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Competition

Boston GuitarFest XX

The BGFest XX Academy Performance Competition is open to participants enrolled in the Boston GuitarFest XX Academy program.

Rules

  • First round: Participants must submit a video made specifically for the BGFest XX Academy Performance Competition. A legible poster (or a sign) with the words "2025 Boston GuitarFest XX Competition" must also be visible behind you for the duration of the video. Candidates should introduce themselves and the pieces they will play at the beginning of the recording. The verbal introduction must include the following sentence: "This is my recording for the 2025 Boston GuitarFest XX Academy, round 1, performance competition."
    • Repertoire: Two contrasting pieces from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries (total duration: 12 to 15 minutes)
    • Video Requirements: The recording must consist of one uninterrupted, unedited take with clear audio and image quality from a fixed camera position, preferably straight in front of the performer. The performer’s face, hands, and the entire guitar should be clearly visible in the video. Please note that a poster (or a sign) with the words "2025 Boston GuitarFest XX Competition" must be visible behind you for the duration of the video.
    • Video submission deadline: May 1st, 2025.
    • Finalists will be announced on: May 31st, 2025 (or before).
  • Second/Final Round: The four finalists must select a new program (not including works performed in the first round) exhibiting a variety of musical styles of their choice, about 20 minutes duration. The final round will be held live on June 11th, 2025, at 7:30pm, in Cambridge, MA, at the Foundry. The Final Round will be the concluding event of the first day of the Festival and is open to the public.
  • The decisions of the jury are final.
  • The first prize winner will perform a solo recital (20-30 minute duration) as part of the closing concert and event of Boston GuitarFest on Sunday, June 15th, 2025, at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 2nd Street, Cambridge, MA.

Boston GuitarFest XX Competition Prizes

First Prize

  • Solo recital on June 15th, 2025
  • Boston GuitarFest Performance Competition Prize
  • Cash prize of $2500
  • Augustine Strings and Additional Merchandise TBD

Second Prize

  • $1000 Cash Prize
  • Augustine Strings and Additional Merchandise TBD

Third Prize

  • $500 Cash Prize
  • Augustine Strings and Additional Merchandise TBD