Eligibility:
The Youth competition is to open guitarists under the age of 18 on June 30th, 2026 (as long as the competitor has not reached the age of 18 as of June 30th 2026, they are eligible) and residing in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. 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:
Youth competitors or their parents 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 a video of any two pieces in contrasting styles not to exceed ten 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 no more than twelve minutes of music.
3) Contact information: Parent name, phone number, physical address and email address; along with the competitor’s name.
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 eight minutes before a live audience and jury at the festival (details TBA).
Finals:
Three finalists will be chosen to perform their maximum twelve minute programs before before a live audience and jury at the festival (details 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. (More details on registration TBA). Youth participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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 twelve 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 – $300 CAD
2nd Prize – $200 CAD
3rd Prize – $100 CAD
March 20-22, 2026 