Dear friends,

a lot of work was still needed to finally close the 2025 edition of the Acoustic Guitar Village at Cremona Musica. The numbers of visitors are still being processed, but initial findings indicate a steady increase in attendance!
Cremona Musica once again confirms itself as the most important event dedicated to music and quality musical instruments in Italy and a leader in Europe.

The Acoustic Guitar Village is, as always, the liveliest venue and the undisputed protagonist of all events on the live stages, within the daily Fair area and at the appointments in the historic center of Cremona, in the afternoon and evening.

It was extraordinary to be able to visit and experience the history of the guitar in an entire pavilion, from classical to modern acoustic, from vintage to high-end electric lutherie.
Historical exhibits of antique instruments and vintage modern rock memorabilia complemented each other perfectly, once again establishing Cremona as a permanent research laboratory in the construction and presentation of high-end stringed instruments, from Stradivari to the present day, with a view to the future.
Numerous models and new arrivals were presented by various manufacturers and distributors, as well as many instruments displayed by master luthiers, both in the Luthiers’ Row and in the special room dedicated to classical luthiers belonging to the Italian Guitar Making Association.

Further confirmation of the festival’s vitality was the presentation of other plectrum and plucked string instruments, with the mandolin taking center stage both in the exhibition area and on the stages, and the presence of numerous plectrum orchestras and ensembles from Italy and abroad. Cremona Mandolini in Mostra continues to grow year after year thanks to the constant work of maestro Carlo Aonzo.

16 participants attended the Acoustic Guitar Lutherie Masterclass, a success confirmed by the attendees’ comments and masterfully led by American luthiers Rick Barto (Santa Cruz Guitars Company) and Tom Bills (archtop and flattop guitars). They were also surprised by the arrival and hands-on experience of another American luthier, Robbie O’Brien, on “French polish.” For over 20 years, the Acoustic Guitar Lutherie Masterclass, first at the AGM in Sarzana and then at the AGV in Cremona Musica, has proven to be a high-level educational event for professional and aspiring luthiers.

10 participants in the Mandolin Masterclass conducted by Maestro Carlo Aonzo

Over the three days, we recall an endless series of events, with more than 300 musician passes printed: four non-stop live stages that saw the 2025 edition of the New Sounds of Acoustic Music competition for emerging artists, the 12th edition of the Italian Bluegrass Meeting (17 bands for approximately 70 musicians), the demos and performances of the Open Stage, the increasingly extraordinary collection of mandolin ensembles and orchestras of the Classic Stage and individual exponents of classical guitar and, the new 2025 edition of the 1st edition of the Cremona Gypsy Jazz Meeting, with an in-depth conference on the birth of this musical genre in Europe and the figure of Django Reinhardt and an extraordinary concert by the virtuoso trio of Fapy Lafertin, Tcha Limberger and Dave Kelbie and other prestigious guests of gypsy jazz-manouche guitar.

The exhibition area, with its stands displaying various companies and the return of major brands, and the Luthiers’ Row, with its many beautiful instruments on display, including guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, charangos, and more, were lively and filled with presentations and discussions. The exhibitors’ satisfaction was palpable, with many musicians testing and commenting on their new creations.
The room dedicated to the classical luthiers of the A.L.I. was also very lively and well attended, with evident satisfaction from the luthiers and the public in attendance. The testing of the instruments by individual luthiers, conducted by maestro Francesco Taranto, was greatly appreciated. In the 2026 edition, we will continue to promote classical guitar luthiers, giving them dedicated spaces and opportunities.

A special mention and thanks to our top-level technical partners: Exhibo spa for providing Neumann and Sennheiser microphones on all live stages, Acus-sound Engineering for the sound systems and acoustic guitar amplifiers, Taylor Guitars and Martin Guitars for the instruments and accessories provided for the awards ceremonies at the various events.

We are ready to further increase our commitment and that of the Cremona Fair Management for another successful edition in 2026, which will take place on 2-3-4 October, thus distancing itself from the Guitar Summit in Mannheim, which foolishly took place simultaneously for the last three years.

The Special Night on Friday evening at the G. Arvedi Auditorium of the Violin Museum, was a great success!
The mandolin-accordion duo, Carlo Aonzo and Luca Zanetti, performed a range of classical pieces and original compositions, showcasing their virtuosity. Classical guitarist Julia Trintschuk offered a modern and energetic performance, perfectly showcasing the grand sound of the Alhambra classical guitars, which won the Cremona Musica Award that evening. The grand finale featured African-Malagasy world music from acoustic guitarist Solorazaf. The audience certainly had a great time, despite the exhaustion of the long day!

At this point, thanking once again all the participants of the Acoustic Guitar Village 2025 at Cremona Musica, we look forward to seeing you at the next edition in 2026, October 2-3-4!

Follow us on:
www.acousticguitarvillage.net  e su www.cremonamusica.com

www.facebook.com/acousticguitarvillagecremona e https://www.instagram.com/acousticguitarvillage_cremona/

For further information, pleas contact us at +39 0187- 626993 or write to info@acousticguitarvillage.net o info@armadilloclub.org 

Best wishes,

Staff at Armadillo Club APS Cultural Association – Sarzana
Artistic Advisor
Acoustic Guitar Village – Accordion Show
Cremona Musica International Exhibitions and Festival