Concours de Genève - Guitar Category

Repertoire requirements

Check website for current year

• Preliminary Round · 20 min
  • Free choice program
• Semi-Final · 30 min
  • Free choice program
• Final · 40 min
  • Free choice recital

Official website

https://concoursgeneve.ch/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Geneva

Photo: fr:Utilisateur:Stéphane_Pecorini, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr via Wikimedia Commons

Geneva, a city renowned for international diplomacy and its stunning lakeside setting, also hosts a prestigious musical event: the Concours de Genève - Guitar Category. This competition offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class guitar performances in Switzerland’s largest French-speaking city, nestled where the Rhône flows from Lake Geneva. Attending means immersing yourself in a city of historical significance, natural beauty, and a quiet connection to a major guitar composer.

Getting there

Geneva is a significant transport hub, making arrival straightforward. Geneva Airport (GVA), also known as Geneva Cointrin, is well-served by major European carriers and offers direct flights from several North American cities. From the airport, the fastest route into the city is by train, a mere seven-minute ride to Genève-Cornavin, the main station. Public buses, such as the number 10, also offer frequent service. Tickets for both trains and buses are around Fr. 3.00, valid for an hour across Geneva and its suburbs. Check if your accommodation provides a free public transport ticket for your initial journey from the airport.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Geneva on Omio →

Switzerland uses Type J sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

As a global city and a hub for international organizations, Geneva offers a range of accommodation. Staying in or near the Vieille Ville, the old town, places you within walking distance of many sights and potential competition venues. The city is known for its high quality of life and corresponding costs, so booking in advance is advisable, especially around major events. Whether you choose a hotel overlooking the lake or a boutique stay in a historic quarter, you will find yourself in a city that balances its serious international role with a charming Swiss-French character.

What you'll hear

The Concours de Genève - Guitar Category is a highly respected international competition, drawing exceptional young guitarists from around the globe. While specific repertoire requirements and prize details vary by year, the event consistently features challenging programs and culminates in major international prizes. Competitors often tackle a broad spectrum of classical guitar music, sometimes including a concerto with orchestra. For the most current information on dates, repertoire, and competition structure, consulting the official website is essential.

Beyond the competition itself, Geneva holds a more profound, albeit quiet, musical connection for guitar enthusiasts: it is the final resting place of Alberto Ginastera. This Argentine master, one of the 20th century's most important classical composers from the Americas, died in Geneva in 1983 and is buried in the Cimetière des Rois (de Plainpalais). His Sonata for Guitar, Op. 47, written for Barbosa-Lima in 1976, stands as his sole solo-guitar work, making his grave a pilgrimage site for those who admire his powerful and evocative music.

If you play as well as listen, explore Dušan Bogdanović, a past Geneva laureate in our repertoire finder, where you can hear each piece and find the sheet music.

The local table

Geneva's dining scene reflects its international and affluent character, offering a wide array of high-quality options from traditional Swiss-French cuisine to global gastronomic experiences. While specific local dishes are not highlighted in general travel guides, you can expect excellent quality ingredients and refined preparation. Look for establishments that showcase Swiss precision and French culinary influence. Given the city's sophisticated palate, finding fine dining or charming cafes is never difficult, whether you seek a casual lunch or an elegant evening meal.

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

While you're there

Between competition rounds, Geneva offers a wealth of exploration. Begin with the city's international heart: visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and learn about the International Committee of the Red Cross. Explore the picturesque Old Town, with its St. Pierre Cathedral and winding cobblestone streets, which tell the story of John Calvin and the Reformation. Stroll along Lake Geneva to admire the iconic Jet d'Eau, a powerful water jet that is a symbol of the city. For a meaningful guitar-related pilgrimage, visit the Cimetière des Rois (de Plainpalais) to pay respects at the grave of Alberto Ginastera, buried near literary giant Jorge Luis Borges. Day trips are also easily accessible: trains depart for scenic destinations like Evian, Chamonix, and Annecy in France, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding Alps and lakeside towns.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Geneva →

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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