Boston GuitarFest: Celebrating Gene Bertoncini at 80

American jazz guitarist celebrates his 80th birthday at Boston GuitarFest with a solo recital.

Bertoncini has performed with other jazz greats like Mike Manieri, Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Wayne Shorter, and Michael Moore, and is known for bringing the classical guitar instrument into jazz playing.

The summer of 2018 marks the 13th anniversary of Boston GuitarFest, with the theme “The Improvisatory Spirit,” seeking to display and liberate the improvisatory spirit that must be in all of us. Boston GuitarFest is the dream of visionary guitar virtuoso and Artistic Director Eliot Fisk, and is cosponsored by New England Conservatory and Northeastern University Department of Music. Guitarists of all ages and levels will participate in a variety of available programs that include lessons, ensembles, workshops, competitions, masterclasses, and concerts. 

The Boston GuitarFest concert series presents six consecutive days of concerts celebrating the festival's theme of "The Improvisatory Spirit." In addition to a lineup of incredible guest artists performing in both New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall and Northeastern University's Fenway Center, Eliot Fisk and Zaira Meneses premiere a new double concerto by Robert Beaser.