Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition

Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition takes place in Philadelphia, PA, USA. It is held every year, usually in April.

Repertoire requirements

Adult Division: Free-choice, at least two contrasting selections (up to 15 minutes); Youth Division: Free-choice, at least two contrasting selections (up to 10 minutes). The same repertoire must be performed in the Preliminary, Semifinal, and Final Rounds.

• Preliminary (Video) · 15 min
  • Free choice program
• Semi-Final · 20 min
  • Free choice program
• Final · 25 min
  • Free choice recital

Official website

https://phillyguitar.org/competition

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love" and birthplace of American democracy, offers a unique backdrop for the annual Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition. While the city's rich history and vibrant culture take center stage, the competition provides a focal point for classical guitar enthusiasts in a city of American firsts.

Getting there

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the primary gateway, with extensive domestic and international connections. From PHL, the SEPTA Airport Line offers direct train service to Center City, including 30th Street Station, Jefferson Station, and Suburban Station, in about 20-30 minutes. For those traveling by rail, Philadelphia's 30th Street Station is a major Amtrak hub, connecting to cities along the Northeast Corridor and beyond. Interstate 95 also serves as a key highway artery along the Eastern Seaboard.

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

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Where to stay

Center City and Old City are ideal bases for exploring Philadelphia and attending the competition. Center City offers a bustling downtown experience with numerous hotels and easy access to historical sites, while the historic Old City provides a charming atmosphere with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Both areas are walkable and well-served by public transport, putting competition venues and attractions within easy reach.

What you'll hear

The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition, an annual event, invites adult and youth division guitarists to showcase their skills. Competitors present at least two contrasting selections in their free-choice programs, with performances up to 15 minutes for adults and 10 minutes for youth. The competition offers a platform for emerging talent, with the first prize including cash and concert opportunities, fostering the development of new classical guitar voices. The official website, phillyguitar.org/competition, provides further details.

While Philadelphia doesn't have a direct historical tie to a specific classical guitar composer, its broader musical landscape is rich and influential. The city has played a significant role in the development and evolution of American music, particularly R&B, soul, and rock. Visitors can explore this vibrant heritage through various venues and institutions, experiencing the diverse sounds that have shaped the city's cultural identity over centuries.

The local table

Philadelphia's culinary scene is as diverse as its population, reflecting its history as a melting pot. The historic Reading Terminal Market, a hub of merchants including local Amish and Mennonite farmers, offers a vast array of fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from various cultures. Visitors can explore the Italian Market for authentic Italian specialties or dine in Chinatown for a wide selection of Asian cuisine. The city is also known for iconic foods like the cheesesteak, a local institution, and its vibrant array of Irish pubs.

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While you're there

Between competition rounds, Philadelphia offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Begin in Old City, the birthplace of American democracy, where you can explore Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, and visit the Liberty Bell pavilion nearby. The city also boasts many firsts, including the first library and hospital, legacies of its most famous resident, Benjamin Franklin, who was responsible for the city's alternative title, the "new Athens." Art lovers will appreciate the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its iconic "Rocky Steps" and extensive collections. For a dose of nature, Fairmount Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks, provides ample space for recreation. The city's many outdoor sculptures and murals also offer a unique urban art experience, with Philadelphia hosting more outdoor sculptures and murals than any other city in the nation.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Philadelphia →

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

Also in April: Anna-Amalia Competition for Young Guitarists · Concorso Riviera Etrusca · Patras International Guitar Festival Competition · Sarajevo International Guitar Festival · SGM Next Generation Competition

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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