It is still the Bermuda Guitar Festival, but in this, its fifth year, the focal instrument is going to have some company in the form of violinist David France, pianist Oliver Grant, and percussionist Otis Gibbons, all of whom will join classical guitarists Steven Crawford and Louise Southwood in the opening programme of the three-day event which begins on May 29.

All five musicians are on the faculty of the Bermuda School of Music, which hosts the popular annual festival that was Mr. Crawford's brainchild.

As always, guest artists are included in the line-up, and this time the visiting musicians will be the award-winning recording artists Brasil Guitar Duo (Joao Luiz and Douglas Lora), and Grammy winner Andrew York, who returns after a two-year absence by popular request.

The opening programme on May 29 will begin with Mr. Crawford and Mr. Grant performing Vivaldi's 'Concerto in D. Major', Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez', and Mr. Crawford's original composition, 'Morocco'. They will be followed by Mr. France and Miss Southwood performing Bartok's suite, 'Romanian Folk Dances', Machado's 'Quebra Queixo' and 'Sambossa', and finally Piazzolla's four-part 'Histoire de Tango'.

On May 30 the Brasil Guitar Duo will open their programme with works by European composers Bach, Rameau, Debussy, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Rodrigo and Lora, while the second half will be devoted to Brazilian composers, including Djavan, Lobo, Gismonti, Bandolim and Bellinati.

On May 31 virtuoso classical and jazz guitarist, composer, recording artist and Grammy Award winner Andrew York will take centre stage to present a programme featuring a mixture of his own compositions as well as selections from Bach's 'Third Cello Suite in C Major'.

The Festival will conclude on June 1 showcasing the talents of the Bermuda School of Music's guitar students, enhanced with guest appearances by violinist Taylor Rankin, and singer/guitarist Leslie Helper playing two of her original compositions.

"It is going to be a tremendous week of music," Mr. Crawford assures.

As always, the concerts will take place in St. Andrew's presbyterian church on Church Street, where the minister, Rev. Duncan Jeffreys, has worked closely with Mr. Crawford from the very first Festival.

"Duncan is leaving this year, and will be greatly missed," the BSM guitar instructor notes. "He has been a very nice man to work with."

In an overview of the Festivals, Miss Southwood echoed what many attendees feel. "In most major cities where you get festivals, they are so big that you never get to meet the artists, but here it is quite intimate. After each concert the artists are glad to meet and talk with members of the audience. There is a real family atmosphere. I also love the great anticipation before a concert when the place is packed."

As always, the Bermuda Guitar Festival will also include master classes, a seminar and luthier. This year's master classes will be conducted by Senors Lora and Luiz, and Mr. York, while visiting Canadian expert Elmo Macdonald will conduct a luthier on the fundamentals of guitar making. In addition, Senors Lora and Luiz will conduct a seminar on South American Dances.

In addition to the ever-growing audience of guitar aficionados who faithfully support the Festival, Mr. Crawford says the BSM is actively encouraging all of its students and their parents to attend the concerts because "we want to inspire future guitarists, and also enthuse all of the young musicians".

"Our main theme is the guitar, but we also include other instruments."

All performances will begin at 7.30 p.m., except the students' gala concert, which will begin at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are as follows: May 29 $20, May 30/31 $30, June 1 free. All are availble from the Bermuda School of Music (tel. 296-5100) and online at www.boxoffice.bm