27th Annual CSU Guitar Symposium

Written by Yinuo Chen

The CSU Guitar Symposium has become one of the most exciting events of the year for guitarists and audiences. From the moment you step into the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, the energy is impossible to miss. Students tuning their instruments, guest artists preparing backstage, and audiences settling in for world-class performances.

Led by Dr. Andrew Zohn, the symposium’s artistic director and the Jo and George Jeter Distinguished Chair in Guitar at CSU, the event has grown into a vibrant hub for both learning and performance. At its heart, the symposium is about connection. Each year, people travel across the United States to attend the symposium, with participants from Asia, South America, and Europe as well. Through concerts, masterclasses, lectures, and informal conversations, the guitar, often thought of as a personal instrument, becomes a shared experience that crosses cultures and generations.

The weekend of February 28-March 1 is going to be packed with opportunities to experience the guitar in every form. Evening concerts feature incredible guest artists, including The Kossler Duo, brothers Adam and John Kossler. They are not only known as soloists and chamber musicians, they are also active educators who work with students and young artists. The duo has appeared at major concert series across the United States. They have also released albums of original guitar duo transcriptions, which have reached high positions on classical music charts, showcasing their polished ensemble playing and creative approach to the repertoire. Another major guest artist is David Russell, one of the world’s most celebrated classical guitarists. With a long international career, he has appeared in many of the greatest concert halls and music festivals. David Russell is admired for his warm, singing tone, deep musical insight, and ability to bring out the emotional heart of every piece he plays. In addition to his performances, David Russell’s recordings have won multiple awards and inspired many guitarists. Each performance brings its own unique voice, showing how flexible and expressive the guitar can be.

In addition to concerts, the symposium offers a variety of educational opportunities. People can participate in masterclasses led by the guest artists, where they receive direct feedback on their playing and gain insights into technique and performance practice. The competition is divided into three divisions (High School, Undergraduate, and Open/Professional), which provides a supportive combined with challenging environment for guitarists of all levels to show their skills. Workshops and lectures give people opportunities to learn from professionals, ask questions, and connect with fellow musicians.

A highlight of this year’s symposium is the return of two CSU alumni, making the event feel like a true homecoming. Leonela Alejandro, from Puerto Rico, completed her master’s degree at CSU and has gained international recognition for her expressive playing. She has earned top prizes in numerous U.S. competitions, showcasing both technical mastery and artistic talent. Dragoș Ilie, from Romania, received the Woodruff Scholarship during his undergraduate studies at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. The Woodruff is a highly selective music scholarship known for supporting outstanding musical talent with full financial benefits. He has performed widely around the world, collaborating with orchestras and ensembles, and has earned honors in numerous national and international competitions.

Both Leonela Alejandro and Dragoș Ilie reached the finals of the 2023 Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) competition, one of the most admired events in the classical guitar world. And that shows the strength of the CSU guitar program. It also reflects the guidance and support students received here.

Seeing alumni like Leonela Alejandro and Dragoș Ilie return to perform is an inspiration for young guitarists. It demonstrates that success in music is real and achievable, and the skills and experiences gained at CSU can open doors to meaningful opportunities around the world. Their performances, along with contributions from The Kossler Duo and David Russell, remind everyone why the symposium is such a special event.

By the time the symposium wraps up, it is more than just the music to remember. It is the energy and the feeling of being part of a community. Seeing students, alumni, and guest artists all in one place really shows how music brings people together. As a student at CSU, I’ve always felt that the symposium brings a unique kind of excitement to campus. And those moments stay with you even after the last note fades. ◼️

For more information, including registration details, the full schedule, and a list of guest artists, visit https://events.columbusstate.edu/guitar-symposium/.