Meet one of classical guitar’s brightest emerging artists as French guitarist Virgile Barthe brings his 2025 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition victory tour to Hampton Roads. Admitted to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris at just 17, Barthe now studies with renowned guitarist Judicaël Perroy and has benefited from the mentorship of Gabriel Bianco and Olivier Chassain. His growing list of honors includes First Prize at the 2024 Maurizio Biasini International Competition—where he appeared with the Sinfonieorchester Basel—as well as top recognition at the Koblenz International Guitar Competition. Acclaimed for the refinement of his interpretations and a repertoire spanning the Baroque to contemporary music, Barthe’s victory lap offers a thrilling glimpse of a major career in the making.