Hanse Guitar Cup

Hanse Guitar Cup is a classical-guitar competition in Hamburg, Germany. It is held every year, usually in October.

Repertoire requirements

Check website

• Competition Round · 15 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://gitarrehamburg.de/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Hamburg

As Germany's second-largest city and a historic member of the Hanseatic League, Hamburg is a vibrant metropolitan hub defined by its vast port and intricate network of canals and bridges. Here, the Hanse Guitar Cup competition invites guitarists to a city renowned for its maritime heritage and cultural depth. Attend the competition, and discover a city that seamlessly blends its mercantile past with a dynamic present.

Getting there

Hamburg is easily accessible, serving as a major transport hub in northern Germany. The city's own Hamburg Airport (HAM) offers numerous international and domestic connections, with direct public transport options into the city centre. For those arriving from further afield, excellent high-speed rail links connect Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to major German and European cities, including direct trains from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in about four hours. The railway journey often provides scenic views of the northern German landscape, bringing you directly into the heart of the city.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Hamburg on Omio →

Germany 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

Hamburg offers diverse accommodation, from boutique hotels in the city centre to historic options near the port. Consider staying in the Altstadt, the historic old town, or the adjacent Neustadt for easy access to major sights, dining, and potentially the competition venues. These areas are well-connected by public transport and allow for pleasant walks along the Alster lake or through the Kontorhausviertel. The city's blend of preserved historic architecture and modern design ensures a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing base for your stay.

What you'll hear

The Hanse Guitar Cup competition, an annual event in Hamburg, awards its first prize winner a Michael Wichmann master guitar and a concert at the associated festival. While the specific repertoire for the competition is detailed on its official website, the event consistently attracts talented players, offering a chance to hear new interpretations of classical guitar works from emerging artists.

Hamburg itself boasts a rich musical landscape far beyond the classical guitar. The city is home to world-class venues like the striking Elbphilharmonie and the historic Laeiszhalle concert halls, which host a wide array of orchestral, chamber, and solo performances. Historically, Hamburg has been a significant cultural centre; it even played a pivotal role in the early career of bands like the Beatles and fostered movements such as Hamburger Schule, cementing its legacy as a city with a diverse and influential musical heritage.

The local table

Given Hamburg's status as a major port city, fresh seafood is a staple of its culinary scene. You will find a wide variety of fish dishes, from simple fried fish sandwiches (Fischbrötchen) available at the harbour to more refined preparations in upscale restaurants. Traditional North German fare, such as Labskaus, a hearty dish often made with corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot, also reflects the city's maritime and working-class history. Look for opportunities to enjoy meals overlooking the Elbe river or in the bustling historic quarters, paired with a local craft beer or a crisp white wine.

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

While you're there

Beyond the competition, Hamburg offers a wealth of sights. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Speicherstadt, a vast complex of historic warehouse buildings crisscrossed by canals, and the nearby Kontorhausviertel with its impressive brick expressionist architecture, including the iconic Chilehaus. Take a boat tour of the harbour, Germany's largest, to fully appreciate its scale and significance. Stroll along the Alster lake, which forms a serene oasis in the city centre, or visit the vibrant St. Pauli district, home to the famous Reeperbahn. The stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall is an architectural marvel worth seeing, even if you are not attending a performance, offering panoramic views of the city and harbour from its plaza.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Hamburg →

More guitar events in Germany: Anna-Amalia Competition for Young Guitarists · ARD International Music Competition (Guitar) · Hamburger Guitar Festival · Heinsberg Guitar Festival and Competition · International Competition for Young Guitarists Andrés Segovia (EGTA) · International Guitar Festival in Hersbruck

Also in October: Asia International Guitar Festival & Competition · Concurso Liliana Pérez Corey · GuitarFestival Changsha China · Plovdiv GuitArt Festival & Competition · Seville Guitar Festival · Silesian Guitar Autumn

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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