Concurso Internacional de Madrid (FIGUIM)

Repertoire requirements

Check website

• Competition Round · 15-20 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://festivalguitarramadrid.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Madrid

Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital, becomes a hub for classical guitar in late spring as it hosts the Concurso Internacional de Madrid (FIGUIM). This annual event, running from early May to mid-June, draws international talent to the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, offering a rich immersion into both the instrument's future and the city's deep cultural past. For the discerning enthusiast, Madrid offers more than just a competition; it provides a blend of world-class music, artistic heritage, and a lively Spanish experience.

Getting there

Madrid is exceptionally well-connected. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is a major international gateway, with direct flights from numerous global cities. From the airport, a metro line connects directly to the city center, and the Airport Express bus service offers another efficient option. Madrid's Atocha and Chamartín stations are key railway hubs, providing high-speed AVE connections across Spain. Within the city, an extensive metro system and public bus network make getting around straightforward, often negating the need for a rental car for central explorations.

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Spain runs on Type F 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

Madrid offers a wide array of accommodation, from historic hotels to modern boutique stays. For proximity to cultural sites and vibrant city life, consider staying in the central districts such as Sol, Huertas, La Latina, or Chueca. These areas offer easy walking access to museums, theaters, and dining, and are well-served by public transport for reaching competition venues. Booking ahead, especially during the competition dates, is advisable to secure preferred options.

What you'll hear

The Concurso Internacional de Madrid (FIGUIM) is an annual event showcasing emerging talent in classical guitar. While the specific repertoire requirements should be checked on the official website, competitors typically navigate a demanding program that tests both technical prowess and interpretive skill. The first prize includes a monetary award, a Sulayr guitar, and concert engagements, signaling the competition's role in launching careers.

Madrid itself holds significant, though sometimes less overt, musical heritage for guitar. The city was home to several pivotal figures in Spanish guitar history. Dionisio Aguado, a contemporary of Fernando Sor, was born and died in Madrid, and his two 1838 Paris-built guitars are preserved and displayed at the Museo Arqueológico Nacional, offering a tangible link to the instrument's past. Joaquín Turina, whose works often evoke Andalusian themes, also died and is buried in Madrid, at the Cementerio de La Almudena. Federico Moreno Torroba, celebrated for his zarzuelas and guitar compositions like Castillos de España, was a Madrid native, and the Teatro de la Zarzuela was his principal professional home.

The local table

Madrid's culinary scene is a delight, known for its traditional Castilian dishes and vibrant tapas culture. Must-try specialties include cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew, and bocadillo de calamares, a fried calamari sandwich. For a classic experience, explore the Mercado de San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor, or delve into the tapas bars of La Latina. Don't miss a chance to savor cured Iberian ham or the local queso manchego. Madrid is also famous for its late dining hours, so be prepared for dinner to begin well after 9 PM.

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While you're there

Beyond the competition, Madrid offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. The "Golden Triangle of Art" along the Paseo del Prado encompasses three world-class museums: the Prado Museum (Old Masters), the Reina Sofía Museum (modern art, including Picasso's Guernica), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Madrid, stroll through the tranquil Buen Retiro Park, or experience the lively atmosphere of the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. For guitar enthusiasts, a pilgrimage to the Museo Arqueológico Nacional to see Dionisio Aguado's guitars is highly recommended. A rewarding day trip can be made to Aranjuez, about an hour south of Madrid by train. Here, the Royal Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, served as the inspiration for Joaquín Rodrigo's iconic Concierto de Aranjuez. Rodrigo and his wife are also buried in the Municipal Cemetery of Aranjuez, where a cubist guitar sculpture marks his tomb.

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More guitar events in Spain: Alhambra Junior International Guitar Competition (CIGAJ) · Certamen Internacional Andrés Segovia · Certamen Miquel Llobet · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Ángel G. Piñero · Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba

Also in May: Jugend musiziert · Nilo Peraldo Bert International Competition · San-in 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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