About SNGF
SNGF was conceived over a drink and a chat in the Rose & Crown on Stoke Newington Church Street in the winter of 2012. Francesco Mariani, Amy Bowles & Byron Moffet had all experienced the exceptional acoustic of The Old Church as players and the idea of SNGF was born. Encompassing a weekend guitar course and a combination of established and up and coming recitalists, SNGF is unique among guitar festivals with it's intimate, historic surroundings in the heart of London. Clissold Park is next door and Church Street has a multitude of cafes, pubs and eateries right next to The Old Church. The Old Church itself is the only surviving Elizabethan Church in London. Despite being badly bombed in WW2 the Church was reconstructed and now has a dual purpose as a place of worship and a well equipped arts centre with an exceptional acoustic for the classical guitar. It is our conviction that The Old Church is the most atmospheric venue for our instrument in the capital. Since 2013 Craig Ogden, Juan Martin, String Theory, Kourosh Kanani, Clive Carroll, the Panormo Duo, the Andrews Massey Duo, Graham Anthony Devine, Declan Zapala, Billy Watman & Laura Snowden have all now graced our stage. Our workshops go from strength to strength, starting with 8 players in 2013 growing to 20 over the weekend in 2016 featuring masterclasses from our recitalists as well as guest teachers Chris Susans, Wendy Jackson, Jens Franke and David Massey who is now on the team. Here's to 2018! |