International Competition for Young Guitarists Andrés Segovia (EGTA)

International Competition for Young Guitarists Andrés Segovia (EGTA) takes place in Monheim, Germany. It is held every two years, usually in June.

Repertoire requirements

The performing program corresponds to the guideline which is particularized in a separate document named 'Mandatory pieces'. The program submitted with the registration is binding and must be performed by heart. The specified time limit refers to mere playing time of the entire program. The program for the final round (age group III only) may not contain any works that have already been performed in the first round. For age group II, the mandatory program must be played, with a time limit of 17 to 20 minutes for the entire performance.

Official website

http://www.segovia-competition.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Monheim

On the banks of the Rhine, between the vibrant cities of Düsseldorf and Cologne, Monheim am Rhein hosts the International Competition for Young Guitarists Andrés Segovia (EGTA). This biennial event, drawing aspiring talents from across the globe, offers a focused opportunity to experience the classical guitar at a high level. For a few days in early summer, this relaxed Rhineland town becomes a hub for serious players and enthusiasts, a chance to immerse yourself in the instrument's future.

Getting there

Monheim am Rhein is conveniently located for international visitors. The nearest major airport is Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), a busy hub with excellent connections. From DUS, a taxi or local bus and train combination will get you to Monheim in under an hour; direct bus routes connect the airport to Langenfeld (Rheinland) station, from where Monheim is a short ride. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is another viable option, roughly an hour away by public transport or car. Regional trains connect nearby cities like Düsseldorf and Cologne to Langenfeld (Rheinland) or Leverkusen Mitte, with local buses serving Monheim from these stations. Once in Monheim, the town centre and competition venues are generally walkable.

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Germany 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.

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Where to stay

Monheim am Rhein offers a comfortable base for your visit. While not a large city, it has several pleasant hotels and guesthouses, particularly around its charming Altstadt (old town) and along the Rhine promenade. Staying in the Altstadt ensures you are close to local amenities and potentially the competition venues, allowing for easy walks between events. The town's location makes it a peaceful retreat after a day of music, with riverside views and green spaces providing a relaxed atmosphere.

What you'll hear

The International Competition for Young Guitarists Andrés Segovia (EGTA) attracts exceptional young talent, offering a platform for the next generation of classical guitarists. Competitors navigate several challenging rounds, showcasing a wide range of repertoire from baroque to contemporary works. The rigorous selection process culminates in a final where the top players vie for prizes, including a significant monetary award, presenting their interpretations of demanding concert pieces. It is an opportunity to witness the future of classical guitar up close.

While Monheim am Rhein itself does not boast a deep historical connection to specific classical guitar composers or a long-standing local musical heritage in this genre, the competition carries the name of Andrés Segovia, one of the instrument's most pivotal figures. Segovia's groundbreaking work in performance, teaching, and commissioning new works elevated the classical guitar to unprecedented international prominence in the 20th century. Attending this event is therefore an engagement with the living legacy of a master, observing how his influence continues to shape the artistry and technical prowess of young musicians today.

The local table

In Monheim and the wider Rhineland region, you will find hearty German cuisine with a local touch. Look for specialties like Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a marinated pot roast often served with potato dumplings and apple sauce, or Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), a dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce typically accompanied by a regional blood sausage. Reibekuchen, crispy potato pancakes, are another popular local treat, often enjoyed with apple compote or savoury toppings. To drink, sample the region's famous Altbier, a dark, top-fermented ale characteristic of the Düsseldorf area, or a crisp Riesling wine from the nearby Rhine valley.

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While you're there

Between competition sessions, Monheim am Rhein offers a pleasant environment for exploration. Stroll through the charming Altstadt with its historic buildings, visit the Schelmenturm, a medieval tower that once served as a prison, or walk along the Rhine promenade, enjoying views of the river traffic. For a more substantial outing, the vibrant city of Düsseldorf is just a short train or bus ride away. Explore its elegant Königsallee for shopping, wander through the historic Altstadt (Old Town) known as 'the longest bar in the world', or discover the modern architecture of the MedienHafen. Cologne, with its magnificent UNESCO-listed Dom (Cathedral), Roman past, and bustling city centre, is also easily reachable for a rewarding day trip, offering museums, a lively atmosphere, and plenty of historic sites.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Monheim →

More guitar events in Germany: Anna-Amalia Competition for Young Guitarists · ARD International Music Competition (Guitar) · Hamburger Guitar Festival · Hanse Guitar Cup · Heinsberg Guitar Festival and Competition · International Guitar Festival in Hersbruck

Also in June: Balaton Guitar Festival · Bale-Valle Armonica Guitar Competition · Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition · Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional Levino Albano da Conceição

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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