International Talent Strums at Guitar Festival

For the ninth year in a row, guitarists from around the world have converged in San José for the International Guitar Festival, with a diverse set of styles being showcased at the National Theater through this weekend.

On the program are guitarists from Argentina, Scotland, Mexico, Chile, Honduras, Guatemala, Spain, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The host country, though, will also show its talent with several performances by professionals and amateurs.

Performances featuring classic acoustic and electric guitar are on the bill. Flamenco, jazz and Latin American folk are among the genres audiences will sample at the festival.

Tonight, the weekend kicks off with three Costa Rican guitarists – Mario Ulloa,Manfred Ramírez and Ramonet Rodríguez – performing with the Philharmonic Orchestra.

The show continues Saturday with a flamenco concert and a show by Latin Grammy-nominated Argentine Luis Salinas. Spaniard Gerardo Núñez will also take the stage.

The festival ends Sunday with a closing concert featuring the University of Costa Rica (UCR) Guitar Orchestra. 

All evening concerts start at 8 p.m.; two afternoon concerts are set for Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Ticket prices cost ¢4,000-10,000 (about $8-20). Closing night concert prices are ¢6,000-12,000 ($12-24).