Concorso Emilio Pujol

Concorso Emilio Pujol takes place in Sassari, Italy. It is held every year, usually in March.

Repertoire requirements

First round (preliminary - ONLINE*): A program of 12-15 minutes in total, chosen by the candidate. Second round (semifinal): a) One piece by Emilio Pujol, to be chosen from: Cubana (Ed. Celesta Publishing); Romanza (Ed. Biblioteca Fortea). b) A program lasting 12-15 minutes, including a 16th-century piece for lute or vihuela of the candidate's choice. Third round (final): a) One piece by Emilio Pujol, to be chosen from: Endecha a la amada ausente (Ed. Max Eschig); El tres tambors (ed. Ricordi). b) A program of the candidate's choice, lasting 25-30 minutes, including at least one piece from the 19th century and at least one from the 20th or 21st century. Contestants will not be allowed to play the same piece twice.

• Preliminary Round · 15 min
  • Free choice program
• Final · 25 min
  • Free choice recital

Official website

http://www.assochitarra.it/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Sassari

For the classical guitar enthusiast, a trip to Sardinia to attend the Concorso Emilio Pujol in Sassari offers a unique blend of musical immersion and island exploration. This annual competition, dedicated to the legacy of Emilio Pujol, takes place in Sassari, the second-largest city on the autonomous Italian island of Sardinia, a region rich in ancient history and distinct culture.

Getting there

The most convenient airport for reaching Sassari is Alghero Airport (AHO), located about 33 kilometers away. Another option is Olbia Airport (OLB), approximately 105 kilometers from the city. From either airport, you can connect to Sassari by bus or car. If arriving by sea, the ferry terminal in Porto Torres is close by. Sassari also has a railway station with regional Trenitalia connections to Olbia and Cagliari, as well as a local narrow-gauge line to Alghero and Sorso operated by ARST. Within the city, ATP Sassari provides urban bus services, and a short tram line, Metrosassari, serves parts of the city, though it is less central for tourists.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Sassari on Omio →

Italy uses Type L/F sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Sassari offers a range of accommodation options, with several hotels found throughout the city. Staying in or near the historic old town allows for easy walking access to many of Sassari's sights and potential competition venues. Consider areas around Piazza d'Italia or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for proximity to the city's main attractions and a lively atmosphere. While there are budget and mid-range options, booking ahead is advisable, especially around the competition dates.

What you'll hear

The Concorso Emilio Pujol is structured into three rounds, beginning with an online preliminary selection. Subsequent rounds require candidates to perform specific works by Emilio Pujol, such as Cubana, Romanza, Endecha a la amada ausente, or El tres tambors, alongside pieces from various historical periods. The semifinal mandates a 16th-century lute or vihuela piece, while the final requires a program including at least one 19th-century work and at least one from the 20th or 21st century, ensuring a broad and challenging repertoire from the competitors.

Sassari, with its long and layered history, provides a distinctive backdrop for the competition, a city shaped by diverse rulers from the Giudicato of Torres to the Aragonese and Spanish. While its musical heritage is broadly Italian and Sardinian, the city's ancient roots, rich architectural beauty, and vibrant cultural life offer an enriching setting for experiencing contemporary classical guitar performance.

The local table

Sassari's culinary scene reflects its Sardinian location, offering fresh, regional ingredients and traditional Italian fare. As an island city, seafood features prominently, often prepared with local herbs and olive oil. You will find a variety of bakeries (like Fior di Pane di Pecorini Laura) and gelaterias (such as Gelateria Ligure) scattered throughout the city, providing opportunities to sample local pastries and artisanal ice cream. The city's restaurants often serve hearty Mediterranean dishes, emphasizing quality local produce and the distinct flavors of Sardinia.

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

While you're there

Between competition events, Sassari offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites to explore. Wander through the old town to see the Cattedrale di San Nicola, enlarged in Catalan Gothic style, and the Baroque façade added later. The Fontana di Rosello, a 17th-century fountain, is considered a symbol of the city. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, now the City Hall, and explore its Duke's rooms and cellars as part of the Civic Museum. Other notable buildings include Palazzo Tola and the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Bethlem. For art and history, the Museo Nazionale G.A. Sanna and the Pinacoteca Mus'a al Canopoleno are worth a visit. Day trips can include the nearby coastline or the prehistoric step pyramid of Monte d'Accoddi, a significant archaeological site near the city, offering a glimpse into Sardinia's ancient past.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Sassari →

More guitar events in Italy: Altamira Gorizia International Guitar Competition · Concorso Città di Fiuggi · Concorso Fernando Sor · Concorso Internazionale Rovere d'Oro · Concorso Riviera Etrusca · Concorso Ruggero Chiesa

Also in March: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Concours International de Guitare d'Antony · Concours International Roland Dyens · Guitar Art Festival Belgrade · Indiana Classical 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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