Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition

Denver, CO, USA · Classical guitar competition

Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition takes place in Denver, CO, USA. It is held every year, usually in September.

Location
Denver, CO, USA
Type
Competition
Event dates
10 September 2027 – 12 September 2027
Application deadline
Registration and ticketing coming in Summer 2027!
Frequency
Annual
Eligibility / age
International/Undergraduate/Youth
Venue
Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Prizes
  • 1st$3,000 · $2,000 · $1,000 · $500
Special prizes
  • $300 cash audience prize
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Repertoire requirements

Free choice

Official website

https://liberalarts.du.edu/lamont/guitar-fest

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Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Denver

Nestled at the eastern edge of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Denver, the "Mile-High City," is a vibrant hub where the Denver Guitar Festival culminates in the Tuason Competition. For classical guitar enthusiasts, this event offers a chance to hear the festival's performances against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty and a thriving urban culture.

Getting there

Denver International Airport (DEN) serves as the primary gateway, located about 18 miles east-northeast of the city. From there, the RTD commuter rail A Line provides a convenient 37-minute journey directly to Denver Union Station. While Denver is generally a driving city, its public transportation infrastructure has seen extensive expansion. Amtrak's daily California Zephyr also serves Denver Union Station, offering a scenic but often delayed rail journey across the country.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Denver on Omio →

USA uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

The beautifully restored Denver Union Station now features an on-premise hotel, along with several restaurants and bars, making it a convenient and atmospheric base. Beyond Union Station, the downtown area and surrounding distinct neighborhoods offer a range of accommodation options, from cosmopolitan hotels to boutique stays, ensuring easy access to the city's attractions and the festival venues.

What you'll hear

The Tuason Competition, held as part of the Denver Guitar Festival, annually draws aspiring classical guitarists vying for significant prize money, with awards for the top four competitors. The free-choice repertoire policy ensures a diverse program of performances, showcasing a wide array of classical guitar literature. This intensive competition provides an excellent opportunity to hear the next generation of international guitar talent in a focused, high-stakes setting.

Denver itself, while not historically linked to a specific classical guitar tradition, boasts a dynamic and broad performing arts scene. The city is home to the Denver Performing Arts Complex, one of the largest in the United States, which regularly hosts a variety of musical and theatrical productions. The festival and its competition thus take place within a city that values artistic expression, providing a supportive cultural environment for the classical guitar.

The local table

Denver's food scene reflects its identity as a cosmopolitan city with a strong Western heritage. Expect a wide array of options, from upscale steakhouses and modern American cuisine to diverse international flavors. Local ingredients often feature prominently, particularly produce from the surrounding agricultural areas. While no single iconic dish defines Denver, the city's innovative culinary spirit means there are always new and exciting restaurants to discover, often with a focus on craft beverages.

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

While you're there

Beyond the festival, Denver offers a wealth of attractions. The city is famously known as the "Mile-High City," with the Rocky Mountains beginning just 12 miles to the west, providing spectacular views and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and scenic drives. Cultural institutions abound, including the Denver Art Museum, known for its extensive collection of Native American art, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Explore the historic 16th Street Mall for shopping and dining, or wander through the unique neighborhoods that make up the city's fabric. The mild climate and abundant sunshine, especially in early autumn, make it an ideal time for exploration.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Denver →

Need a place to stay?

The organizer offers partner-hotel discounts — see the official site.

Compare hotels and apartments near Denver, CO for your dates.

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This map centers on Denver in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.

More guitar events in USA: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition · Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition · Brevard Classical Guitar Institute · ECU Guitar Festival and Workshop · GFA International Concert Artist Competition

Also in September: All Japan Guitar Competition · Cawsand Bay Guitar Festival · Certamen Internacional María Luisa Anido · Edmonton Guitar Seminar · Michele Pittaluga International Guitar Competition · Nagoya Guitar 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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