Parkening Young Guitarist Competition

Parkening Young Guitarist Competition takes place in Malibu, CA, USA. It is held every year.

Repertoire requirements

Free choice appropriate to age/level

• Competition Round · 10 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

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

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Malibu

The Parkening Young Guitarist Competition, held at Pepperdine University in Malibu, offers a unique blend of high-level classical guitar performance and a stunning coastal setting. This event, which gathers talented young musicians, takes place on a campus consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the United States, offering unparalleled ocean views. Malibu itself, a famed beach city in Los Angeles County, provides a quintessential Southern California backdrop for your visit, combining world-class music with the relaxed rhythm of the Pacific coast.

Getting there

Most visitors fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From there, take the San Diego Freeway (I-405) north to the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) west, which connects directly to the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) in Santa Monica. Malibu is located north along the PCH from Santa Monica. Be aware that weekend traffic on the PCH can be heavy, and parking at beaches is often limited due to local regulations. Public transport options include LA Metro bus 134, which serves Malibu from Santa Monica. Once in Malibu, the PCH is the main route, running the length of the town and serving as its primary thoroughfare.

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 known for its exclusive coastal living, and accommodation options reflect this. While local regulations can limit some services like Airbnb, you will find various hotels and vacation rentals, many offering stunning ocean views. Staying near Pepperdine University or along the Pacific Coast Highway will keep you close to the competition venues and the town's main attractions. Given Malibu's popularity, especially during events, it is advisable to book your lodging well in advance to secure a suitable spot.

What you'll hear

The Parkening Young Guitarist Competition showcases exceptional young talent in the classical guitar world. Contestants perform free-choice repertoire appropriate to their age and skill level, offering a diverse program that highlights both established works and perhaps newer pieces. While the competition does not feature a concerto round, the focus remains on the solo artistry and musicality of these promising musicians, making for an engaging series of performances that demonstrate the future of the classical guitar.

Beyond the competition, the greater Los Angeles area holds a significant, if often overlooked, connection to classical guitar history through the figure of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. This Italian-born composer, who became an American citizen, was one of the twentieth century's most prolific writers for the guitar, penning nearly a hundred compositions for the instrument, many inspired by his meeting with Andrés Segovia. After emigrating from Italy in 1939, he settled in Hollywood, where he became a prolific film composer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, influencing many future film composers including Henry Mancini and John Williams. He is buried just a short distance from Malibu, at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles, making for a meaningful pilgrimage for guitar enthusiasts.

The local table

Malibu's dining scene leans heavily into its coastal location, offering many opportunities for fresh seafood and meals with stunning ocean views. Establishments like Duke's provide a casual, surfing-themed atmosphere with popular fish tacos, while the Reel Inn offers a more upscale fast-food concept where you select your fresh fish and sides. For a more refined experience with panoramic Pacific vistas, Geoffrey's is a notable choice. Across these venues, the emphasis is on the bounty of the sea, often enjoyed al fresco, reflecting the relaxed yet sophisticated character of the city.

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

While you're there

Between competition events, Malibu offers a wealth of activities. Explore Pepperdine University itself, renowned for its beautiful campus, ocean views, and sites like the Heroes Garden and the Weisman Museum of Art. The city's famous beaches, such as Zuma Beach and Westward Beach, provide ideal spots for relaxation, while Point Dume offers trails and panoramic views of the coast, often featured in films. Malibu Lagoon, also known as Surfrider Beach, is a key location for West Coast surf culture. Do not miss the historic Malibu Pier for its charm and views, or the Getty Villa, an art museum showcasing ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts within stunning gardens. For a musical pilgrimage, a short drive into Los Angeles will take you to Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park, the final resting place of the prolific guitar composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco.

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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