Ciga Junior
CIGA Junior – Competition for Young Guitarists
The Alhambra Guitars Foundation announces the 12th Alhambra International Guitar Competition for Young Players (CIGA Junior) with the aim of encouraging talent and artistic vocation among young guitarists.
It will take place from November 21 to 22, 2025, at the “Óscar Esplá” Higher Conservatory of Music in Alicante (Spain), featuring an online preliminary round and an in-person final open to the public.
A competition that not only awards prizes, but also helps launch careers.
2025 Edition: key dates and categories
- Registration and video submission: until October 24, 2025 at 23:59 (GMT)
- Preliminary round (online): evaluation during the last week of October
- Announcement of finalists: early November
- Official presentation: Friday, November 21
- In-person final and awards ceremony: Saturday, November 22, Alicante
Age categories
- Category A: up to 13 years old
- Category B: up to 17 years old
- Category C: up to 24 years old
Free choice piece, inspiration, and creativity
Each participant may present a free repertoire according to their category. The goal is to reward not only technique, but also expressiveness, character, and artistic personality.
- Performance from memory (optional in Category A)
- Pieces cannot be repeated between rounds
- Maximum durations:
- A: 5 min per round
- B: 7 min preliminary / 15 min final
- C: 8 min preliminary / 20 min final
Rules and participation requirements
Who can participate
- Guitarists of any nationality
- Who have not won First Prize in their category in previous editions
- Who do not exceed the age limit on October 24, 2025
Technical requirements for the video
- Original recording, without cuts or editing
- Verbal introduction at the beginning (name, date, reason, pieces)
- Video link included in the registration form
Documentation and authorizations
- Rights transfer forms (minors and adults)
- Copies of the scores to be performed (3 copies per piece)
Prizes by category
Category A
- 1st Prize: diploma + €150 + 50% discount on Alhambra guitar + RC Strings materials
- 2nd Prize: diploma + €100 + 35% discount + RC Strings materials
- 3rd Prize: diploma + 25% discount + RC Strings materials
- 1st Prize: diploma + €250 + 50% discount + €100 in RC Strings + masterclass scholarship at José Tomás Festival 2026
- 2nd Prize: diploma + €150 + 35% discount + €50 in RC Strings
- 3rd Prize: diploma + €100 + 25% discount + €50 in RC Strings
- 1st Prize: diploma + €500 + Alhambra Guitars Artist title + 6 international concerts + professional video recording + masterclass scholarship + 50% discount + €100 RC Strings
- 2nd Prize: diploma + €250 + 35% discount + €50 RC Strings
- 3rd Prize: diploma + €150 + 25% discount + €50 RC Strings
Closing ceremony and awards presentation
The Final and the Awards Ceremony will take place on November 22 at 8:30 PM at the Óscar Esplá Conservatory in Alicante.
Attendance is mandatory for the winners unless a valid justification is provided. The final day is open to the public and may be recorded and broadcast.
Do you want to participate or collaborate?
Contact for questions and information: dartistico@fundacionalhambraguitarras.org