Concours International Roland Dyens

Repertoire requirements

Vidéo YouTube de 15 minutes maximum; Une pièce de Roland Dyens obligatoire

• Competition Round · 20 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://www.guitareclassiquemag.fr/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Paris

Photo: Yann Caradec from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Paris, known as the City of Light and a global hub for culture, art, and gastronomy, also hosts the annual Concours International Roland Dyens. This competition celebrates the legacy of one of the 20th century's most influential classical guitarists, making Paris a compelling destination for enthusiasts seeking both musical inspiration and an unparalleled travel experience.

Getting there

Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the EU's busiest, and Orly Airport (ORY), both offering extensive international connections. From either, the city center is readily accessible via efficient RER suburban trains, Métro, and bus services. Paris boasts one of the world's most sustainable transportation systems, with its iconic Art Nouveau-decorated Métro making navigation straightforward. The city is highly walkable, and its extensive public transport network connects all arrondissements and major attractions with ease.

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France 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

Paris is divided into twenty distinct arrondissements, each with its own character. For convenience, consider staying in a central arrondissement or one with excellent Métro connections to ensure easy access to competition venues and major sights. Whether you prefer the historic charm of the Latin Quarter (5th), the artistic vibe of Montmartre (18th), or the elegant boulevards of the 1st or 7th, Paris offers a wide range of accommodations from luxurious hotels to charming boutique stays. Booking well in advance is advisable, especially during major events.

What you'll hear

The Concours International Roland Dyens competition is an annual event dedicated to showcasing new talent while honoring the distinctive style of Roland Dyens himself. Competitors are required to perform a piece by Dyens as part of their program, ensuring that his innovative compositions, known for blending classical precision with jazz improvisation, remain at the forefront. The competition offers a valuable opportunity to hear emerging artists interpret challenging and expressive contemporary guitar repertoire. It features solo performances rather than concertos.

Beyond the competition, Paris holds a profound musical heritage for classical guitar. The city was home to Fernando Sor, the Spanish master, who lived much of his later life here and is buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre, his tomb marking a significant pilgrimage site for guitarists. Roland Dyens, whose name the competition bears, also lived most of his life in Paris and is interred at the Cimetière du Montparnasse, a tranquil resting place reflecting his deep connection to the city. Additionally, the Polish-French composer Alexandre Tansman, known for his guitar works written for Segovia, died in Paris and is buried in the Cimetière Sud de Saint-Mandé, just outside the city proper. These graves offer quiet moments of reflection on the instrument's rich history in the French capital.

If you play as well as listen, explore Roland Dyens's own music in our repertoire finder, where you can hear each piece and find the sheet music.

The local table

Paris is synonymous with world-class gastronomy, boasting a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants alongside countless traditional bistros, brasseries, and patisseries. Indulge in classic French dishes such as coq au vin, steak frites, or bouillabaisse, and explore the diverse culinary landscape from crêpes to haute cuisine. Do not miss the chance to sample exquisite pastries, cheeses, and wines. Dining in Paris is not just about the food; it is a cultural experience, whether in a bustling market, a quiet café, or a grand restaurant.

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While you're there

Paris offers an endless array of iconic landmarks and cultural experiences. Visit the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa, or explore the Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d'Orsay. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for panoramic city views, stroll along the River Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or admire the architectural grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral. For guitar enthusiasts, a pilgrimage to the graves of Fernando Sor at Cimetière de Montmartre (Division 24) and Roland Dyens at Cimetière du Montparnasse provides a direct link to their legacies. Alexandre Tansman's grave at Cimetière Sud de Saint-Mandé is also accessible. Explore the charming streets of Montmartre, the historic Latin Quarter, or the fashionable Marais district, each offering unique insights into Parisian life and history.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Paris →

More guitar events in France: Concours International de Guitare d'Antony · Le Temps des Guitares

Also in March: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Concorso Emilio Pujol · Guitar Art Festival Belgrade · Internationales Gitarrenfestival Rust · Northwest Guitar Festival

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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