Repertoire requirements

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Preliminary Round · 15-20 min
- Free choice program
Semi-Final · 20-25 min
- Free choice program
Final · 30 min
- Free choice recital

Official website

https://mdw.ac.at/

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Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Vienna

Photo: Superbass, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Vienna, a city synonymous with classical music, offers a rich backdrop for the Karl Scheit International Guitar Competition. Renowned as a former imperial seat and a cultural heartland that nurtured countless eminent artists, Vienna is a fitting host for a major international competition. This event takes place in a city where a relaxed yet elegant lifestyle blends with a profound musical heritage, providing an ideal setting for classical guitar enthusiasts.

Getting there

Vienna International Airport (VIE) serves as the primary gateway, offering extensive connections. From the airport, direct train services like the City Airport Train (CAT) or S-Bahn lines reach the city centre in about twenty minutes, connecting to major hubs like Wien Mitte or Hauptbahnhof. Given its central European location, Vienna is also easily accessible by train from neighboring countries; Bratislava, for instance, is approximately 50 kilometers to the east, making for a straightforward journey.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Vienna on Omio →

Austria 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

Vienna's 23 districts each possess a unique character, but for ease of access to the competition venues and major sights, consider staying within the inner districts (1–9). These areas are rich in history, from the grand buildings along the Ringstrasse to the charming squares of the historic centre. Vienna's high living standards and elegant atmosphere ensure a comfortable stay, with options ranging from boutique hotels to traditional Viennese establishments. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during major events.

What you'll hear

The Karl Scheit International Guitar Competition, hosted by the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw.ac.at), brings together talented young guitarists from around the globe. The competition offers cash prizes and concert opportunities, and while specific repertoire should be checked on the official website, it consistently features high-level classical guitar performances that reflect contemporary trends in the instrument's artistry.

Vienna's musical heritage extends deeply into the classical guitar's past. The city was home to Anton Diabelli, a prolific composer and influential music publisher whose numerous works for the guitar are still played today; his waltz even inspired Beethoven's monumental *Diabelli Variations*. Diabelli's confirmed grave in Vienna's St. Marx Cemetery offers a poignant pilgrimage site. Johann Kaspar Mertz, another significant Austrian guitar virtuoso active in Vienna, composed his Romantic *Bardenklänge* in the city, contributing to its vibrant 19th-century guitar scene.

If you play as well as listen, explore Anton Diabelli, of Vienna's golden guitar age in our repertoire finder, where you can hear each piece and find the sheet music.

The local table

Viennese cuisine is an experience in itself, known for its hearty dishes and refined pastries. Iconic meals include Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet, often served with potato salad. Goulash, a rich meat stew, is also a local favorite. For something sweet, the Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam, is world-famous. Beyond specific dishes, Vienna's coffee house culture is integral to its identity; spending an afternoon in a traditional coffee house, perhaps with an Apfelstrudel, is a quintessential Viennese experience.

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

While you're there

Melk Abbey, near Vienna — Photo: Uoaei1, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Beyond the competition, Vienna offers an abundance of cultural and historical sites. The historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to imperial palaces such as the Hofburg and Schönbrunn, grand cathedrals like St. Stephen's, and world-class museums. For guitar enthusiasts, a visit to St. Marx Cemetery allows for a quiet pilgrimage to Anton Diabelli's confirmed grave. For a day trip, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and the birthplace of Johann Kaspar Mertz, is less than an hour away by train or bus. Bratislava hosts the long-running J. K. Mertz Guitar Festival, offering another significant connection to the instrument's history and a chance to explore a neighboring capital. Alternatively, explore the eastern edge of the Vienna Woods, offering natural beauty and panoramic views.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Vienna →

Need a place to stay?

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

More guitar events in Austria: Forum Gitarre Wien · Internationales Gitarrenfestival Rust

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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