Columbus State University’s annual Guitar Symposium is set to welcome back two of its accomplished alumni, Leonela Alejandro and Dragoș Ilie, for its 27th year. The event, scheduled for and , has become a cornerstone event for guitarists and enthusiasts alike, attracting participants from around the globe.
The two-day festival, hosted by the Schwob School of Music, will feature guest artist concerts, intensive masterclasses, insightful lectures, and a competitive international competition spanning skill levels from middle school to professional. This year’s symposium promises a vibrant showcase of guitar artistry, and education.
Dr. Andrew Zohn, the Jo & George Jeter Distinguished Chair in Guitar and artistic director of the symposium, emphasized the event’s core mission. “At its core, the symposium is about connection,” Zohn explained. “Through concerts, masterclasses, lectures and informal conversations, the guitar—often viewed as a personal instrument—becomes a shared experience that transcends cultures and generations.” Attendees will hail from the United States, Asia, South America, and Europe, fostering a truly international atmosphere.
Alejandro, a 25-year-old native of Puerto Rico, graduated from Columbus State in with a master of music degree. Since then, she has gained international recognition for her expressive playing and has earned top prizes in numerous U.S. Competitions, showcasing both her technical mastery and artistic talent.
Ilie, 29, from Romania, earned his bachelor of music degree from Columbus State in . He was a Woodruff Scholar during his undergraduate studies, a highly selective music scholarship providing full tuition benefits. Ilie has performed extensively around the world, collaborating with orchestras and ensembles, and has received honors in numerous national and international competitions.
“Leonela and Dragoș highlight the global reputation of studying at Columbus State’s Schwob School of Music, appreciated by aspiring musicians across various instruments and voices,” Zohn said. “Their achievements show the strong training and experience they gain here in Columbus before taking their talents worldwide.”
The symposium will also feature performances from The Kossler Duo, comprised of brothers Adam and John Kossler, respected soloists and educators known for their original guitar duo transcriptions. Latin Grammy Award-winning guitarist David Russell will also be a featured guest artist, celebrated for his warm tone and deep musical insight.
“Each performance will showcase its own unique voice, demonstrating how flexible and expressive the guitar can be,” Zohn said. “The educational components of the competition, arranged by experience level, will give people of all ages and skill levels the chance to learn from professionals, ask questions, and connect with fellow musicians.”
All symposium events will take place at the Schwob School of Music on the university’s RiverPark Campus in downtown Columbus. For those unable to attend in person, all events will be livestreamed free of charge on the Schwob School of Music’s Facebook and YouTube pages. A full schedule of events, including competition details and registration fees, is available on the university’s website.
Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu
