FRASER VALLEY

ACOUSTIC GUITAR FESTIVAL

The Fraser Valley Acoustic Guitar Festival (FVAGF) was founded in 1998. Essentially, it was a response to a need in the community. It also served as an outreach program to the local music communities, specifically, music conservatories, private music teaching studios, and high school guitar programs in the Fraser Valley. 

Originally, there were five main objectives:

1. To provide high school students an opportunity to showcase their musical talents, expand their musical knowledge and skills, and gain exposure to local and international performers and teachers.

2. To allow students to grow musically and pursue personal excellence as performers in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.

3. To provide educational support to private and high school teachers and local guitar programs.

4. To provide high school students and teachers a positive experience of a post-secondary institution.

5. To give local and international artists an opportunity to meet new fans, expand their fanbase, and share their knowledge, experience, and skills with young artists.

I am proud to say that all the above objectives had been achieved. As the festival expanded, one important objective was added in the sixth year:

1. To present music concerts of international calibre to the communities in the Fraser Valley. 

What follows is a history of the guest artists who were gracious enough to share their talents, experience, and wisdom as well as delight us with their art. I am deeply indebted to these artists for their kindness, generosity, and inspiration.

I am also grateful to the many instructors and students who supported the festival throughout the years as well as the audiences who attended the featured concerts. Thank you!