June 3 – 6, 2027 · Cleveland Institute of Music
Where America's finest young guitarists take the stage
A national competition for classical guitarists ages 13 through 18, set inside a festival of concerts and masterclasses at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
in prize money each year
The Path to the Final
Three rounds, one stage
Applications open January 1, 2027
The Venue
Mixon Hall, Cleveland Institute of Music
Every concert and both competition rounds take place in this glass-walled hall in University Circle, with the woods of Wade Oval behind the stage.
The 2027 Set Piece
A new work by Frederic Hand
Every semi-finalist will perform a piece written for this competition by Frederic Hand: guitarist and lutenist of the Metropolitan Opera since 1984, Emmy-winning composer, Grammy nominee for Prayer as recorded by John Williams, and for nearly fifty years a teacher at the Mannes College of Music. He has taught numerous masterclasses, including at Yale and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and joins the 2027 jury.
2027 Guest Artists
The festival lineup
First Prize, 2020 to 2026
Seven years of laureates
I hope to assist today's young, hard-working, well-deserving guitar students realize their musical dreams.