This highly esteemed annual event has served as a springboard for numerous up-and-coming artists globally, including South Korean virtuoso Deion Cho, who earned the top prize in 2023.
The Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition has provided career-launching opportunities for ten incredible young guitarists.
Previous winners:
Jin-Hee Kim (South Korea) 2010
Andrey Lebedev (Australia) 2012
Bogdan Mihailescu (Romania) 2014
Marko Topchii (Ukraine) 2016
Miles Johnston (Australia) 2018
Andrew Blanch (Australia) 2019
Pietro Locatto (Italy) 2020
Pavel Ralev (Bulgaria) 2021
Connor Whyte (Australia) 2022
Deion Cho (South Korea) 2023.
Our Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition returns 2024 with a refreshed audition process and guidelines now available. Applications will open from Wednesday 31 January 2024 and close on Wednesday 3 April 2024. The Competition Final will be held on Sunday 15 September in 2024.
2024 Audition Repertoire
- J. S. Bach - Prelude from Suite in E Minor, BWV 996
- Ross Edwards - Blackwattle Caprices: II. Vivace (available for hire or purchase here .)
- Up to 6 minutes of free choice pieces
Prizes
All prizes are funded by the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.
First Prize
- AUD $10,000 prize money
- A Jim Redgate Guitar, valued at AUD $23,000
- An invitation to perform at the next Adelaide Guitar Festival (including all travel expenses)
Second Prize
- AUD $4,000 prize money
Third Prize
- AUD $2,000 prize money
Competition Timeline
- NOVEMBER 2023 – Repertoire announced
- JANUARY 2024 – Audition Round Opens (Online only)
- APRIL 2024 – Audition Round Closes
- MAY 2024 – Semi-Finalists announced
- SEPTEMBER 2024 – Final rounds held in person as part of Adelaide Guitar Festival
The Classical Guitar Competition is proudly supported by Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation. You can support the work of the Foundation in delivering youth and education programs and career development opportunities.
For further information, please email guitar.festival@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Image: Deion Cho - winner of the 2023 Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition.
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