INUVIK - Without hesitation, Crystal Saunders, 21, played one of her own compositions for four world-class guitarists at Aurora College's Learning Centre Saturday afternoon.

From left, Brian Gore, Pino Forastiere, Alexandre Gismonti and Clive Carroll put on a dynamic show at Friday's International Guitar Night at the Igloo Church with solo and group performances. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photos

Curling into her guitar, she strummed and picked her way through a soft and hypnotic piece while a few of the visiting professionals smiled and nodded with approval.

Saunders was also joined by six other amateur guitarists from town who came to get some pointers from the pros.

The night before in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Igloo Church the foursome, hailing from various countries including England and Brazil, put on a smoker of a show, drawing from various genres from classical to blues to Irish traditional.

The International Guitar Night performers also engaged the audience, getting more than a few laughs during the near two-hour event.

The Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC), which arranged the concert, also organized Saturday's two-and-a-half-hour guitar workshop.

More than just a drill session, the event came off as a conversation. There was talk about the fundamentals of guitar playing, touching on proper playing posture and right- and left-hand playing exercises, but there were also plenty of laughs shared and stories told.

"It's great to meet players this far North," said England-based guitarist Clive Carroll. "It was fun to learn that we have a few players that we enjoy in common.

"It's great to know that people up here are making beautiful music, too. The highlight was playing together as a group; everyone was able to sing and play individual parts. That, and hearing a beautiful piece by Crystal here."

For Saunders, that came as high praise from such an accomplished musician.

"It's nice to have your music noticed by someone like him," said Saunders, who makes regular appearances around town showcasing her classical guitar-playing skills.

After taking in Friday's concert, she said she was excited to share a musical experience with them.

"To see the difference between how they play individually and how they play individually together was so impressive."

Carroll, who considered playing at the Igloo Church a career highlight, said the workshop was just an extension of his approach to music as something to be celebrated and shared.

"We all love music," he said. "It's not really about what level we're at. It's a pleasure to be able to offer someone any kind of advice."

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