Music of other cultures has had a significant influence on shaping the music of the twentieth century. Debussy's experiences of the Javanese gamelan at the 1889 Paris exhibition is mirrored in our own time by the significant impact of Asian music on the Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe.

John Williams session will explore another significant cultural influence on twentieth music as he shares his experiences with African music which resulted in his recent recording "The Magic Box". This session will further open the door to the eclectic world of the guitar and reveal the wealth of opportunities that still exist to reinvigorate the music of our own culture through the music of other cultures.

Well know Melbourne instrument maker Ian Watchorn will present a lecture on one of the most influential of the early 19th C guitar makers Johann Georg Stauffer of Vienna (1815 - 1840.)

Famous as the builder of the innovative Legnani style instrument with its 22 frets and adjustable neck Stauffer was also the inventor of the Arpeggione, effectively a bowed guitar. It was for this instrument that Schubert wrote his famous Arpeggione Sonata; well know to all cellists and more recently to guitarists through John Williams' transcription and recording of the piece with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Festival artist Pavel Steidl has recorded the complete caprices of Legnani for Naxos on a copy of a Stuaffer instrument.

Sound quality on the guitar is an illusive phenomenon and has always eluded the scientific theories that try to capture it. Invariably it becomes a personal choice of the performer and is one of the most hotly debated topics in the guitar world.

Leading Australian maker Greg Smallman will lead us into this world through a lecture on his own instruments and the aesthetic goals that guide his art as a luthier. The opportunity to discuss and debate the issues that arise will undoubtedly lead to one of the most engaging session of the Festival.

The history of music in the twentieth century is one of the most complex subjects that confronts a musician. Its sheer complexity often acts as a barrier to a greater appreciation of the riches that it contains. To fully understand the music of today knowledge of the historical developments this century is essential.

Well-known Melbourne guitarist Geoffrey Morris has dedicated much of his creative life to exploring the music of the twentieth century. His recent ABC release "in flagranti" establishes him as one of the leaders in the field and is a recording that is destined to become one of the classics in the genera sitting alongside Bream's ground breaking recording of the late sixties "The Twentieth Century Guitar".

Geoffrey Morris will guide Festival registrants through the often-complex world of twentieth century music and give those vital reference points that will open new possibilities for exploring this challenging and rewarding repertoire.