2025 Adjudicators

Luis Angel Medina, founder and director of the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival, is an accomplished classical guitarist with an active career as both a performer and educator across North America and beyond. Known for his deep musicality, technical mastery and exquisite sound, he has captivated audiences worldwide, performing in Europe, China and North America. He has appeared as a soloist with the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra, A Little Night Music Orchestra and at leading guitar societies across the continent, such as the Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Regina guitar societies.

Luis frequently collaborates with esteemed musicians and has performed in renowned venues such as Vancouver's Playhouse Theatre, the Annex and Pyatt Hall. Through his participation in masterclasses with world-class guitarists such as David Russell, Roland Dyens, Rene Izquierdo, Jason Vieaux, Jerome Ducharme, Marc Teicholz, Iliana Matos and more, he has further refined his technique and artistry.

In addition to his performances, Luis is a dedicated educator, recently appointed as Guitar Instructor at Capilano University. His students regularly achieve top honours in local competitions and the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) program, with several achieving Provincial Gold Medals. Luis' teaching philosophy emphasizes kindness, discipline and fostering a love for music, making him one of Canada's most sought-after guitar instructors. He is also a frequent adjudicator at local music festivals, including the North York Music Festival and the Vancouver International Music Competition, where his expertise is highly valued.

Luis began his music education in Guadalajara, Mexico, later moving to Vancouver to complete his studies at Capilano University and the University of British Columbia. He earned a Master's degree from the University of Georgia under Dr Daniel Bolshoy, where he was awarded the Director's Excellence Award. Currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts under the guidance of Dr Jeffrey McFadden and Jorge Caballero at the University of Toronto, his research focuses on the music of contemporary Mexican composer Julio Cesar Oliva, as well as the interrelation between the performer, the guitar and the music.

Luis also serves as Director of Operations for the Toronto Guitar Society. He continues to promote the classical guitar through festival organization, performances and leadership roles. His passion for sharing music drives both his performances and teaching, inspiring audiences and students alike.

One of Luis' secondary areas of expertise is conducting, having participated in several Wind Ensemble and Orchestral Conducting Symposiums. His conducting experience ranges from directing large guitar ensembles for many years at various festivals, as well as orchestras, such as A Little Night Music Orchestra and the Elgar Strings.