Sarajevo International Guitar Festival

Sarajevo International Guitar Festival takes place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is held every year, usually in April.

Repertoire requirements

Check website

• Competition Round · 15-20 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://www.sigf.ba/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Sarajevo

Sarajevo, often called the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its centuries of religious and cultural diversity, hosts the annual Sarajevo International Guitar Festival. This vibrant event takes place in a city that uniquely blends Eastern and Western influences, from its architecture to its people. Attend the festival and discover a cosmopolitan capital set in a narrow valley, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, where every street tells a story.

Getting there

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is Bosnia's primary air gateway, though its mountain-hemmed location can lead to winter flight delays. Major hub connections include Frankfurt, Vienna, Istanbul, Dubai, and Doha, with additional flights to nearby capitals like Belgrade and Zagreb. Wizz Air operates service to London-Luton, and London-Stansted flights run from April to October. From the airport, a Centrotrans bus runs hourly to the city centre's Baščaršija, taking 20-30 minutes for 5 KM one way, with the first bag included. Taxis are available, but insist on the meter; fares to the city centre should not exceed 20 KM. While at the airport, consider a visit to the Tunnel of Hope Museum, located just south of the runway, which offers a poignant look at the city's recent history and saves a separate trip from the city centre.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Sarajevo on Omio →

Bosnia and Herzegovina 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.

These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

Sarajevo stretches east-west along the Miljacka River, nestled amidst mountains. Most visitors gravitate towards the Old Town, or Stari Grad, which offers an ideal base for exploring on foot. The eastern half of the Stari Grad is dominated by the Ottoman-influenced Baščaršija, a historic bazaar area, while the western half features the grand architecture of the Austro-Hungarian era. Staying in or near these central districts places you within walking distance of the festival venues, numerous historical sites, and a wide array of dining options. The city is very pedestrian friendly, and its compact centre makes navigating easy.

What you'll hear

The Sarajevo International Guitar Festival is an annual competition that offers cash prizes and concert opportunities for its winners, attracting emerging talent to the heart of the Balkans. Attendees should consult the official website for specific repertoire requirements and concert schedules, as these can vary. The festival provides a platform for showcasing diverse classical guitar performances within a uniquely historic setting.

Sarajevo is renowned as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its centuries-long coexistence of mosques, synagogues, and Catholic and Orthodox churches. This profound religious and cultural diversity has shaped the city's unique soundscape and artistic spirit. While there isn't a specific classical guitar composer tied to Sarajevo in the historical record, the city's rich history as a meeting point of East and West provides a compelling backdrop for the contemporary music presented at the festival. The echoes of its past, from Ottoman influences to Austro-Hungarian elegance, resonate through its streets, offering a culturally deep context for experiencing the modern classical guitar.

The local table

Sarajevo's culinary scene is a delicious reflection of its crossroads history, blending Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan traditions. Look for savory burek, a widely loved pastry often filled with meat or cheese, and ćevapi, grilled minced meat served in somun flatbread with onions and kajmak (a creamy dairy product). The Baščaršija, with its bustling bazaars, is the ideal place to sample these local specialties and enjoy traditional Bosnian coffee in one of its many quaint coffeehouses. Dining here offers a true taste of the city's vibrant cultural tapestry.

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

While you're there

Beyond the festival, Sarajevo offers a wealth of historical and cultural exploration. Spend time wandering through the Stari Grad, where the Ottoman Baščaršija seamlessly transitions into the Austro-Hungarian quarter, showcasing the city's unique architectural blend. Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Cathedral of Jesus' Heart, and the Old Jewish Temple, all within a short walk of each other, exemplifying Sarajevo's religious harmony. Delve into the city's dramatic past at the Latin Bridge, site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination, which sparked World War I, or explore the remnants of the 1984 Winter Olympics on the surrounding mountains. These Olympic mountains, including Bjelašnica, Jahorina, Trebević, and Igman, offer scenic views and opportunities for walks. The city has largely recovered from the 1992-1996 siege, but subtle reminders of its resilience can still be found, adding depth to its cosmopolitan charm.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Sarajevo →

Also in April: Anna-Amalia Competition for Young Guitarists · Concorso Riviera Etrusca · Long Island Guitar Festival · Patras International Guitar Festival Competition · Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition · 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.

← All competitions & festivals