Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition

Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition takes place in Szczecin, Poland. It is held every year, usually in June.

Repertoire requirements

Group I: a sonata of Domenico Scarlatti; free programme; total time 15 minutes maximum. Group II: a piece (or a part of a Suite, Sonata, Partita etc.) written in the 20th or 21st Century; free programme; total time 20 minutes maximum. Group III: free programme; total time 15 minutes maximum. The programme must be performed by heart, excluding group III featuring ensembles.

Official website

http://www.balticguitardays.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Szczecin

Szczecin, a historically rich port city in northwestern Poland, offers a unique blend of Prussian elegance and Parisian-inspired urban planning, making it an intriguing setting for the annual Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition. Situated on the Odra River, just 20 kilometers south of the Baltic Sea, this city, once a part of Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, now welcomes guitarists and enthusiasts to its vibrant cultural scene. The festival provides a compelling reason to explore a city known for its wide boulevards, designed by Baron Haussmann, the same architect who shaped much of Paris.

Getting there

Szczecin is accessible by air and rail. The Solidarity Szczecin–Goleniów Airport (SZZ) is located almost 50 km from the city center; minibuses operated by LOT (free for passengers) and Interglobus connect directly to Szczecin, as does a railway service to Szczecin Główny, the main railway station. Alternatively, due to Szczecin's proximity to Berlin, the German capital's airports are a viable option. Numerous Szczecin-based companies, including Atlastransfer and Interglobus, offer regular minibus services to Berlin Brandenburg International airport. By train, the journey from Berlin typically takes 2 to 3 hours, though travelers should note that due to ongoing construction until sometime in 2027, direct trains between Berlin and Szczecin are suspended, requiring a change to a replacement bus service or different train in Angermünde. Within Poland, Szczecin Główny railway station has frequent connections to major cities like Warsaw (under 6 hours by express train) and Poznań (about 2½ hours).

Compare trains, buses & flights to Szczecin on Omio →

Poland runs on Type E sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.

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Where to stay

For a comfortable stay around the festival, consider basing yourself in Szczecin's city center or near the Odra River. The city's Haussmann-designed layout with its wide avenues and numerous roundabouts makes for pleasant walking, and many key attractions and festival venues are easily reachable on foot. Accommodation options range from modern hotels to charming guesthouses. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during festival dates, to secure a convenient location that allows you to fully immerse yourself in both the music and the city's distinctive atmosphere.

What you'll hear

The Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition draws talented guitarists from around the globe, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists. The competition features performances that showcase a wide array of repertoire and technical mastery. Attendees can expect a high standard of playing, from solo recitals to potentially larger ensemble works, depending on the festival's program.

While Szczecin does not claim a specific classical guitar composer from its past, the city pulses with a rich cultural and historical energy. Home to the Szczecin Philharmonic and an Art Academy, it nurtures a vibrant artistic scene. The festival thus takes place in a setting that values creativity and historical depth, providing a compelling backdrop for the contemporary music it champions.

The local table

As a significant port city on the Odra River and near the Baltic Sea, Szczecin's culinary scene frequently features fresh catches, alongside hearty traditional Polish fare. Visitors can expect to find a diverse range of restaurants offering local specialties and international cuisine. Look for establishments that highlight regional ingredients, enjoying meals that reflect the city's historical crossroads and its maritime identity.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Szczecin →

While you're there

Between concerts, Szczecin offers a wealth of exploration. Begin with a stroll through the areas influenced by Baron Haussmann's urban planning, admiring the wide avenues and green spaces. The Ducal Castle, a historic residence of Pomeranian dukes, stands as a prominent landmark, offering insights into the city's past. Explore the Szczecin Cathedral, the National Museum, and, if time allows, catch a performance at the striking Szczecin Philharmonic building. For a breath of fresh air, the city is surrounded by dense forests, shrubland, and heaths, including the Wkrzańska Heath, which is shared with Germany, and the Szczecin Landscape Park. A day trip to Świnoujście, a seaside town accessible by a two-hour train ride, offers a taste of the Baltic coast.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Szczecin →

More guitar events in Poland: Konkurs im. Czesława Dróżdziewicza · Silesian Guitar Autumn

Also in June: Balaton Guitar Festival · Bale-Valle Armonica Guitar Competition · Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional Levino Albano da Conceição · Gandia International Guitar Festival and Competition

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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