Concorso Fernando Sor takes place in Rome, Italy. It is held every year, usually in March.

Location: Rome, Italy
Type: Competition
Event dates: 17 March 2027 – 19 March 2027
Frequency: Annual
Eligibility / age: guitarists of any nationality born after 31/12/1991
Entry fee: €50
Venue: Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando

Prizes: 1st€4000 and one concert in Madrid organized by the Spanish Guitar Society (€750) and pack of 14 sets of Knobloch Strings
2nd€1500 and 4 sets of Knobloch Strings
3rd€1000 and 4 sets of Knobloch Strings

Add to Google Calendar Apple / Outlook (.ics)

Repertoire requirements

First round: a) Fernando Sor: Three Studies of the candidate's choice from op. 6 or op. 29 or both. b) Fernando Sor: Andante Largo, op. 5 n°5. Semifinal: A programme of the candidate's choice, total duration of around 20 minutes, of original music for guitar from the 20th or 21st century. Final: a) Fernando Sor: An Introduction Thema and Variations or a Theme and Variations or Fantasia of the candidate's choice. b) A Sonata or Sonatina of the candidate's choice from the following composers: Antonio José Joaquín Turina – Manuel M. Ponce – Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco – Federico Moreno Torroba Eduardo López-Chavarri or Joaquín Rodrigo.

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

Official website

https://www.concorsofernandosor.it/

Are you ready for this competition?

Enter the pieces you play and Guitar Events instantly shows how your repertoire matches this competition's rounds, and which other events you qualify for.

Check your repertoire match

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Rome

Rome, the 'Eternal City,' a millennia-long center of power, culture, and religion, welcomes classical guitarists to the annual Concorso Fernando Sor. Held in the vibrant heart of Italy's capital, this competition offers a chance to hear classical guitar amidst a backdrop of ancient ruins, Renaissance grandeur, and Baroque splendor. Attend the concerts, and you immerse yourself in a city that has shaped Western civilization; explore its streets, and you discover a living museum.

Getting there

Rome is exceptionally well-connected, making arrival straightforward. The primary international gateway is Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), with extensive connections worldwide. From FCO, the Leonardo Express train provides a direct, non-stop service to Roma Termini, the city's main railway station, in about 32 minutes. Alternatively, regional trains connect FCO to other Roman stations, and numerous bus services also run to Termini. Once in the city, Rome's public transport network of metro, buses, and trams allows for easy navigation to the competition venues and the vast array of historical sites.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Rome on Omio →

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

These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

Given Rome's vast historical center (centro storico), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, basing yourself strategically allows for easy access to both the competition and the city's myriad attractions. The area around Termini station offers convenience for transport, while neighborhoods closer to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, or Trastevere provide a more atmospheric experience amidst ancient streets and bustling piazzas. Rome offers a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels in renovated historic buildings to more modern options, ensuring comfortable stays for all preferences. Booking ahead, especially during peak seasons or around major events, is advisable.

What you'll hear

The Concorso Fernando Sor competition, held annually, brings together talented guitarists to perform repertoire often including the works of its namesake. Attendees can expect to hear a diverse range of classical guitar pieces, showcasing both established masterworks and possibly contemporary compositions, as competitors vie for the prestige of the first prize, which includes cash and concert opportunities. The specific repertoire requirements are detailed on the official website.

Beyond the competition, Rome itself is steeped in musical history. As a center of the Catholic Church and a birthplace of both the Baroque and Neoclassical styles, the city has been a crucible for sacred music, opera, and orchestral works for centuries. From the grand basilicas where choral traditions flourish to the palaces that once hosted virtuosic performances, music has always been integral to Rome's cultural fabric. Visitors can often find concerts and recitals in churches, historical venues, and modern auditoriums, reflecting the city's enduring artistic legacy.

The local table

Rome's culinary scene is a delight, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and hearty, flavorful dishes. Indulge in classic Roman pasta dishes such as Cacio e pepe, a simple yet rich combination of Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper; Carbonara, made with eggs, Pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper; or Amatriciana, a tomato-based sauce with guanciale and Pecorino. For a street food experience, try supplì, fried rice balls with a mozzarella center. Other local specialties include Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal cutlets with prosciutto and sage, and various preparations of artichokes, such as Carciofi alla Romana (braised) or Carciofi alla giudia (fried). Pair your meals with a local Lazio wine or a refreshing Spritz.

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

While you're there

Rome offers an unparalleled wealth of historical and cultural attractions to fill your days between concerts. Explore the ancient wonders of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, imagining life in the heart of the Roman Empire. Wander through the Vatican City, an independent state within Rome, to marvel at St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, and admire the Pantheon, an architectural marvel. The centro storico is a labyrinth of charming alleyways, grand piazzas, and hidden churches, perfect for leisurely strolls. For art lovers, the Borghese Gallery and Museum houses masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio, set within the beautiful Borghese Gardens. The city itself provides endless exploration.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Rome →

Need a place to stay?

Compare hotels and apartments near Rome for your dates.

Loads a third-party booking map (Stay22) only when you choose. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

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

More guitar events in Italy: Altamira Gorizia International Guitar Competition · Concorso Città di Fiuggi · Concorso Emilio Pujol · 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.

← All competitions & festivals