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15 January - 13 June 2010

Pontedera (Pisa), Italy
First Edition

The first edition of Tuscan Guitar Festival begins with the will to stand out from the international cultural scene as one of the main point of reference in the Guitar Universe. As these "names" say: David Russel, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Duo Melis (Alexis Muzarakis and Susan Prieto), Eduardo Isaac, Giampaolo Bandini. Seven of the greatest artists both as concert performers and as teachers.

The festival develops from January to June 2010:

• six concerts
• an annual international master (in which the same Festival concert performers will take part to as teachers)
• an International Competition of Guitar performance, Tuscan Guitar Competition (final proof with orchestra)
• a series of meetings and seminars with the most important Italian luthiers

Concerts:

• Giampaolo Bandini (Italy) - 16th January 2010
• Pavel Steidl (Czech Republic) - 20th February 2010
• Eduardo Isaac (Argentina) - 27th March 2010
• Duo Melis: Alexis Muzurakis, Susana Prieto (Greece-Spain) - 17th April 2010
• David Russel (Scotland) - 22nd May 2010
• Zoran Dukic (Croatia) - 12th June 2010

Master class:
Main teacher: Giampaolo Bandini
Guest teachers: David Rusell, Duo Melis, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Eduardo Isaac
Six meetings are forssen, one a month, three days long each.

Calendar:

• 15th, 16th, 17th January
• 16th, 20th, 21st February
• 26th, 27th, 28th March
• 16th, 17th, 18th April
• 21st, 22nd, 23rd May
• 11th, 12th, 13th June

Structure:
The main teacher (Giampaolo Bandini) will give lessons to the students in all of the six stages from January to June. Every month he will be supported by a guest teacher, who will give a concert and will take a masterclass to the students of the Academy.
For each stage all the students have the right to a lesson with the main teacher and another one with the guest teacher.

• 20th, 21st February: Pavel Steidl, "Romantic guitar"
• 27th, 28th March: Eduardo Isaac "The guitar in Latin America"
• 17th, 18th April: Duo Melis (Susana Prieto e Alexis Muzurakis), "The transcription for guitar and guitar ensemble"
• 22nd, 23rd May: David Russell, "The guitar in Spain between '800 and '900"
• 12th, 13th June: Zoran Dukic, "Concerts for guitar and orchestra"

Every stage will provide for a final concert given by the best students selected by the teachers.

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16 - 21 February 2010

Pontedera (Pisa), Italy
First Edition, Meeting II

The first edition of Tuscan Guitar Festival begins with the will to stand out from the international cultural scene as one of the main point of reference in the Guitar Universe. As these "names" say: David Russel, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Duo Melis (Alexis Muzarakis and Susan Prieto), Eduardo Isaac, Giampaolo Bandini. Seven of the greatest artists both as concert performers and as teachers.

The festival develops from January to June 2010

• six concerts
• an annual international master (in which the same Festival concert performers will take part to as teachers)
• an International Competition of Guitar performance, Tuscan Guitar Competition (final proof with orchestra)
• a series of meetings and seminars with the most important Italian luthiers

Master class: 20th, 21st February, Pavel Steidl, "Romantic guitar".

Pavel Steidl (Czech Republic). Concert: 20th February 2010
Born in Czech Republic he moved to Holland in 1987. Since he has won the first prize of Radio France International Competition of Paris, he became one of the most appreciated soloist of his generation. His interpretations, so high expressive of the rare guitar literature of 19th century, with original instruments, add a marvellous dimention to his already wonderful interpretations.

He is considered the ideal artist to play Legnani’s Capricci and Mertz’s Bardenklange. Pavel Steidl is also a composer and often during his concerts he presents some of his new pieces. He played in more than 30 countries of the world, among them: Canada, Cuba, Spain, Poland, Austria, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Australia, Japan, etc.

"He gives something more that’s right for these works, to make us sure that the greatest moments become: good taste, generosity, imagination, touching emotion of a vibrato wwhich touches the heart of melody in the right way, and also the legato, that interacts for all time, is as much coherent.

Pavel Steidl plays the guitar repertory in a grand and incomparable manner: in his way he is able to underline discords and he gives us the opportunity to breath them, making us part of the vital experience present in the way of playing the harmony that gives us welcome; the still melodies, the original and stimulating rhythm, a storm and enthusiastic virtuosity, where joy and good mood are part of it and make it so lively in its rareness." Les Cahiers de la Guitare.

(photo and info from www.tuscanguitarfestival.com)

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26 - 28 March 2010

Pontedera (Pisa), Italy
First Edition, Meeting III

The first edition of Tuscan Guitar Festival begins with the will to stand out from the international cultural scene as one of the main point of reference in the Guitar Universe. As these "names" say: David Russel, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Duo Melis (Alexis Muzarakis and Susan Prieto), Eduardo Isaac, Giampaolo Bandini. Seven of the greatest artists both as concert performers and as teachers.

The festival develops from January to June 2010

• six concerts
• an annual international master (in which the same Festival concert performers will take part to as teachers)
• an International Competition of Guitar performance, Tuscan Guitar Competition (final proof with orchestra)
• a series of meetings and seminars with the most important Italian luthiers

Master class: 27th, 28th March, Eduardo Isaac, "The guitar in Latin America"

Eduardo Isaac (Argentina). Concert: 27th March 2010
He won the most important Competitions in the world: first prize at the International Competition in Porto Alegre (Brazil); first prize at the International Competition "Infanta Cristina" in Madrid; first prize at the Inernational Competition "Andrés Segovia" in Palma de Mallorca; first prize at the International Competition "Le printemps de la Guitare" with the high sponsorship of Queen Fabiola of Belgium, a competition that gathered 70 instrumentalists from 26 different countries.

He had, in a short period, more than 40 tournées in the most famous cities for their musical ferment: New York, Los Angeles, Montreal, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, L'Havana, Rio de Janeiro, S. Paolo, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Paris, Lyon, Bruxelles, Bonn, Munich, Wien, Linz, Cracovia, Lubliana, Zagabria, etc. He is member of the very selected group of guitarists of the new generation regularly present at the most prestigious international Festivals. He is invited by a great number of orchestras to play as soloist at the established orchestra directors' side.

He realized concerts and recorded for different record companies with Charles Dutoit and the National Symphony Orchestra of Belgium, Leo Brouwer and the Symphony Orchestra of Cordoba, Petro Ignacio Calderon and the National Symphony Orchestra of Argentina.

With this last orchestra he played the Concerts by Joaquin Rodrigo, Lalo Schifrin and Astor Piazzolla in the tournée of 1998 in different cities of Japan and United States. He played at the Orchard Hall in Tokyo, as soloist, at the same night as the mythical pianist Marta Argerich. He received the Konex Prize as one of the protagonist of the last decade in the classical music of Argentina.

(photo and info from www.tuscanguitarfestival.com)

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13 - 17 April 2010

Valencia, Spain
10th Edition

Open competition for all guitarists, younger than 35 years old, on April 1st 2010, irrespective of nationality, excluding previous prize winners of this event.

First Stage:

• Alonso Mudarra - Fantasía que contrahace el arpa a la manera de Ludovico, AND
• Gaspar Sanz - Españoleta y Canarios

Second Stage:

• Dionisio Aguado - Rondó en la m, and
• works from different styles, with a maximum duration of 30 minutes

Final Stage:

• Joaquín Turina - Sonata
• works of choice; among the free choice works, there must be a work from an alive Spanish author. The total duration of this stage must not exceed 35 minutes.

Prizes:

• First Prize: 14,000 Euro, CD recording, tour of concerts.
• Second Prize: 5,000 Euro, concer, Alhambra concert guitar
• Third Prize: 3,000 Euro.
• Special Spanish Music Prize: 1,000 Euro for the best Spanish music performer of the different stages of the contest.
• Audience Prize: 1,000 Euro.
• Finalist Prize: a travel bag of 600 Euro.

Accommodation: hotel supported by organizers to all guitarists who pass the first stage.

Participation Fee: 40 Euro

Registration date: until April 3rd 2010.

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16 - 18 April 2010

Pontedera (Pisa), Italy
First Edition, Meeting IV

The first edition of Tuscan Guitar Festival begins with the will to stand out from the international cultural scene as one of the main point of reference in the Guitar Universe. As these "names" say: David Russel, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Duo Melis (Alexis Muzarakis and Susan Prieto), Eduardo Isaac, Giampaolo Bandini. Seven of the greatest artists both as concert performers and as teachers.

The festival develops from January to June 2010

• six concerts
• an annual international master (in which the same Festival concert performers will take part to as teachers)
• an International Competition of Guitar performance, Tuscan Guitar Competition (final proof with orchestra)
• a series of meetings and seminars with the most important Italian luthiers

Master class: 17th, 18th April, Duo Melis (Susana Prieto and Alexis Muzurakis), "The transcription for guitar and guitar ensemble".

Duo Melis: Alexis Muzurakis-Susana Prieto (Greece-Spain). Concert: 17th April 2010
Susana Prieto and Alexis Muzurakis began as Duo Melis in 1999 at the International Guitar Festival in Volos (Greece). Since that moment the Duo has given concerts in the most prestigious music halls in the world, among which, Philarmonie in Berlin, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Megaron in Athens and Merkin Concert Hall in New York.

Susana Prieto and Alexis Muzurakis have been invited to perform and give master classes in International Festivals in Europe and America. Since 2005 have been teachers at the Conservatoire National de Région de Strasbourg. Susan and Alexis won many prizes, as soloists and also as Duo.

In 1999 they got the first prize at the International Competition for guitar duos in Frechen (Germany). The next year they were the winners of the prestigious competition for guitar duos in Montelimar (France) and of XXI International Competition for guitar duos "Mauro Giuliani" (Italy). In 2001 they got the Duo Prize / Ensemble at the Chamber Music Competition in Liepzig (Germany) and the won the International Competition for guitar duos in Paris (France). In 2003 they recorded their first cd as winners of "Città di Verona" Prize at the International Competition for Chamber Music "Gaetano Zinetti" (Italy). In 2005 they were chosen by Yehudi Menuhin Society "Live Music Now".

Duo Melis cooperated with International Orchestras like Berliner Symphoniker, Neubrandenburger Philarminie, Bayerische Kammerphilarmonie, Radio Orchestra of Bucharest and National Orchestra of Thessaloniki directed by Leo Brouwer. The duo loves also to perform using antique instruments, especially performing repertories of XIX century, fixing their mind on the historical search of executive manners of that period.

(photo and info from www.tuscanguitarfestival.com)

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17 - 24 May 2010

Koblenz, Germany
18th Edition

Competition:

The program must be sent before Monday 10th May 2010 to info@koblenzguitarfestival.de:

• 1st round: 10 min free choice programme
• 2nd round: 15 min free choice programme
• Final round: 30 min free choice programme

President of the Jury - prof. Konrad Ragossnig. Coordination of the competition - prof. Alfred Eickholt, prof. Alexander S. Ramirez. Office of the competition: Tatjana Schwab, Roland Schäfer.

Prizes

• 1st Prize: 10 concerts in Germany, 3000 Euros
• 2nd Prize: 5 concerts in Germany, 2000 Euros
• 3rd Prize: 3 concerts in Germany, 1000 Euros

Recitals:

Pavel Steidl (Czechia), Zoran Dukic (Croatia), Denis Azabagic (Bosnia), David Russell (Scotland), Judicael Perroy (France), Manuel Barrueco (Cuba), Lorenzo Micheli (Italy), Angel Romero (Spain), Aniello Desiderio (Italy), Gennaro Desiderio (Italy), Gianni Minale (Italy), Francesco Angelico (Italy), Odair and Sergio Assad (Brazil), Marcin Dylla (Poland), Joscho Stephan Quartett (UK), Goran Krivokapic (Montenegro).

Masterclasses:

Masterclass for Guitar and Orchestra with Aniello Desidero and the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie, conducted by Francesco Angelico.

Masterclass for Guitar Ensembles (Duo, Trio, Quartet) with John Dearman (Los Angeles Guitar Quartet).

Participation fees:

Active participants: 220 Euro
Passive participants: 140 Euro

The course fee includes admission to all concerts and events. Any active or passive participant is entitled to passive participation in all other courses. Deadline is April 25th 2010.

The festival's flyer can be dowloaded from here.

(info from http://www.koblenzguitarfestival.de/index.php)

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21 - 23 May 2010

Pontedera (Pisa), Italy
First Edition, Meeting V

The first edition of Tuscan Guitar Festival begins with the will to stand out from the international cultural scene as one of the main point of reference in the Guitar Universe. As these "names" say: David Russel, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Duo Melis (Alexis Muzarakis and Susan Prieto), Eduardo Isaac, Giampaolo Bandini. Seven of the greatest artists both as concert performers and as teachers.

The festival develops from January to June 2010

• six concerts
• an annual international master (in which the same Festival concert performers will take part to as teachers)
• an International Competition of Guitar performance, Tuscan Guitar Competition (final proof with orchestra)
• a series of meetings and seminars with the most important Italian luthiers

Master class: 22nd, 23rd May, David Russell, "The guitar in Spain between '800 and '900".

David Russel (Scotland). Concert: 22nd May 2010
When he was five, he moved with his family from Glasgow to Minorca, where he started very soon to be interested in guitar. Today, Russel lives in Galicia, but he spends most of the time playing all over the world, appearing regularly in the most prestigious theatres. He is also regularly invited to many musical festivals.

During his studies at the Royal Academy, Russel wins twice the guitar prize "Julian Bream" and gets a scholarship by the "Fondazione Ralph Vaugham Williams". Afterwards he comes first in many international competitions, among which, "Competizione Andrés Segovia", "Competizione José Ramiréz" and the Spanish "Competizione Francisco Torrega".

As appreciation of his great talent, in 1997 he was member of the Royal Academy of Music of London. In May 2003, he gets the honorary title of "adopted child" of Es Mijorn, the place in Minorca where he grew. Afterwards, in the same place, the "Avinguda David Russel" will be dedicated to him. In November 2003 he wins the honour medal of the Conservatory of Balearic Islands and the next year he gets a Grammy for his cd "Aire Latino" in the category of the best classical soloist. Andés Segovia, after having listened to Russel in London, wrote: "My congratulations for his musicality and his guitar technique". He has on his credit side many recordings.

(photo and info from www.tuscanguitarfestival.com)

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31 May - 04 June 2010

Buffalo, NY, United States
4th Edition

The Competition is open to classical guitarists of all ages at the onset of their careers and who are not represented by major artist management and are not a party to an exclusive recording contract.

Preliminary Round:
Contestants must submit a high quality, unedited CD of the following repertoire to be reviewed by a panel of judges.

• One of the following concerti must be chosen for the entire Competition and the same concerto is to be performed for each round of the Competition:
  • Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 99
  • Manuel Ponce - Concierto del Sur
  • Joaquin Rodrigo - Concierto de Aranjuez
  • Joaquin Rodrigo - Fantasia para un Gentilhombre Roberto
  • Sierra - Folias. NB. If the Roberto Sierra "Folias" is selected, the entire concerto MUST be performed on the CD.
  • Heitor Villa-Lobos - Concierto for Guitar and Small Orchestra
• One work at least 5 minutes in duration from a "live" performance.
• The first movement from the concerto of the competitor’s choice, from those listed above, with piano or orchestral accompaniment.
• Required piece: Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Tarantella. Ricordi Edition.
• Free choice program of 5 – 8 minutes not including any previously mentioned material or requirements

Semifinal Round:
8 Semifinalists will be selected from the Preliminary Round to perform a solo public recital of the repertoire indicated below, approximately 25-minutes.

• Candidates shall play their entire concerto with piano accompaniment
• Free Choice program of a maximum of 8 minutes duration

Final Round:
3 candidates from the Semifinal Round will be selected to perform in a public performance with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

• All movements from the chosen concerto.

Prizes:

• First Prize: $7,500, Concert Tour including a return engagement with the BPO, appearances with the Virginia Symphony and the Round Top Music Festival in Texas (additional concerts to be announced)
• Second Prize: $3,000
• Third Prize: $1,500

Jury: Joanne Castellani, Michael Andriaccio, Michael Colina, Micaela Pittaluga, Ernesto Bitetti, Ernesto Cordero, Laura Oltman.

Application Fee: $150.00
Registration date: April 1, 2010

Accommodation will be provided to all performers (not accompanists) who qualify for Semifinal Round of the Competition.

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02 - 05 June 2010

Velbert, Germany
6th Edition

The 6th International Competition for Young Guitarists «Andrés Segovia» from 2th june 2010 – 5th june 2010, will be organized by the municipality of Velbert (D) in cooperation with the European Guitar Teachers Association (EGTA/D). The idea is to give young guitarists the chance to meet, exchange and compare; and to be given advice by a professional jury consisting of internationally renowned artists and teachers.

The competition will be performed in three age groups:

• Age group I: up to 13 years (Total duration : 13 - 15 min.)
  • Francisco Tárrega: Tango or
  • Federico Mompou: from "Suite Compostelana para Guitarra" II - Coral (Edition Berben) then
  • free program from at least two different periods
• Age group II: 14 to 16 years (Total duration : 17 - 20 min.)
  • Federico Moreno Torroba: from "Pieces caractéristiques" I. "Preambulo" and II. "Oliveras" or
  • Alexandre Tansman: from Suite "in modo polonico" VI. "Rêverie" and VII. "Alla Polacca" then
  • free program from at least two different periods
• Age group III: 17 to 19 years (Total duration : 13 - 15 min.)
  • Johann Sebastian Bach: from "Präludium-Fuge-Allegro" BWV 998 "Fuge" or
  • Joaquin Rodrigo: from "Tres Piezas Espanola" "Passacaglia" then
  • free program
  • Final round (Total duration: 13 - 15 Min.)
    • free program, including a piece composed after 1950

Registration period: 1st February – 28th February 2010.

Jury: Alfred Eickholt, Hans Werner Huppertz, Martin Maria Krüger, Bosko Radojkovic (SRB), Konrad Ragossnig, Georg Schmitz, Walter Würdinger, Prof. Christiane Spannhof.

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11 - 13 June 2010

Pontedera (Pisa), Italy
First Edition, Meeting VI

The first edition of Tuscan Guitar Festival begins with the will to stand out from the international cultural scene as one of the main point of reference in the Guitar Universe. As these "names" say: David Russel, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Duo Melis (Alexis Muzarakis and Susan Prieto), Eduardo Isaac, Giampaolo Bandini. Seven of the greatest artists both as concert performers and as teachers.

The festival develops from January to June 2010

• six concerts
• an annual international master (in which the same Festival concert performers will take part to as teachers)
• an International Competition of Guitar performance, Tuscan Guitar Competition (final proof with orchestra)
• a series of meetings and seminars with the most important Italian luthiers

Master class: 12th, 13th June, Zoran Dukic, "Concerts for guitar and orchestra".

Zoran Dukic (Croatia). Concert: 12th June 2010
He approached classical guitar studies at six. Today he is one of the most refine classical guitarist of his generation. His performances, either soloist or with orchestra, leave in every occasion a lasting sign on audience and criticism.

Graduated at the Music Academy in Zagabria with Darko Petrinjak, he finished his studies with Hubert Kappel at the Hochschule fur Musik in Colonia. He has been the only musician to obtain the "Andrés Segovia" prize both in Granada and in Palma de Mallorca.

At the most important Spanish guitar competition, in Madrid, supported by the Spanish Royal Family, he has been awarded with the first prize and also with the special prize for the best interpretation of Spanish music (for the first time assigned to a non-Spanish). His world performances have driven many composers to dedicate him their own works.

The admiration for contemporary musical expression comes out in his repertory that generally includes works by Takemitsu, Henze, Reily, Carter, Gubaidulina and many others. He also takled a tournée with Bach's programs, performing the entire cycles of suites for lute, violin and violoncello. Dukic Shows a peculiar affinity with Spanish and South- American musical expression, the heart of classical guitar repertory.

At present, his programs present a wide-chhose of music from Bach to Britten, from Sor to Albéniz, from Tarrega to Villa-Lobos and Brouwer. In these years he devoted himself to teaching, giving courses at the Musical Academy in Zagabria, the Hochschule Fur Musik in Colonia, the Royal Conservatory of Music of the Hague and at the Escuela Superior de Musicain Barcelona. He is very active in chamber music sphere and he is one of the "Trio de Cologne" founders.

(photo and info from www.tuscanguitarfestival.com)

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18 - 26 June 2010

Almería, Spain
11th Edition

Cajamar Foundation, organises and calls the XI “JULIÁN ARCAS“ INTERNATIONAL CLASSICAL GUITAR COMPETITION to be held in Almería (Spain) on June 18-26, 2010.

There will be three categories in the Competition:

- the First Category will be called “Antonio de Torres“, for performers until 13 years old (born after 01-January-1997),

- the Second Category will be called “José Tomás“, for performers until 18 years old (born after 01-January-1992),

- the Third Category will be called “Julián Arcas“ and will be the absolute category (no age limit).

Competitors will only be allowed to enter one of the categories.

“ANTONIO DE TORRES“ INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

On June 19, 2010, at 9:00, at the “Roquetas de Mar Music School“, a public draw will be carried out to determine the performing order of all the competitors registered in the first category, who will have to be compulsorily present at this place.

According to the order established in the draw, and at the place and on the date that are stated, the contestants who have been accepted will have to play:

First and only round

A repertoire chosen by the contestant not shorter than 5 minutes and not longer than 10 minutes.

“JOSÉ TOMÁS“ INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

On June 20, 2010, at 9:00, at the “Roquetas de Mar Music School“, a public draw will be carried out to determine the performing order of all the competitors registered in the second category, who will have to be compulsorily present at this place.

According to the order established in the draw, and at the place and on the date that are stated, the contestants who have been accepted will have to play:

First round

• Obligatory piece: pending.
• A program chosen by the contestant not longer than 5 minutes.

Final

The contestants who have overcome the first round will play a program chosen by them with pieces of two different styles at least, with a maximum length of 15 minutes. Pieces from the first round will not be allowed.

“JULIÁN ARCAS“ INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION (Limit of participants: 50)

The draw for the competitors will be carried out on June 15, 2010 by the Organising Committee, and the participants are not required to presence this day. Results of the draw will also be posted online at http://www.julianarcas.com. According to the order established in the draw, and at the place and on the date that are stated, the contestants who have been accepted will have to play:

First Round (June 23-24). Place: Maestro Padilla Auditorium.

• Sevilla (Isaac Albéniz).
• A program chosen by the contestant not longer than 10 minutes.

Second Round (June 25). Place: Maestro Padilla Auditorium.

The contestants who have overcome the first round will play a program chosen by them with pieces of two different periods at least, with a maximum length of 20 minutes. Pieces from the first round will not be allowed.

Final (June 26). Place: Maestro Padilla Auditorium.

After the Competition second round, the Jury will announce the contestants who will perform in the Final round on June 26.

Contestants will play a complette Concerto for guitar and orchestra (with the Conductor Michael Thomas) chosen by them between:

• Concerto for Two Violins, Lute and Basso Continuo in D major, RV 93 (A.Vivaldi)
• Concerto in C major for Mandoline, Strings and Cembalo, RV 425 (A.Vivaldi)
• Sonata for Lute, violin and Continuo in A major, RV 82 (A.Vivaldi)

Besides the concert, the contestant will play a program chosen by him with pieces of Isaac Albéniz, with a maximum length of 15 minutes. Pieces from the first or second round will not be allowed.

PRIZES

“Antonio de Torres“ International Competition (First Category)

5 equal prizes of 120 euros each.

“José Tomás“ International Competition (Second Category)

First Prize: 1.000 Euros.

• Recital at the “El Ejido Elemental Conservatory of Music“
• Recital at the “Roquetas de Mar Music School“

Second Prize: 500 Euros.

Third Prize: 300 Euros.

“Julián Arcas“ International Competition (Third Category)

First Prize: 10.000 euros

• Recording a CD minimum 50 minutes lasting.
• Recital at the next edition of the competition.
• A Juan Miguel González's concert guitar (luthier from Almería)
• Recital at the “Ciudad de Elche“ Guitar Festival.

Second Prize: 4.000 euros

• Recital at the “Clásicos en el Parque“ Music Festival
• Castillo de San Felipe - Los Escullos (Almería)

Third Prize: 2.000 euros.

Award to the best spanish music player:

• Recital at the Spanish Music Festival in Cádiz.

REGISTRATION

The Competition registration is free, there is no fee. Applications will be made in writing, in person or by mail before June 15 2010, and they will be addressed to:

Fundación Cajamar
XI “Julián Arcas“ International Classical Guitar Competition
Paseo de Almería, 25 - 3ª Pl. Edf.: Cajamar
04001 - Almería (España)
Tlf: +34 950 62 25 20
Fax: +34 950 62 16 60
e-mail: julianarcas@cajamar.com

In order to be registered, the use of the forms provided by the Organisation is advisable. Together with the registration form, contestants will enclose the following documents:

• A small photograph (passport size)
• Program and one copy of the scores to be performed during the Competition rounds.
• Photocopy of Identity Card or Passport.
• Curriculum Vitae.

The Organising Committee will provide information in regard to accommodation to those contestants who may require it. Please ask.

(info from http://www.julianarcas.com/en/index.html)

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22 - 27 June 2010

Austin, TX, United States
28th Edition

Open to competitors, regardless of nationality or age, who are at the outset of their careers and who are not represented by major management.

Preliminary Round:

• Set Piece - a work specially composed for the competition, herein after referred to the "set piece".
• A free choice program not to exceed ten (10) minutes.

Semifinal Round (12 competitors) (15 minutes):

• One free choice piece not to exceed five (5) minutes.
• Required Piece: Darius Milhaud - "Segoviana", Heugel & Co., Alphonse Le Duc Editions
• Judge's Choice. This piece, or portion thereof, will be chosen from the candidate's proposed program for this round.

Final Round (4 competitors):

• Finalists will perform their proposed program (25 minutes) and the Set Piece.

Prizes:

• First Prize:
  • $7,500
  • GFA Sponsored International Concert Tour
  • Naxos CD Recording
  • Melbay DVD
• Second Prize: $3,000
• Third Prize: $1,500
• Fourth Prize: $750
• Semifinalist Prize: $500 Travel Stipend

Registration Fee:

• GFA members: $250
• non-members: additional fee of $50 (general membership), or $30 (full-time student).

Registration deadline: May 2, 2010

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26 - 27 June 2010

Austin, TX, United States
6th Edition

Open to competitors, regardless of nationality, who are not older than:

• 14 years of age (Junior Division)
• 18 years of age (Senior Division)

through the date of the competition Finals and who are not represented by professional management.

Preliminary Round (for both divisions) (12 minutes):

• Required piece: One solo from the Heitor Villa-Lobos Complete Works for Solo Guitar, Editions Max Eschig.
• Free Choice: One free choice piece not to exceed 6 minutes. This may include multiple movements from the same composition.

Final Round - Junior Division (4 competitors)

• Two (2) solos of contrasting styles not to exceed a total of 12 minutes. Villa-Lobos works may not be included, but other works from the Preliminary Round may be repeated.

Final Round - Senior Division (4 competitors)

• Three (3) solos of contrasting styles not to exceed a total of 15 minutes. Villa-Lobos works may not be included, but other works from the Preliminary Round may be repeated.

Prizes:

Application Fees:

• $145 - GFA members to include all convention activities and concerts.
• $175 - Non GFA members, which includes Entry Fee, membership and all convention activities and concerts.
• $120 - Private Lesson Package to include three lessons.
• $100 - Special Individual Family Member Three-Day Pass - Fee per person, limited to 2 individual family members.
• $65 per each additional day - to include convention activities, however, does not include admission tickets to concerts, which may be purchased at the door.
• $250 - Competitor Full Registration June 22 - 27, 2010.

Registration date: until May 1, 2010.

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08 - 15 August 2010

Lærdal, Norway
3rd Edition

Concerts:

• Sergio and Odair Assad
• Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
• Graham A. Devine
• Manuel Barrueco
• Marcin Dylla
• Mario Ulloa

Competition:

First Round: 10 minutes, free program
Final Round: 25 minutes, free program including works from at least two epochs

Prizes:

• First Prize: 15.000 NOK (~1800 euro)
• Second Prize: 10.000 NOK (~1200 euro)
• Third Prize: 5.000 NOK (~600 euro)

Participation fee: 4500 NOK (~540 euro)

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12 - 14 August 2010

Iserlohn, Germany
4th Edition

The competition is open to all ages and will be held in three rounds.

Round 1 (8 minutes):

• set piece: any etude from H. Villa-Lobos (free choice)
• plus a piece of free choice

Round 2 (15 minutes) (~ 25 participants)

• set piece: minimum one or more movements of any of the sonatas or suites for all instruments by J. S. Bach (free choice - all trascriptions allowed).
• plus a piece of free choice.The second round could also only be Bach pieces.

Round 3 (25 - 30 minutes) (maximum 5 participants)

• free program, no repetition from the first two rounds.

Jury:

• Hubert Käppel
• Bruce Holzman
• Dale Kavanagh
• Tom Johnson
• Werner Kämmerling
• Ulrich Stracke
• Frank Gerstmeier
• Stephen Mattingly

Prizes:

• 1st prize
  • 3.000 Euros - Total value of 1st prize: 11.300 Euros
  • a guitar by Jan Jones, USA (4.750 Euros)
  • one concert in New York City - Carnegie Hall in 2011 for 1.000 US plus flight and hotel (sponsored by D’Addario, USA)
  • sponsor gifts
• 2nd prize
  • 2.000 Euro - Total value of 2nd prize: 8.000 Euros
  • a guitar by Constantin Dumitriu, Romania (4.500 Euro)
  • sponsor gifts
• 3rd. prize: 1.000 Euro - Total value of 3rd prize: 2.000 Euros, sponsor gifts
• Special Savarez Prize: 1.000 Euro from Savarez for the best interpretation of a piece by Joh. Seb. Bach
• Special „MeisterSinger“-Prize: Special prize for a competititor under 20 years of age - an exclusive wrist watch by „MeisterSinger“, Germany (1.200 Euros)

Participation Fee: 60 euro
Registration: from March 1st to March 31st, 2010
There is a maximum of 50 players. Date of application decides.

Accommodation:

• 240 euro for 4 overnight stays in double rooms, very good meals plus concert tickets
• single room extra charge: 20 euro

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15 - 22 August 2010

Iserlohn, Germany
19th Edition

Master classes:

Features:

Concerts:

Application Fee:

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28 September - 02 October 2010

Vienna, Austria
4th Edition

Guitarists of all nationalities born in or after 1980 are eligible to enter.

Preliminary Round: each competitor should submit a sound recording (tape or CD), by March 15th, 2010. The participants of the First Round will be notified in April 2010.

1. J.S. Bach - Präludium - Presto aus BWV 996 (Universal Edition, Vienna)
2. A program of free choice, duration of 10-15 minutes.

The First Round: 28 - 30 September, 2010. 8 participants will be selected for the Second Round. The results will be posted after each round.

1. J.S. Bach - Prélude aus BWV 1006a (Universal Edition, Vienna)
2. A program of free choice, maximum duration of 15-20 minutes, which must include one of the following works:

• F. Carulli: 3 movements from 6 Andanti op. 320 (Edizioni Suvini-Zerboni, Milano)
  
• N. Coste: Grand Serenade
  
• A. Diabelli: from the Sonata in A major, 3rd. and 4th movement (Faber Music, London)
  
• M. Giuliani: Sonata eroica op. 150, Rossiniana op. 122, Rossiniana op. 124
  
• L. Legnani: Fantasie op.19
  
• G. Regondi: Introduction et caprice op. 23
  
• Air varié de l´opera de Bellini I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Editions Orphée)
  
• F. Sor: from the Grande Sonate op. 25, Andante Largo - Allegro non troppo

The Second Round: October 1st, 2010. 3 participants will be selected for the Third Round.

1. F. Martin: Quatre pièces brèves
2. A program of free choice, maximum duration of 20-25 minutes, which includes the 1st movement from one of the following sonatas (without repetitions):

• L. Berkely: Sonatina (Chester Music, London)
  
• L. Brouwer: Sonata (Opera tres, Madrid)
  
• M. Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Sonate D-Dur op. 77
  
• J.N. David: Sonate Op. 31/5 (Breitkopf & Härtel)
  
• A. José: Sonate
  
• M.M. Ponce: Sonata III, Sonatina meridional, Sonata romantica, Sonata clásica
  
• J. Rodrigo: Sonata giocosa (Chester Music, London)
  
• C. Scott: Sonatina (Edition Bèrben)
  
• J. Turina: Sonata op. 61

The Third Round (Final): October 2nd, 2010.

1. A program of free choice, maximum duration of 40-45 minutes. It must include a work with several movements (sonata, suite, work with variations).

Jury:

Registration fee: 70 euro.

Accommodation: during the contest all participants, who are still competing receive their accomodation free of payment in a students´ hostel chosen by the university.

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30 January - 06 February 2010

Krynica-Zdrój, Poland
15th Edition

Recitals: Florian Larousse (France), Rolf Lislevand (Norway), Leszek Potasiński and Marcin Olak (Poland), Antal Pusztai (Hungary), Zalas and Marlena Quartet (Poland) ...

Masterclass: Florian Larousse (France), Rolf Lislevand (Norway), Antal Pusztai (Hungary).

Competition:

Group I: born after 31st December 1993

• Stage I

1. Freely chosen piece originally composed for the guitar in 19th century.
2. Freely chosen programme.

Time: 7 - 10 min

• Stage II

1. Theme with variations originally composed for the guitar.
2. Freely chosen piece composed by Latin American composer.
3. Freely chosen programme.

(If points 1 and 2 takes all required time of the 2nd stage, point 3 will not be demanded. Programme of the 2nd stage should include pieces composed in two different musical periods.)

Time: 15 - 20 min

Group II: born after 31st December 1983

• Stage I

1. Freely chosen piece originally composed for the guitar in 19th century.
2. Freely chosen piece composed for the guitar by H. V. Lobos.
3. Freely chosen programme

Time: 12 - 15 min

• Stage II

1. Two freely chosen pieces composed by Latin American composer.
2. One of the following musical forms to choice:
   • complete form of sonata or sonatina (at least 3 parts)
   • complete suita or partita (at least 3 parts)
   • freely chosen complete cyclical form (at least 3 parts) (e. g. Prelude, Fugue and Allegro BWV 998 by J. S. Bach or Five Bagatelles by W. Walton or Tres Piezas Espanoles by J. Rodrigo etc.)
   • theme with variations
3. Freely chosen programme.

(If points 1 and 2 takes all required time of the 2nd stage, point 3 will not be demanded. Programme of the 2nd stage should include pieces composed in two different musical periods.)

Time: 26 - 31 min

The festival's flyer can be dowloaded from here.

(info from http://festiwalgitarowy.krynica-zdroj.pl/index_en.html)

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15 - 17 January 2010

Pontedera (Pisa), Italy
First Edition, Meeting I

The first edition of Tuscan Guitar Festival begins with the will to stand out from the international cultural scene as one of the main point of reference in the Guitar Universe. As these "names" say: David Russel, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Duo Melis (Alexis Muzarakis and Susan Prieto), Eduardo Isaac, Giampaolo Bandini. Seven of the greatest artists both as concert performers and as teachers.

The festival develops from January to June 2010

• six concerts
• an annual international master (in which the same Festival concert performers will take part to as teachers)
• an International Competition of Guitar performance, Tuscan Guitar Competition (final proof with orchestra)
• a series of meetings and seminars with the most important Italian luthiers

Giampaolo Bandini (Italy). Concert: 16th January 2010

Today Giampaolo Bandini is considered the best guitar performer of his generation. He has been a member of the only guitar duo that has joined the golden list of the most prestigious International Competitions of chamber music, among which the 1st absolute prize at the XI "Città di Caltanissetta" Competition (member of Geneva International Competitions Federation).

Since 1990 he has been guest, whether as soloist or in different chamber formations, of the most important Italian and foreign Concert Institutions (Carnegie Hall in New York, Musikhalle in Hamburg, S. Petersburg Philarmonic society, IRCAM in Paris, Chopin Museum in Warsaw).

G. Bandini also regularly figures as soloist and with orchestra in the programmes of the most important Festivals, in Europe, United States and South America. Recently he has had the privilege to perform the "Elegiac Concert" by Leo Brouwer for guitar and orchestra, directed by the author himself. As teacher he is regularly invited by the most prestigious Academies and Institutions. At present he is a guitar teacher and a chamber music teacher at the 'Accademia Musicale del Teatro Cinghio' in Parma.

(photo and info from www.tuscanguitarfestival.com)

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18 - 20 December 2009

Bucharest, Romania
14th Edition

Eduard Pamfil Festival is a special event dedicated to the young guitarists and takes place every year in December, in Bucharest.

The official opening will take place on Friday, December 18th, at 10 a.m., and the contest will begin at 11 a.m. at "Tinerimea Romana" National Art Centre.

The Awards Ceremony and the Winners Gala, where first prize winners and participants designated by the jury will perform, will take place on Sunday, December 20th, at 11 a.m. in the Concert Hall of "Tinerimea Romana" National Art Centre.

Members of the jury and guests: Constantin Dumitriu, Petre Codreanu, Horia Sabin Dragoi, Catalin Stefanescu-Patrascu, Mihai Cojocaru, Beke Istvan, Stefan Trifan, Eugen Mang, Stan Zamfirescu, Ionut Zamfirescu, Sorin Neacsu, Oana Maris, Luiza Iorga, Daniel Ivascu, Cristian Stănoiu, Simona Plesuvu, Mariana Georgescu and Liviu Georgescu.

Recitals:

• Duo Stan Zamfirescu & Ionut Zamfirescu (guitar), Friday December 18th, at 19 p.m.
• Imago Mundi: Medieval Chamber Music, Saturday December 19th, at 19 p.m.
• The Awards Ceremony and the Winners Gala, Sunday December 20th, at 11 a.m.

Competition:

The guitar contest will include 4 age categories:
A) participants that were born after January 1st, 1999
B) participants that were born after January 1st, 1996
C) participants that were born after January 1st, 1993
D) participants that were born after January 1st, 1984

Competition programme:

• For category A) the contest programme will be freely chosen and will last for a maximum of 8 minutes;
• For category B) the contest programme will last for a maximum of 12 minutes and will include works from different periods;
• For category C) the contest programme will last for a maximum of 15 minutes and will includeworks from different periods;
• For category D) the contest programme will last for a maximum of 25 minutes and will include works from different periods.

The order of the contestants will be established by the organisers, and the decisions of the jury will be final. The programme of the festival and the order of the contestants will be posted at "Tinerimea Romana" National Art Centre.

Prizes:

For Category D, the 1st Prize will be a "Dumitriu" Guitar valued at RON 14.935,55 (3.500 Eur). All the other prizes awarded during the contest for the four categories will amount to a total value of RON 17.432,00 (4.085 Euro).

Participation fee:

The participation fee for the contest shall be of RON 64,00 (15 Euro) for categories A, B and C, and RON 82.35(20 Euro) for category D. The contestants in Category C will also be allowed to participate in Category D. In this case they will have to pay the participation fee for both categories.
The participation fee will be paid on Friday, December 18th 2009 after the official opening.

The Participation Card should be sent by Saturday, November 21st, 2009, by e-mail, facsimile or post addressed to:

P-ta Lahovari nr. 7, sector 1, Bucuresti, Romania
Facsimile: 004 0 21 726.73.46
E-mail: chitararomania@yahoo.com
guitaromania@gmail.com

CONTESTANTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE

Accommodation:

Participants from within the country and from abroad will be accommodated under Hello Hotel, on Thursday, December 17th 2009. The full costs of accommodation (for December 17th, 18th & 19th) shall be for school and university students and the adults accompanying them of:

   1. Ron 198,43 (46,50 Euro) per person in double room
   2. Ron 175,00 (41,01 Euro) per person in triple room
   Breakfast (optional): 64 Ron (15,00 Euro) per person (18, 19 & 20 dec.)

Download Participation Card

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08 - 13 December 2009

Kiev, Ukraine
2nd Edition

Concerts & Recitals:

• Tilman Hoppstock (Germany)
  
• Lorenzo Micheli (Italy)
  
• Miguel Trapaga (Spain),
  
• Krzysztof Pelech (Poland)
  
• Andriy Ostapenko (Ukraine)
• Igor Palkin (Ukraine, conductor)

Competition:

Third Round:

1. One Concerto with Orchestra selected by the candidate from the following:

• Mauro Giuliani - Concert No.1 A major for Guitar and Orchestra 
  
• Joaquin Rodrigo - Aranjuez Concert for Guitar and Orchestra
  
• Joaquin Rodrigo - Fantasy for a Gentleman
  
• Mykola Stetsyun - Spanish Concert for Guitar and Orchestra

Prizes:

1. First Prize: 2000 euro
2. Second Prize: 1500 euro
3. Third Prize: 1000 euro

Registration fee: 40 euro

Registration date: until 1 November 2009

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26 - 29 November 2009

Paris, France
7th Edition

Hommage a Leo Brouwer:

• Leo Brouwer (conductor)
• Marco Tamayo
• Jérémy Jouve & Judicaël Perroy
• Ensemble Nympheas

Recitals:

• Anabel Montesinos & Marco Tamayo
• Caroline Delume
• Pavel Steidl
• Duo Rosario
• Costas Cotsiolis
• Marco Topchyi

Master class: Leo Brouwer, Marco Tamayo, Costas Cotsiolis, Pavel Steidl.

Workshop: Tristan Fraigneau, Jose Luis Gallo, Florian Larousse, Nicolas Papin.

Tickets: 20 euro/recital, 70 euro/4 recitals.

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