association, the organiser of the festival.
Some of the luthiers and guitarists who participated in the Festival. Starting from the left, in the front row: Carles Herraiz (guitarist), Arnaldur Arnarson (guitarist), Andrés Daniel Marvi (luthier), Abel García López (luthier), Antonio Manjón (luthier and director of the festival) Marian Harris (widow of José Luis Romanillos), Antigoni Goni (guitarist), Liam Romanillos (luthier, son of J. L. Romanillos) and Pablo Sánchez Otero (luthier). Behind them, starting from the left: Santi Figueras (performer), Pilar Ramon (guitarist), Miguel Javaloy (guitarist), Samuel Diz (guitarist and researcher), Mónica Esparza (luthier), Carlos Juan Busquiel (luthier), Josep Melo (luthier), Tobias Braun (luthier) and Paolo Coriani (luthier).
CHALLENGE, GATHERING AND TRIBUTE
At the concert dedicated to Romanillos that we held in Badalona in June 2022, one of his disciples proposed a challenge to the rest of the luthiers: to build a guitar inspired by those of his master and to come to Badalona a year later to exhibit them in his honour. Ten luthiers accepted the challenge, giving birth to this Festival.
The event gathered for three days in Badalona 10 prestigious luthiers from six different countries, who brought the guitars they had built to pay homage to their master. This unique and unrepeatable exhibition was open to the public at the El Carme Cultural Centre. Alongside these guitars, two of Romanillos' original guitars have also been exhibited, courtesy of his widow Marian Harris, who travelled to Badalona with her son Liam Romanillos to attend the festival.
THREE MEMORABLE CONCERTS AND A DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE
Coinciding with the exhibition, three classical guitar recitals have been held by great international performers: Antigoni Goni, Abel García Ayala and a "tasting" concert in the same exhibition hall, in which several performers have played with the guitars on display.
Antigoni Goni's recital was preceded by the screening of the film Medio Siglo, the Art and Sound of José Luis Romanillos, produced by the Greek guitarist and dedicated to the master.
COLLABORATION AND SPONSORSHIP
It has been an event of interest for professionals and amateurs of the classical guitar, but also for all lovers of music, arts and culture in general. Organised by our association, we have been able to count on the collaboration of Badalona City Council, which has provided the exhibition venue (Centre Cultural el Carme) and the concert stages (Teatre Margarida Xirgu and Museu de Badalona). We would also like to thank the institutions and companies that, with their collaboration, financial support and presence, have contributed to the success of this idea. We estimate that more than 1,500 people attended some of the Festival's events over the weekend.
To read the chronicles and watch the photos and videos of each event: