to the tenth edition of Miami International GuitART Festival (MIGF) at the Florida International University Wertheim School of Music. It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Artistic Director of MIGF. Since the inaugural edition of the MIGF in 2016, the festival continues to present successful programs to more and more audiences, local, nationwide, and international. Thanks to our sponsors, including the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and many other individual and corporate sponsors, we are able to continue supporting artists.
The 2025 festival events include eight concerts, five masterclasses/workshops, four lectures, and a luthiers expo.
Featured festival artists include Benjamin Verdery (U.S.A.), Luis Quintero Santamaria (Venezuela), Aysegul Koca (Turkey), Marco Battaglia (Italy), Muriel Anderson (U.S.A.), Luciana Kube (Venezuela/U.S.A.), Koh Kazama (U.S.A.), Gradus Jazz Trio (Spain), Federico Bonacossa (Italy/U.S.A.), and Mesut Ozgen (Turkey/U.S.A.).
Lectures will be presented on a variety of topics by Federico Bonacossa, Marco Battaglia, Luciana Kube, and Mesut Ozgen. Masterclass/Workshops will be conducted by Benjamin Verdery, Marco Battaglia, Koh Kazama, Aysegul Koca, and Muriel Anderson. The Luthiers Expo will be presenting wonderful guitars of talented luthiers both virtually and in-person. Luthier registrations with video submissions continue until February 10, 2025.
The MIGF has been a successful annual festival thanks to all guest artists, our generous sponsors at all levels, tireless student volunteers, and audiences. Without you, it wouldn’t have been possible for us to accomplish this tremendous task of organizing a major international festival and making it a successful contribution to the lives of South Florida residents and in general to the music and guitar world. Thank you so much for sharing our excitement and joy of being part of this great festival. You can view the photos and videos from the festival events here on the media pages, as well as the festival facebook page and youtube channel.
I look forward to seeing you in February 2025, as we celebrate the music, our beloved instrument, and the Art in general.
Sincerely,
Mesut Özgen
Artistic Director and Founder
MESSAGES
Kenneth A. Jessell
President, Florida International University
FIU is delighted to welcome you to Miami International GuitART Festival, a wonderful showcase of musical talent and culture right here in South Florida. As a champion of the arts, our university cherishes this opportunity to provide a stage for artists from around the world to share their music with the greater Miami community.
Brian Schriner
Dean, FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts
I couldn't be more proud of Dr. Mesut Ozgen and the FIU School of Music for hosting the MIFG. I encourage you to participate in this wonderful celebration of culture and artistic talent!
Karen S.F. Veloz
Director, FIU Wertheim School of Music
Welcome to the Miami International GuitART Festival! A festival that brings wonderful world-renowned guitarists to The Wertheim! I do hope you enjoy the full array of guest artists that Dr. Mesut Özgen has produced this year and encourage you to come back to The Wertheim throughout the year! Thank you for your support.
Fredrick Kaufman
Composer, Founding Director of FIU School of Music
I was simply amazed by the magnitude, professionalism and quality of every detail of the inspiring Miami International GuitART Festival...Bravo!
Equal Opportunity/Access Employer and Institution
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To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any disability accommodation, please contact FIU’s Division of Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) ADA and Accessibility team at 305-348-2785 two weeks in advance to initiate your request.
