Corfu, June 10, 2026 – The Corfu Conservatory will host an exclusive masterclass with the internationally renowned Norwegian classical guitarist Kristina Vårlid. The event, scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, will take place in the Conservatory’s Event Hall.
A Leading Figure in Classical Guitar
Kristina Vårlid is recognized as one of the most compelling and creative artists in contemporary classical guitar. Her artistic approach explores the sonic and expressive capabilities of the instrument, interpreting repertoire with imagination, boldness, and profound musicality. Vårlid describes the guitar as a “magical treasure,” an instrument with inexhaustible variety in color and potential.
Acclaimed Recordings and Performances
In 2023, Vårlid released her deeply personal album, “5 Stages of Grief,” through Simax Classics, dedicated to the memory of Sabrina Vlaškalić. The recording garnered critical acclaim, with Gitarr och Luta magazine noting, “I am often moved by music, but here I am shaken on a much deeper level than usual. It is a powerful experience.” Her debut album, “An Idea,” also released by Simax Classics in 2019, received excellent reviews and was named the Norwegian Classical Album of the Year 2019 by Klassekampen newspaper.
Vårlid has performed in prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Universitetets Aula in Oslo, and the Koblenz International Guitar Festival. As a soloist, she has collaborated with ensembles such as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, and the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s iconic Concierto de Aranjuez.
Awards and Pedagogical Contributions
Her achievements include winning the First Prize at the Antwerp International Guitar Competition in 2017. In the same year, she was recognized as the best music student in the Netherlands, winning the Grachtenfestival Conservatorium Concours. Alongside her artistic career, Kristina Vårlid has made significant contributions to music education. She teaches at the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen, where she became a guitar professor at just 24 years old. From August 2025, she will also teach at the University of Agder in Norway, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in artistic research. Since 2019, she has served as the artistic director of the Dutch Guitar Foundation.
Masterclass for All Levels
The masterclass is designed for guitar students, musicians, teachers, and anyone interested in gaining insight into the methodology, aesthetics, and artistic approach of a leading performer of the new generation.
This event offers a unique opportunity for attendees in Corfu to engage with a world-class musician and enhance their understanding and appreciation of classical guitar.
Source: startmediacorfu.gr
