Aalborg International Guitar Competition 2026 Category I

Aalborg International Guitar Competition 2026 - Category I is open to classical guitarists from all countries. Participants must be university or conservatory students or professional players and must be no older than 35 at the start of the competition. More information: www.aalborggutiarfestival.com

Entry fee: 1,800 kr. (250 €), which includes free access to all concerts, free accommodation (possibly with a host family) from 18-22 November 2026, and free meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner on 21 November and breakfast and lunch on 22 November. All meals on 21 and 22 November are served at Skipper Clement School, where the festival is based. Participants who do not advance to the final are also offered a free one-hour masterclass - times and instructors will be announced by 20 November 2026.

Competition phases:
First round: 19 November 2026, 9:00-17:00 - Aalborg Libraries, Lecture Hall, Rendsburggade 2, 9000 Aalborg. Max. playing time 12 minutes. Repertoire is free but must cover at least two historical periods. Semifinalists' names will be announced at the concert on 19 November at 19:30.

Semifinal: 20 November 2026, 10:00-16:00 - Aalborg Libraries, Lecture Hall, Rendsburggade 2, 9000 Aalborg. Playing time 18-20 minutes. Repertoire from the first round may not be repeated, and the programme must again cover at least two historical periods. Finalists' names will be announced at the concert on 20 November at 20:00.

Final: 21 November 2026, 20:00-22:30 - Aalborg Libraries, Lecture Hall, Rendsburggade 2, 9000 Aalborg. Playing time 20-25 minutes. Repertoire is free and must cover at least two historical periods; repertoire from the two previous rounds may be repeated.

Prizes:
1st prize: A master instrument built by guitar maker Henrik Ballowitz (value 5,000 €, see https://ballowitzguitars.com/) plus 2,000 € (bank transfer). Special prizes: Video Session at The Hideout Studio (recording 22 November)