Kutná Hora International Biennial Guitar Competition
Kutná Hora, Czech Republic · Classical guitar competition
- Location
- Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
- Type
- Competition
- Event dates
- 30 June 2026 – 4 July 2026
- Application deadline
- Varies
- Frequency
- Biennial
- Eligibility / age
- Professional/Youth
- Prizes
- Cash + concerts
Repertoire requirements
interpretation of pieces for the classical guitar from different music periods (Renaissance till Contemporary music)
-
Competition Round · 15-20 min
- Free choice program
Official website
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Check your repertoire matchVisiting? A guitarist's guide to Kutná Hora
Photo: al.trcka, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
In the heart of the Czech Republic, the historic silver-mining town of Kutná Hora hosts its International Biennial Guitar Competition, drawing classical guitarists and enthusiasts to a destination rich in history and architectural beauty. Once a powerful medieval city second only to Prague, Kutná Hora now offers a tranquil setting for a music festival, combining world-class guitar performances with the charm of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Getting there
Most visitors arrive in the Czech Republic via Prague's Václav Havel Airport (PRG), from which the journey to Kutná Hora is straightforward. From Prague's Hlavní nádraží (main train station), trains depart roughly hourly for Kutná Hora. For convenience, ensure your ticket is for Kutná Hora město, which is much closer to the historic town centre; you will typically need to change trains at Kutná Hora hl.n. or Kolín. Tickets can be purchased as a Prague Integrated Transport suburban ticket (an 11-zone ticket for 84 Kč, or a 7-zone ticket for 54 Kč if you already have a valid Prague public transport pass) from yellow ticket machines in Prague, remembering to stamp it before boarding. For the return journey from Kutná Hora, purchase your ticket at the station office, as there are no stamping machines. Alternatively, you can buy train tickets directly from the Czech Railways (ČD) website or app, which allows for seat reservations on the longer leg of the journey. While buses are available from Prague's Háje bus station, the train is generally a quicker and more comfortable option. Once in Kutná Hora, the town centre and its main attractions are walkable, though a local bus system and a convenient privately operated tourist minivan connect the main train station, the Sedlec Ossuary, and St. Barbara's Church.
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Czech Republic runs on Type E 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
Kutná Hora's charm lies in its beautifully preserved historical town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To fully experience the town, consider staying within or close to this area, where medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings line the streets. While no specific hotels are mentioned, a central location ensures easy access to the competition venues, cultural sights, and dining options. Booking in advance is advisable, especially around the biennial competition dates, to secure accommodation that aligns with your preferences for this historic destination.
What you'll hear
The Kutná Hora International Biennial Guitar Competition welcomes guitarists performing a broad repertoire, encompassing classical guitar pieces from the Renaissance to contemporary music. The competition is biennial, ensuring a high level of talent among its participants, with the first prize offering both cash and concert engagements. Unlike some other major competitions, there is no concerto round, placing the focus squarely on solo interpretation across diverse musical periods.
The musical heritage of the Czech Republic is rich, and directly tied to Kutná Hora through the work of Štěpán Rak. This contemporary Czech classical guitarist and composer, who founded the guitar department at the Academy of Performing Arts (HAMU) in Prague and became the first Czech Professor of Guitar, composed his 'Kutnohorská ouvertura' in 1984, explicitly linking his music to this historic city. While the competition focuses on a global repertoire, Rak's connection offers a unique local resonance, inviting reflection on the Czech contribution to the classical guitar.
The local table
Kutná Hora, nestled in the Central Bohemia region, offers traditional Czech cuisine, hearty and flavourful. While specific restaurant recommendations are not available, you can expect to find local specialities such as goulash, svíčková (marinated sirloin with dumplings), roast pork with cabbage, and various soups. Look for establishments serving classic Czech pub fare or more refined interpretations of national dishes, often accompanied by local beers. The town's historical setting provides a charming backdrop for enjoying a meal after a day of competition and sightseeing.
Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Kutná Hora →
While you're there
Kutná Hora's status as a UNESCO World Heritage site means there is much to explore beyond the competition halls. The most prominent sights include the magnificent Church of St Barbara, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec. Nearby, the Sedlec Ossuary, famously decorated with the bones of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people, offers a unique and striking experience. Delve into the town's rich past as a medieval silver mining hub, once the second most important city in the Kingdom of Bohemia, by exploring its historic streets lined with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings.
For those interested in extending their cultural exploration, Prague is only about 52 kilometres away and makes for an excellent day trip. In Prague, you can visit iconic landmarks like Charles Bridge (Karlův most), which inspired Štěpán Rak's 'Charles Bridge Variations' from 1988, connecting the city's musical and architectural heritage.
Tours, tickets and day trips in Kutná Hora →
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This map centers on Kutná Hora in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.
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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.