Call for applications to 2020 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition

International classical guitarists to compete in Buffalo for prestigious top prize June 3-6

The JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition and its co-presenters, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and WNED | WBFO, are calling for classical guitarists from around the world to submit application materials for the 2020 competition, set for June 3-6,. As previously announced, renowned concert guitarists Joanne Castellani and Michael Andriaccio will return as artistic directors. Judges for the 2020 competition include Castellani and Andriaccio, along with guitar masters Rene Izquierdo, Martha Masters, Judicael Perroy, Berta Rojas and Raphaella Smits.

Named in honor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s music director, the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition has been produced by WNED | WBFO and the BPO since 2004. A biennial event, the competition encourages talented young classical guitarists and helps them on their musical journeys.

Interested applicants should submit an application form and supporting materials online at www.bpo.org/guitar-competition. All applicants will be blindly evaluated by the judging panel in this preliminary round. Each applicant must submit a high quality, unedited mp3 audio file of up to two concerto selections from the repertoire listed in the application form. In addition, each applicant must include one work, up to five minutes in length, from a live public performance, and another program of their own choosing, a minimum of five minutes and a maximum of eight minutes in length. Application deadline for receipt of all materials is 5 p.m. April 1.

The semifinals of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition will take place in the WNED-TV Studios in downtown Buffalo on June 3-4, with the finals being held at Kleinhans Music Hall on June 6. The semifinals will be broadcast live on Classical 94.5 WNED and streamed online at wned.org, as well as the WNED Facebook and YouTube pages. 

The 2020 first-place winner will receive a $12,500 cash prize and a return engagement with the BPO. Second prize receives $3,500 while third prize receives $1,500, with both honorees receiving a medal of recognition.

For more information, visit:

• Website: www.bpo.org/guitar-competition 
• Facebook: joann falletta international guitar concerto competition
• Twitter: @bporchestra @classicalwned
• Instagram: @buffalophilharmonicorchetra @wnedtv
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/wnedwbfo