2026 Adult Competition

Eligibility

The competition is open to students and players aged 18 or older on 1 January 2026, not represented by professional management, and residing in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Northwest Territories, Oregon, Washington,  and Yukon. Eligibility on these criteria is subject to the discretion of the organizing board. Previous 1st prize-winners are not eligible.

All competition repertoire is free choice but must be performed on an unamplified classical guitar.

Preliminary Round:

Adult competitors must submit the following to the festival director by email (sfarinto@uvic.ca) NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND, 2026 to be considered for entry into the competition:
1) A link to video of any two pieces in contrasting styles not to exceed 10 minutes total. Recording must be made within the last calendar year, unedited, and clearly display the applicant from head to toe throughout.

2) A proposed final round program of no more than twenty minutes of music.

3) Contact information, including name, phone number, physical address and email address.

Semi-Finals:

Semi-finalists will be notified of their advancement no later than March 1st, 2026. Semi-finalists will perform a program not to exceed 8 minutes before a live audience and jury (exact date and location TBA).

Finals:

Four finalists will be chosen to perform their maximum twenty minute programs before a live audience and jury (exact date and location TBA).

Additional rules:

Competition participants may submit application materials for the online preliminary round free of charge. Competitors advancing to the semifinals must register for the festival no later than March 8th, 2026. (Registration details to be announced soon.)

Competitors may repeat repertoire between rounds without penalty. Time constraints will be observed strictly from the end of the repertoire announcement. Any competitor still playing at the eight minute mark in the semifinal round will be interrupted without penalty. Finalists must keep to their twenty minute limit.

All decisions made by the competition jury are final and not subject to appeal.

Prizes may be vacated at the judges’ discretion.

1st Prize – $1000 CAD

2nd Prize – $500 CAD

3rd Prize – $300 CAD

4th Prize – $200 CAD