Guitare en Scène

Guitare en Scène: The Passion for the Six-String at the Gates of Geneva

It was in 2007 that a handful of friends, united by a common passion for the guitar, launched the ambitious project of organizing a festival dedicated to this instrument in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, a small town in Haute-Savoie located a few kilometers from the Swiss border. The concept was an immediate success: to offer high-level guitar concerts in an intimate format, where the audience could see the artists up close, without barriers or giant screens.

In less than twenty years, Guitare en Scène has become one of the most prestigious guitar festivals in Europe. Its programming, which encompasses rock, blues, jazz, metal, soul, and funk, attracts legendary artists and guitar heroes from around the world each year.

A Unique Format: The Intimacy of a Major Festival

The deliberately limited capacity of 5,000 places per evening is one of Guitare en Scène's major assets. No giant screens as far as the eye can see, no impenetrable crowds: here, every spectator can see the musicians' fingers running over the strings. This exceptional proximity fosters moments of grace and spontaneous improvisations that the festival actively encourages.

Legends on Stage

Over the years, the Stade des Burgondes has hosted a parade of legends: Santana, ZZ Top, Slash, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Deep Purple, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Simple Minds, Dream Theater, Scorpions, and many others. Each evening has its own musical flavor, and the festival also programs young local bands as opening acts, offering a valuable springboard for emerging talents in the region.

Cross-Border Roots

Located at the gates of Geneva, Guitare en Scène benefits from an exceptional cross-border population base. The festival attracts spectators from all over France, Switzerland, and more broadly from Europe, contributing to the cultural and tourist influence of the Genevois haut-savoyard region. The event is supported by the communauté de communes des Monts du Genevois, the Département de la Haute-Savoie, and the Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

More Than a Festival, a Celebration

Guitare en Scène is not just about the evening concerts. The festival also offers masterclasses, luthier exhibitions, artist meet-and-greets, and a lively festival village. The Guitar Night Project, a late-night jam session event, extends the celebration well after the last encore and offers unforgettable moments of improvisation between professional and amateur musicians.