Villeurbanne Guitar Weekend | Espace Tonkin Event

Espace Tonkin Guitar Festival Showcases Diverse Talent This Weekend

A vibrant celebration of stringed instruments, the guitar festival at Espace Tonkin is currently underway, offering a packed schedule of performances through Sunday, december 1. The festival features a diverse lineup of artists, from celebrated Irish folk musicians to rising stars in the classical and South American jazz scenes.

A Weekend of Musical Journeys

The festival kicked off Friday, November 29, with a captivating duet performance by Zoë Conway and her husband, John McIntyre. Described by the BBC as “one of the best folk duos on the planet,” the pair brought their expertise in Irish folklore to the stage.

Saturday, November 30, is dedicated to the sounds of South America. The evening begins with Felipe Silva Mena presenting “Racconto,” a project born from his journey from his native Chile to Europe to pursue a career in jazz.After a decade honing his skills and teaching at several conservatories, Mena will share his unique musical perspective. Following Mena, the duo La Vuelta will transport audiences on a musical exploration of Argentina and Brazil.

Adding to Saturday’s offerings, the Tonkin media library will host a free Irish music concert at 3 p.m. featuring the group Lost Spoon, performing with guitar, mandolin, vocals, and violin. Registration is required to attend.

Did you know? – The Espace Tonkin is a cultural center in Villeurbanne, a suburb of Lyon, france, known for hosting a variety of artistic events. It’s a key venue for promoting music and the arts in the region.

Rising Stars and Classical Virtuosity

Sunday, December 1, will culminate in a performance by Édith Pageaud, a renowned classical guitar virtuoso. The afternoon will begin with a special concert at 5 p.m. featuring 36 budding guitarists from the Léo Lagrange Center in Villeurbanne and four music schools in the Rhône region. This performance promises to be a memorable experience for the musicians, ranging in age from 8 to 70.

Pro tip: – Tickets for Friday and Saturday performances are priced at €22. Consider booking in advance through the festival website to secure your spot, as events may sell out.

Ticket Information and details

Performances on Friday and Saturday begin at 8 p.m.,while Sunday’s concert starts at 5 p.m. Full-price tickets are available for €22. Further information and reservations can be made at https://www.espacetonkin.fr/festival-les-guitares-2025.

Reader question: – What are your favorite memories of live guitar performances? Share your thoughts on the power of music and the emotions it evokes.

Why: The Espace Tonkin Guitar Festival is taking place to celebrate diverse musical talent, specifically focusing on guitar-based performances.

Who: The festival features a wide range of artists including Irish folk duo Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, Chilean jazz artist Felipe Silva Mena, the Argentinian/Brazilian duo La Vuelta, Irish group Lost Spoon, classical guitar virtuoso Édith Pageaud, and 36 young guitarists from local music schools.

What: The festival includes performances spanning Irish folklore, South American jazz, and classical guitar, with a free Irish music concert at the Tonkin media library.

How did it end?: The festival concludes on sunday,December 1,with a performance by Édith Pageaud,preceded by a concert featuring young guitarists from the Rhône region. Tickets are available for €22, and further information can be found on the festival website.