About competition Guitar Masters 2016

The first edition of Guitar Masters International Competition, held in Wrocław, Poland, offers the prize pool of 60 000 EUR. It will be judged by the biggest Polish and international music authorities, among them Tommy Emmanuel, Oscar Ghiglia, Shin-Ichi Fukuda, Berta Rojas, Marek Pasieczny, Martin Taylor and Leszek Możdżer. It is a unique contest not only in Europe, but also in the world.

What makes us different? Firstly, Guitar Masters 2016 offers the biggest first prizes this year. Secondly, since there are two categories in which contestants can compete – classical guitar with the first prize of 20 000 EUR and fingerstyle with the first prize of 8 000 EUR, the event combines two completely different styles of playing the guitar. Thirdly, the verdict of the jury depends on the overall performance, not only the technique and interpretation.

GM2016 is a perfect way for young musicians to boost their career. Participation in this event is an opportunity for young guitarists to present themselves in front of professional and prominent musicians, to promote their talent worldwide and to win the highest prizes offered this year. Guitar Masters 2016 : We turn masters into heroes.

Guitar Masters 2016 is organised by Wrocław Guitar Society, which is a cultural non-governmental organisation established in 2001 to promote guitar music. It was co-founded by an eminent Polish classical guitarist Krzysztof Pełech, who is also the artistic director of Guitar Masters 2016 International Competition & Festival. This year’s edition of the competition is organised within The European Capital of Culture Wrocław 2016 programme.

Classical Guitar

Fingerstyle

ROUND I / ONLINE

FEB 01, 2016 — JUL 31, 2016

We’re waiting for a video recording of your performance: 10 minutes, free-choice repertoire.
Registration: 80EUR

ROUND II / AUDITIONS

OCT 23, 2016 — OCT 25, 2016

36-40 best candidates from Round I will perform in front of the Jury and the audience of the National Forum of Music in Wrocław (25 minutes). There is one OBLIGATORY PIECE to play in this Round: Phosphenes by Marek Pasieczny, commisioned by Guitar Masters 2016 (this is the only piece you can play from scores).

ROUND III / FINAL

OCT 26, 2016 — OCT 27, 2016

In the final round, 12 contestants perform a 45 minute recital. The criteria include the overall performace: the choice of repertoire, technical rendition as well as appearance on stage and contact with the audience.

AWARD CEREMONY

OCT 28, 2016

The Prizes are attributed and the winners play a concert. The second part of the evening is a concert of Marco Tamayo with the National Forum of Music Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Vladimir Fanshil.

ROUND I / ONLINE

FEB 01, 2016 — JUL 31, 2016

We’re waiting for a video recording of your performance: 10 minutes, free-choice repertoire.
Registration: 60EUR

ROUND II / AUDITIONS

NOV 15, 2016

12-18 best candidates from Round I will perform in front of the Jury and the audience of the National Forum of Music in Wrocław. Next to a free-choice repertoire, the contestants should include one piece composed or arranged by Tommy Emmanuel.

AWARD CEREMONY

NOV 16, 2016

The Prizes are attributed and the winners play a concert – featuring Tommy Emmanuel, Martin Taylor, Piotr Restecki and Ian Cooper!