Travel & Culture

4 Strings, 1 Stage: Why International Guitar Night 2026 Is A Must-See This Winter

January 6, 2026

Arts

If your January calendar is craving something soulful, skillful, and genuinely transportive, International Guitar Night 2026 is answering the call. The world’s premier touring guitar festival returns to Massey Theatre on Sunday, February 1, bringing together four extraordinary Canadian guitarists for one intimate, genre-spanning evening that celebrates mastery, storytelling, and the sheer emotional power of the guitar.

For more than two decades, International Guitar Night has built a devoted global following by spotlighting virtuosos who push the instrument forward—blending tradition with innovation, and technique with heart. The 2026 lineup does exactly that, weaving flamenco, jazz, classical, and contemporary fingerstyle into a night that feels both curated and electric.

Meet the Guitarists Shaping the Night

Itamar Erez
An internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer, Erez fuses Middle Eastern nuance with jazz improvisation and global rhythms. His performances are as meditative as they are dynamic, shaped by years of touring major stages like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Expect music that travels—geographically and emotionally.

Jocelyn Gould
JUNO Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Jocelyn Gould brings warmth, swing, and modern bebop phrasing to the stage. Known for her soulful tone and charismatic presence, her live performances seamlessly blend virtuosic guitar work with expressive vocals, making her one of today’s most compelling voices in jazz.

Jamie Dupuis
A fingerstyle powerhouse and harp guitar innovator, Jamie Dupuis rose to global attention with a viral reimagining of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.” His genre-defying approach—bridging classical training with rock, jazz, and folk—results in performances that are technically jaw-dropping and deeply cinematic.

Caroline Planté
One of the world’s few prominent female flamenco guitarists, Caroline Planté is a trailblazer in contemporary flamenco composition. Her work is bold, rhythmic, and emotionally charged, drawing from deep Spanish traditions while pushing the genre into new, expressive territory.

Why This Night Feels Special

Unlike large-scale concerts, International Guitar Night thrives on intimacy. Artists share the stage, collaborate, and speak directly to the audience—offering insight into their creative process and the stories behind the strings. It’s less spectacle, more connection—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

International Guitar Night 2026—Canada Tour Dates

  • January 25 — Venables Theatre, Oliver, BC
  • January 28 — Tidemark Theatre, Campbell River, BC
  • January 29 — Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Duncan, BC
  • January 30 — Port Theatre, Nanaimo, BC
  • January 31 — Farquhar Auditorium, Victoria, BC
  • February 1 — Massey Theatre, New Westminster, BC

Whether you’re a lifelong guitar devotee or simply looking for a world-class live music experience to start the year, International Guitar Night 2026 offers a rare opportunity to hear four distinct voices—each exceptional on their own—share one stage, one night, and countless moments of musical magic. —Noa Nichol

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