Luxembourg Guitar Festival finds its perfect rhythm

Julio Robles International Classical Guitar Competition winner - © Paulo Lobo

The Luxembourg Guitar Festival has officially wrapped up its fifth edition, and if this year proved anything, it’s that classical guitar in Luxembourg is not a niche curiosity quietly tucked into conservatory corridors. It’s growing into a serious cultural force.

Across two packed weekends in May, the festival transformed the Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg, Philharmonie Luxembourg, and the Centre Culturel de Bonnevoie into hubs for guitar lovers, students, educators, international competitors, and curious newcomers alike.

The stats

More than 300 spectators packed out the sold-out recital by acclaimed Spanish virtuoso Ricardo Gallén at the Philharmonie, while 100 attendees filled the hall for the final of the International Classical Guitar Competition.

Over 80 participants took part in masterclasses ranging from emerging students to seasoned professionals, and dozens more attended conferences, exhibitions, and training sessions throughout the festival.

What makes the Luxembourg Guitar Festival particularly fascinating is that it has quietly built an international reputation in a remarkably short time.

Launched only in 2022, the event has evolved into a recognised stop on the European classical guitar circuit, attracting competitors and artists from across the globe. This year’s international competition alone featured 29 candidates from 20 countries spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Meanwhile, the National Youth Competition showcased the next generation of local talent, with 34 young guitarists representing eight Luxembourg conservatories and music schools. It’s exactly this balance between elite international artistry and grassroots musical development that gives the festival its identity.

Participants of National Youth Competition - © Paulo Lobo

The competition results

Mexican guitarist Julio Robles claimed first prize in the International Classical Guitar Competition, taking home the €4,000 City of Luxembourg Prize. Second place went to Yuheng Zhou from China, while Ukrainian guitarist Stanislav Steshenko not only secured third prize but also won the audience award, suggesting his performances may have left one of the strongest emotional impressions of the entire festival. Fourth prize was awarded to Iranian guitarist Amir Hossein Sheybani.

But beyond the rankings and prizes, the real success story may be the atmosphere the festival has managed to create.

Unlike many classical music events that can sometimes feel intimidatingly formal, the Luxembourg Guitar Festival has carved out something more open and community-driven.

Students were able to learn directly from internationally respected musicians. Teachers participated in continuing education sessions. Guitar makers and luthiers shared their craft. Audiences could attend world-class performances one moment and informal educational sessions the next. It’s a rare ecosystem where performance, education, craftsmanship, and accessibility all coexist.

The festival’s artistic directors, Hany Heshmat and Josip Dragnić, deserve considerable credit for that. Their programming continues to strike a careful balance between prestige and participation, bringing internationally recognised talent to Luxembourg while also nurturing the local guitar scene from the ground up.

The Luxembourg Guitar Festival has established itself as something genuinely distinctive: an event with serious artistic credibility that still feels welcoming and accessible.

And judging by this year’s turnout, it’s only getting bigger.

The 6th edition of the festival is already scheduled for May 2027.

For more information head to the website guitarfestival.lu