Submitted by Joe Zipoli
(May 21, 2026) — Candlewood Farm Arts Foundation announces Solstice Symposium 2026 for Classical Guitar and Chamber Music, its eighth symposium promoting the study and celebration of classical music. Held in conjunction with a concert series, this year’s Symposium takes place over five days, from June 18, 2026 to June 22, 2026 in Higganum.
An international assembly of acclaimed artists offers expert instruction and performances, including Grammy-award-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux, Dutch maestro Jan Bartlema, renowned guitar duo Adam Levin and Matthew Rohde, Italian mandolinist Carlo Aonzo and Cuban-American classical guitarist René Izquierdo, Colombian guitarist Carlos Bedoya, Colorado-based guitarist Andrew Wilder, native Floridian Fred Springer, celebrated Puerto Rican guitarist Mia Padilla, and legendary teacher-performer-composer Dr. Andrew Zohn. Also joining this year’s roster are clarinetist Pascal Archer, violinist Emlyn Ngai and the Adaskin Trio
(Hartt School of Music), and virtuoso bassoonist Joshua Butcher.
Concerts, lectures, and presentations are offered free of charge to the public, but attendees are encouraged to R.S.V.P. to arts@candlewoodfarmartsfoundation.org for limited seating, especially at evening concerts in the Captain John Smith Barn. Registration for Solstice Symposium 2026 includes private lessons, master classes, and meals. The fee is $300. Partial
registration is available upon request. For more information about lectures, and presentations, or to find out more about registration, visit www.candlewoodfarmartsfoundation.org.
June Concert Series
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Captain John Smith Barn, 95 Jacoby Road in Higganum 7:00 p.m.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Captain John Smith Barn, 95 Jacoby Road in Higganum 7:00 p.m.
Saturday June 20, 2026
United Congregational Church of Haddam and Higganum 23 Parsonage Road in Higganum 7:00 p.m.
Sunday June 21, 2026
United Congregational Church of Haddam and Higganum 23 Parsonage Road in Higganum 4:00 p.m.
Doors open thirty minutes before concerts begin. Additional concert information can be found on the CFAF website: www.candlewoodfarmartsfoundation.org.
Candlewood Farm Arts Foundation was established in 2008 as a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to foster appreciation of live chamber music and to support the study and preservation of early Connecticut vernacular architecture—especially barns.
Photo provided by Candlewood Farm Arts Foundation
