Come and hear the future stars of the guitar – IGF’s Young Artist Platform presents the very best of young international talent. YAP offers much needed opportunities for young guitarists in the early stages of their careers. Audition winners are offered concerts at all of IGF’s festivals that year, including London Guitar Festival as well as workshops and mentoring.

This year, the two talented guitarists Jack Hancher and Joao Lima take to the stage.

Jack Hancher is currently studying for a Masters in Performance at the RCM with Professors Gary Ryan and Chris Stell, supported generously by The Derek Butler Trust. Jack won the RCM Guitar Award 2014 in only his second year. More recently he has played with his duo partner at Kings Place on IGF’s Aspire Stage, and abroad including performances in Ronda and La Herradura, Spain, and at the Conservatorio di Musica Giuseppe Verdi in Turin, Italy.

Born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, Joao Lima began his studies at the age of nine, learning guitar at the local music school until he came to the Royal Academy of Music in 2012, first as an undergraduate and currently as a Masters degree student with Professor Michael Lewin. He has also played in masterclasses with leading guitarists such as David Russell, Fabio Zanon and Margarita Escarpa. Besides performing as a solo artist Joao has a strong interest in chamber music and composition as well as performing with non-classical artists. He has taken part in both national and international competitions, obtaining prizes in all of them.

This event is part of IMAGINE IGNITE INVENT, IGF’s new programme for new guitar music, new players and new audiences. The programme features new commissions by Errollyn Wallen, Joe Cutler, Howard Skempton and Na’ama Zisser. Performers include the Vida Guitar Quartet, Eden Stell Guitar Duo, G Plus Ensemble and new players on IGF’s Young Artist Platform.

The event is supported by the PRS for Music Foundation, the Leche Trust and the RVW Trust.