Eighth Annual Competition

The Competition

Open to classical guitarists ages 13 through 18 who reside in the United States and, as of the festival, are still in high school and not yet enrolled in college. Past semi-finalists and finalists are welcome to enter again; previous first-prize winners are not eligible.

Preliminary · January 1 to February 15, 2027

Video application

Submit the online entry form, the $75 non-refundable entry fee, and two YouTube videos totaling no more than ten minutes: one work by J.S. Bach or Domenico Scarlatti, and one work of your choice. Twelve to sixteen semi-finalists are announced by March 15.

Semi-Final · Thursday, June 3, 2027 · Mixon Hall

Live in Cleveland

Twelve to fifteen minutes: two free-choice works from contrasting periods, performed from memory, plus the 2027 set piece, newly composed by Frederic Hand, which may be played with music. The set piece is sent to qualified semi-finalists in March. Sessions run 10:00 am to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 pm, and admission is free. Finalists are announced at that evening's concert.

III

Final · Sunday, June 6, 2027 · 4:00 pm ET · Mixon Hall

Four finalists

Fifteen to eighteen minutes of three works from three different periods, all from memory, before a live audience and panel of judges. The set piece may not be repeated. Admission is free, and the final round is streamed live.

Prizes

First Prize$10,000

Second$5,000

Third$2,500

Fourth$1,250

Plus $500 for the best interpretation of the competition set piece, and a $500 travel stipend for every semi-finalist.

What the judges listen for

Informed musicality
Artistic insight
Creativity
Phrasing, articulation, rhythm, and timbre
Technical refinement
Stage presence and poise

Twelve judges confirmed so far, with Jason Vieaux heading the jury and Frederic Hand joining as composer of the 2027 set piece. Round assignments to be announced.

Meng SuChina

Mengya TianChina / USA

Round assignments will be announced closer to the competition. See the History section for past panels.

Meet the judges

Jason Vieaux — Grammy-winning guitarist, described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.” Head of guitar at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Meng Su — First-prize winner at the GFA International Concert Artist Competition and the Tokyo International Guitar Competition.

Edith Pageaud — First prize at the 2023 Roland Dyens International Competition and the Florence International Guitar Competition; Guitare Classique’s Révélation of the year.

Jonathan Leathwood — Teaching Professor at Denver University’s Lamont School of Music; Classical Guitar called him “a genius.”

Kevin Loh — Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music; 1st prizes at multiple 2023 competitions including the GFA International Youth Competition.

Stephen Aron — Described by the New York Times as “cultivated and musical;” performs throughout the US, Canada, and Europe.

Frederic Hand — Guitarist and lutenist of the Metropolitan Opera since 1984; composer of the 2027 set piece.

Christoph Harlan — Founder of the guitar degree programs at the Cleveland Institute of Music; a returning member of the jury.

Mari Sato — Second violinist of the Cavani String Quartet for twenty-four years; chamber musician based in Cleveland.

René Izquierdo — Cuban-born guitarist and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Çelil Refik Kaya — Guitarist, composer, and youngest-ever winner of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition.

Mengya Tian — First prize and Audience Choice Award at the Dallas International Guitar Competition; doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin with Adam Holzman.