When the Bermuda Guitar Festival opens this week with a series of concerts, workshops and a seminar, it will mark the seventh anniversary of an event which began modestly and has now grown into an established fixture on the annual music calendar.

Founded by Bermuda School of Music guitar teacher Steve Crawford in 2003, the Festival continues to attract renowned international artists, sponsors, and a devoted and growing following.

While seven has been a special number for many since antiquity, and Mr. Crawford is justifiably proud of his 'baby', this year's milestone is also tinged with sadness due to the sudden death of his best friend and long-time guitar student Milton Robinson.

Mr. Robinson, a professional musician, was a faithful supporter of the Festival from the beginning. He not only attended every concert unless otherwise committed but also performed with his Milt Robinson Trio in a previous festival.

"Milt was the most unobtrusive and humble of men," Mr. Crawford says. "He always took his art to the limit, and never stopped trying to learn more about music. He was also a really, really close personal friend. We had many conversations on all sorts of topics, particularly within the arts, and I probably learned more about life from him than I ever gave back in guitar lessons. I feel very fortunate to have known him, and we will all miss him dearly."

As a tribute to Mr. Robinson, the entire Guitar Festival is being dedicated to his memory.

Traditionally, past Festivals have offered a largely classical guitar repertoire, but this year its appeal is being broadened.

"This time it is really eclectic," Mr. Crawford says. "We are always open to varying things to cater to all tastes. Not everyone likes the same cuisine, so on Friday night we are moving into a new genre and including jazz."

The four-day event opens on Thursday and features Mr. Crawford and fellow BSM faculty members Louise Southwood (guitar) with David France (violin).

Mr. Crawford will be performing works by Bach, Barrios, Albeniz, and Turina, while Miss Southwood has chosen works by Narvaez, Andrew York, Lauro, Tarrega, Granados, and Pujol, for some of which she will be joined by Mr. France, and some of which are featured on her new album 'Chrysalis'.

Joining Mr. Crawford as a special guest is Bermudian singer Lamont Robinson for a selection of popular songs.

Friday evening will feature visiting artists Adam Rafferty, and the husband and wife duo of Nick Russo (jazz guitarist) and Betina Hershey (jazz singer).

Mr. Rafferty's programme will open with 'Celebration', and include his original compositions 'Little Fingers', 'Ciao Bella', and 'Grass', as well as 'Billie Jean', 'Copa Cabana' and 'Fly Me to the Moon'.

Original compositions will also figure in the Russo/Hershey repertoire, among them 'Ro', 'For My M.T.B., 'Become a Lake', and 'Little Hands'. Among other composers whose pieces will be aired are Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin.

On Saturday evening, returning for a third time by popular request, are the dynamic Brasil Guitar Duo featuring Joao Luiz and Douglas Lora. Their extensive programme will include two works by Debussy; Castelnuovo-Tedesco's 'Three preludes and Fugues'; Rameau's 'Gavotte and Variations; Franz Burkhart's 'Toccata for Two Guitars', and others, many of which have been arranged by Mr. Luiz.

The Festival will conclude on Sunday with a Gala showcasing Bermuda School of Music guitar students.

As always, the venue for the concerts is St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Church Street, and curtain time for all evening performances is 7.30 p.m. Sunday's concert will begin at 5 p.m. for which admission is free.

Tickets ($30) for the concerts are available from the Bermuda School of Music (tel. 296-5100), the Music Box (tel. 295-4839), and www.bdatix.bm

In addition to the concerts, a series of master classes conducted by the visiting artists, and a seminar with American master classical guitar builder Paul Jacobson, have been arranged for Saturday and Sunday, May 29 and 30. All are free and open to anyone who is interested in sitting in or learning more. The schedule is as follows:

Saturday: Masterclass, 'Mystic Rhythms', with Adam Rafferty, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Jazz masterclass with Nick Russo, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Both at St. Andrew's Church.

Sunday: Seminar, 'Fundamentals in making classical guitars by Luthier' with Paul Jacobson, Bermuda School of Music concert room, Berkeley Road, Pembroke, 10.30 a.m. Masterclass directed by Douglas Lora and Joao Luiz, St. Andrew's Church, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Further information on the master classes and seminar can be found in the concert programmes.

Looking back over the past seven years, Mr. Crawford says having a guitar festival had always been his dream, and seeing how well it has done has been a great experience.

"Being in touch with so many great artists means you make many great friendships. In addition, the students and my personal friends have always given very generously to the Festival, which is how we have continued over the years, so my thanks to them and the community. That is what compels me to keep the Festival going - the support is so strong. They have given a lot of people a lot of joy, which is my main concern."

All Bermuda Guitar Festivals are held under the auspices of the Bermuda School of Music.