The San Diego Guitar Festival (SDGF) and Japanese Friendship Garden presents Japanese classical guitarist Shin-Ichi Fukuda, in a concert at the Inamori Pavilion for the opening night of SDGF’s third anniversary season. This first time performance in San Diego, Fukuda has chosen to prepare a concert featuring original music dedicated to him by Japanese composers, as well as some fan-favorites, including his own guitar transcription of a Bach Cello Suite and songs by the Beatles arranged for solo guitar by Japanese composer, Toru Takemitsu.

Fukuda will be playing on a new, custom built guitar, specially designed for him by the legendary Japanese guitar builder, Masaki Sakurai, to celebrate his 50th anniversary of guitar making. As a celebration of Japanese arts and culture, a pre-concert introduction will be presented by architect Kotaro Nakamura, who designed the Inamori Pavilion inspired by a traditional architectural style of Japan. Guests will be able to purchase wine and beer before the concert and tour the lush garden. Following the concert, guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist during a catered reception, included in the price of a VIP ticket.

This program at the Inamori Pavilion is part of a two-day SDGF residency which marks the conclusion of Fukuda’s first tour of the U.S.A. in 18 years and includes in a different program at Carlsbad’s Schulman Auditorium on Saturday night April 21, and two classes at SDSU. SDGF promotes guitar artistry through educational opportunities and performances presented by world-class artists. Accessible to the community, the festival engages the next generation of guitarists and guitar enthusiasts in the Southern California region.