International Guitar Night

Welcome to Montalvo!

I’m so glad that you are able to be with us tonight. Whether it’s your first time here, or your fiftieth—welcome! I am thrilled to welcome you to another season of Montalvo’s Carriage House Performing Arts Series.

As a multidisciplinary arts center, there’s even more to enjoy at Montalvo in addition to the world-class talent found in the Carriage House. We are a public park and arboretum open year-round for picnics, hiking, and leisurely strolls, as well as a vibrant cultural producer supporting an artist residency, vital arts education programming, and so much more.

Montalvo is a nonprofit organization—as such, we rely on the support of patrons like you in order to continue serving our Silicon Valley community. If you have not yet considered becoming a donor, I’d like to personally invite you to engage in a deeper relationship with our dynamic institution. After all, there’s something for everyone at Montalvo!

Enjoy the show and thanks again for joining us tonight,

Angela Torre McConnell
Executive Director

International Guitar Night

The 25th annual International Guitar Night (IGN) Tour  brings together a stellar ensemble of globally renowned guitarists. Curated by IGN founder Brian Gore and the Herschel Freeman Agency, this year’s lineup features Sinti Gypsy Jazz guitarist Lulo Reinhardt; Niwel Tsumbu, a Congolese guitarist and composer known for blending African rhythms with jazz, classical, and contemporary styles; the United Kingdom’s “young 21st-century virtuoso,” Alexandra Whittingham, with a repertoire including contemporary and classic works; and Sönke Meinen, a European fingerstyle guitarist who combines jaw-dropping virtuosity with incredible sensitivity. re!

Featured Artists – IGN 2025:

Lulo Reinhardt, hailing from the renowned Reinhardt family, is a guitar virtuoso celebrated for his Latin Swing style deeply rooted in Sinti tradition. From his early years playing in bands with his father, brothers, and cousins and his own Latin Swing Project, Lulo’s journey is an exploration of his Sinti identity and encounters with other cultures. With numerous albums, global collaborations, and documentaries of Sinti and Roma migration, Lulo continues to innovate.

Alexandra Whittingham’, recognised by The Guardian as “a young 21st-century virtuoso,” combines phenomenal technique with a creative spirit that challenges convention. Her debut album, “My European Journey,” topped charts by spotlighting lesser-known composers of the nineteenth century with her musical passion and virtuosity. With a massive online following and performances worldwide, Alexandra’s star continues to rise with her debut in IGN. 

Niwel Tsumbu, a Congolese-born guitarist and singer based in Ireland, writes sophisticated compositions that blend Latin and African rhythms with jazz and classical influences. He is known for his original style and his Grammy-winning collaborations with global icons like Rhiannon Giddens and the Silk Road Ensemble. His fluidity across genres solidifies his place as a musical trailblazer, promising unforgettable performances in this upcoming U.S. tour with IGN. 

Sönke Meinen has earned respect in the fingerstyle guitar world for solo guitar works that turn folk, classical, pop, and jazz influences into a diverse musical journey. From fiery guitar displays to soul-stirring ballads, Sönke’s songs awaken the imagination to the infinite possibilities offered by acoustic guitar. Renowned for his versatility and world-class skill, Sönke promises an exceptional concert experience that delights audiences of all backgrounds.