London International Guitar Competition
The mission of London International Guitar Competition is to encourage excellence in the performance of the classical guitar, with a special accent on new music for guitar. The Semi-Finalists and Finalists will play a new piece specially commissioned by the International Guitar Foundation for London International Guitar Competition. London International Guitar Competition is open to all classical guitarists up to the age (and inclusive) of 30 years at the time of application.
- The first round begins on 1st August 2021. Contestants apply by emailing a copy of their passport photo page, their latest curriculum vitae and a PayPal payment receipt code. It costs £100.00 to enter and once the first round is open there will be a PayPal button to make the payment. Please click on “Enter Now” to read the full competition rules and application instructions.
- The first round takes place online and consists of the contestant uploading a video to YouTube of a performance of the set pieces. Upon application contestants must supply the URL link to their video which will be uploaded on 3rd September to the London International Guitar Competition Facebook page and YouTube channel. The expert jury will award the first five places for the Semi-Final, and the sixth place will be awarded to the video with the most likes on the London International Guitar Competition Facebook page.
- The semi-finalists will be announced on 12th September 2021, and these contestants will be sent the new set solo guitar piece, by 15th September 2021. The set piece must be prepared for the Semi-Final.
- The Semi-Final will be held on Friday, 22nd October in London, and the Final will be held at Kings Place, London on Saturday, 23rd October beginning at 5:00 pm as part of The Big Night of The Guitar event at IGF’s London Guitar Festival 2021. Contestants must ensure they are available on these dates before applying. If any venues or locations of the events are changed, contestants will be notified at least one month in advance.
- For the Semi-Final, successful contestants will perform a 20-minute recital which will include the set piece. The rest of the 20-minute recital is free choice.
- For the Final, the successful three contestants will perform a free choice 20-minute recital. London International Guitar Competition will arrange and pay for accommodation in London for 22-24 October, however we do not cover travel expenses.
1st prize
£1,000
Concerts at and participation in festivals of the EuroStrings European Guitar Festival Collaborative throughout 2021 (5 concerts in European festivals)
Concerts at IGF festivals in 2021/2022
Automatic entry into the 5th EuroStrings Guitar Competition, held at one of the EuroStrings Guitar Festivals in 2022 (first Prize 8,000 euros plus European tour and concerts in China and America in 2023). The timing and venue of the EuroStrings Guitar Competition is TBA.
2nd prize
£400 plus strings and CDs
3rd prize
£250 plus strings and CDs