Parkening International Guitar Competition

Repertoire requirements

Free choice rounds 1-2. CONCERTO REQUIRED for final

• Preliminary Round · 15-20 min
  • Free choice program
  • Contrasting styles
• Semi-Final · 20 min
  • Free choice program
• Final · Full concerto
  • Full concerto with YMF Orchestra

Official website

https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/parkening

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Malibu

Photo: The original uploader was Tillman at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

High on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Malibu offers a stunning setting for the Parkening International Guitar Competition, hosted at Pepperdine University. This prestigious event, named for classical guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening, brings together top young talents from across the globe every few years, all competing for a significant prize. While the competition is the main draw, the city itself, a famed stretch of California coastline, combines natural beauty with an exclusive, laid-back atmosphere, making it a unique destination for a classical guitar enthusiast.

Getting there

Accessing Malibu typically involves flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a major international hub. From LAX, drivers can take the San Diego Freeway (I-405) north to the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) west, which then intersects with the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) in Santa Monica. Driving north on PCH leads directly into Malibu. Be aware that traffic on PCH, especially on weekends, can be heavy, and parking at popular beaches and attractions is often limited. For those preferring public transport, LA Metro bus 134 provides service to Malibu from Santa Monica and the Washington/Fairfax transit center. Once in Malibu, the Pacific Coast Highway serves as the primary route, running the length of the town and connecting its various points of interest.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Malibu on Omio →

USA uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Malibu is renowned for its exclusive properties and stunning oceanfront views. Accommodations often reflect the city's upscale character, ranging from luxurious beachfront rentals to hotels nestled in the hills. While no specific hotel names are provided in the sources, visitors can seek out options that offer proximity to Pepperdine University or easy access to the Pacific Coast Highway. Given the competition's prestige and the city's popularity, booking well in advance is advisable to secure preferred lodging. The city's focus on maintaining its unique character means that tourist-friendly services, including some short-term rentals, may face local restrictions.

What you'll hear

The Parkening International Guitar Competition is a high-stakes event, occurring every three to four years, where competitors vie for a gold medal and a $30,000 cash prize for first place. The early rounds allow for free choice repertoire, showcasing the breadth of the guitar's literature. However, the final round is a demanding test, requiring each finalist to perform a concerto with a full orchestra, a true highlight for any classical guitar aficionado.

While Malibu is not historically linked to classical guitar composers or a specific musical heritage in that genre, its broader cultural footprint is significant. The city has been a backdrop for countless films and TV shows, and its name has inspired numerous popular songs across various genres, reflecting its iconic status in American culture. Visitors will experience the vibrant contemporary music scene that comes with being part of the greater Los Angeles area, alongside the unique soundscape of the Pacific coast.

If you play as well as listen, explore Castelnuovo-Tedesco, heard in the concerto final in our repertoire finder, where you can hear each piece and find the sheet music.

The local table

Dining in Malibu offers a range of experiences, from casual beachside eateries to upscale establishments with ocean views. For a popular surfing-themed spot, Duke's on Pacific Coast Highway is known for its lively atmosphere, especially during Taco Tuesdays with grilled fish tacos and beer. The Reel Inn, another PCH fixture, offers a straightforward approach to seafood: choose your fish, two sides, and a salad or coleslaw, all at reasonable prices. For a more refined experience, Geoffrey's, situated on a chic terrace, provides stunning ocean vistas, excellent cuisine, and an opportunity for celebrity spotting, with entrees averaging $25-70. Paradise Cove also offers a dining option right on the beach, completing the quintessential Malibu culinary experience.

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

While you're there

Beyond the competition, Malibu offers an array of activities centered around its natural beauty and unique culture. Pepperdine University itself is worth exploring, boasting consistently high rankings for its academic programs and being recognized for having one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States, complete with ocean views, the Heroes Garden, Weisman Museum of Art, and Stauffer Chapel. For beach lovers, Zuma Beach and Westward Beach are famous spots for a day by the ocean. Point Dume offers spectacular coastal views from its cliff-top trails, ideal for jogging or observing surfers, sea lions, and dolphins. Malibu Lagoon, also known as Surfrider Beach, is an estuary famous for its surf breaks and plays a central role in West Coast surf culture. Other attractions include Solstice Canyon, with its 2.6-mile round-trip trail leading to a 30-foot waterfall, and El Matador Beach, known for tidepooling. The historic Malibu Pier is a quintessential stop, providing beautiful ocean views. The Getty Villa, modeled after an ancient Roman villa, houses an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts, complemented by impressive gardens and architecture. For shopping, the Malibu Country Mart is an upscale outdoor mall featuring boutiques, fashion chains, and a Whole Foods.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Malibu →

More guitar events in USA: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition · Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition · Brevard Classical Guitar Institute · Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition · ECU Guitar Festival and Workshop

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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