Solstice Guitar Symposium
Higganum, CT, USA · Guitar festival
The Solstice Symposium is an event for Classical Guitar & Chamber Music, held in conjunction with June Concerts featuring various artists.
- Location
- Higganum, CT, USA
- Type
- Festival
- Most recent edition
- 18 June 2026 – 22 June 2026
- Next edition
- Usually each June — dates to be announced
- Frequency
- annual
- Tickets
- free and open to the public; no ticketing but RSVP encouraged for limited seating
- Who it's for
- open to the public; friends and family of participants
Programme & line-up
Levin/Rohde Guitar Duo (Adam Levin and Matthew Rohde); Pascal Archer (clarinet)/ Adaskin String Trio; Duo Fresh (Fred Springer, guitar, and DeShaun Gordon-King, flute); Andrew Wilder, guitar; Matthew Kuplack, guitar with Serena Bratten, oboe; René Izquierdo, guitar with Carlo Aonzo, mandolin and Emlyn Ngai, violin; Samuel Wilson, guitar; Candlewood Guitar Orchestra; Jason Vieaux, guitar with Joshua Butcher, bassoon; Solstice Symposium Participants Closing Concert
Official website
https://www.candlewoodfarmartsfoundation.org/
See this festival alongside every other guitar event on the calendar and map.
Open the calendar & mapVisiting? A guitarist's guide to Higganum
In the scenic Connecticut River Valley, the village of Higganum, part of the town of Haddam, hosts the annual Solstice Guitar Symposium. This event draws classical guitar enthusiasts to a tranquil New England setting, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the instrument amidst the quiet charm of a historic community. Higganum, with its roots as a river port and shipbuilding center, provides a serene backdrop for musical study and performance, a place where the sounds of the classical guitar resonate through a landscape rich in natural beauty and early American history.
Getting there
Higganum's location in rural Connecticut means a car is essential for getting around. The nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about an hour's drive north. Alternatively, Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) is closer, about 45 minutes south, offering more limited regional flights. For wider national and international connections, Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, Massachusetts, or the New York City airports (JFK, LGA, EWR) are options, but these involve a drive of two to three hours. Once in the area, scenic drives along the Connecticut River are a highlight, connecting Higganum to larger towns like Middletown, which lies immediately to its north.
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Where to stay
As a small village, Higganum offers a limited selection of direct accommodation. Attendees often seek lodging in nearby Middletown, a larger city with more hotel and dining options, located just north of Higganum. Alternatively, for those preferring a more local experience, looking for guesthouses or vacation rentals within Haddam or Higganum itself can provide a charming base. Booking in advance is advisable, especially given the symposium's annual draw.
What you'll hear
The Solstice Guitar Symposium, an annual event, brings a focus on classical guitar performance and study to Higganum. While specific details of the symposium's programming, such as competition formats or featured artists, would be found on its official website, attendees can anticipate a range of concerts, masterclasses, and workshops designed for enthusiasts and serious players alike. The event provides a concentrated experience of the classical guitar, often featuring both established professionals and emerging talents in an intimate setting.
Higganum itself, a village steeped in the history of the Connecticut River Valley, does not have a specific classical music heritage. Its past is more tied to shipbuilding and agricultural industry, as evidenced by the Higganum Landing Historic District. However, the tranquil setting of Candlewood Hill, Candlewood Brook, and the Connecticut River offers a peaceful environment for musical reflection and enjoyment, contrasting the vibrant sounds of the symposium with the quiet rhythms of rural New England life.
The local table
Dining in Higganum and the surrounding Haddam area tends to focus on casual American fare, often with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Connecticut farms. While no specific dishes are unique to Higganum, the wider Connecticut River Valley region offers traditional New England comfort food. Expect to find establishments serving classic American dishes, seafood, and perhaps some farm-to-table options. Exploring the eateries in nearby Middletown will provide a broader range of choices, from casual cafes to more upscale dining experiences.
Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Higganum →
While you're there
Beyond the symposium, Higganum offers a glimpse into New England's historical and natural landscape. Stroll through the Higganum Landing Historic District, which preserves the village's past as a river port, or visit the center green with its veterans' memorial, Shad museum, and gazebo. Nature enthusiasts can explore Candlewood Hill, Candlewood Brook, Seven Falls, and Bible Rock, offering scenic walks and views. The Connecticut River itself is a prominent feature, ideal for quiet contemplation. A short drive north, Middletown provides additional attractions, including its vibrant downtown area, historic architecture, and various shops and restaurants. For a day trip, the broader Middlesex County and the Connecticut shoreline offer charming coastal towns, state parks, and historical sites, all within a reasonable drive through picturesque New England scenery.
Tours, tickets and day trips in Higganum →
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This map centers on Higganum in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.
More guitar events in USA: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition · Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition · Brevard Classical Guitar Institute · Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition · ECU Guitar Festival and Workshop
Also in June: Balaton Guitar Festival · Bale-Valle Armonica Guitar Competition · Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition · Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional Levino Albano da Conceição
Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.