Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Madrid

The 8th Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Madrid takes place from 5 May to 14 June 2026, with a programme of concerts, masterclasses and a competition spread across several venues in the capital. This year's edition looks at the guitar as a classical, popular and contemporary instrument, with international names and a clear educational focus.

Featured artists

• David Russell
• Pablo Sáinz-Villegas
• Rafael Aguirre
• Dúo Anaura, with Laura Verdugo del Rey and Anabel Montesinos.
• Dúo Melis, made up of Susana Prieto and Alexis Muzurakis.

Main venues

• Auditorio Nacional de Música
• Ateneo de Madrid
• Other cultural venues linked to the festival programme.

The event reaches its eighth edition with a very recognisable idea: to position Madrid as a meeting point for top-level guitarists while also opening the instrument up to new audiences. The combination of concerts and masterclasses means the festival is not limited to recitals, but also works as a space for learning and professional contact.

Why it matters on the Madrid calendar

Although its profile is more classical than that of pop or indie festivals, the Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Madrid fits well within the spring music offering. The Spanish guitar still carries touristic, heritage and contemporary significance, and the festival makes the most of that crossover with a programme ranging from chamber repertoire to major international performers.

For those looking for live music plans in Madrid, the final stretch of the festival offers a chance to look beyond the big venues. The Ateneo and the Auditorio Nacional provide a different setting, more attentive to sonic detail and listening, something especially valuable in a month packed with concerts and open-air series.

Practical information

• Dates: from 5 May to 14 June 2026.
• City: Madrid.
• Format: concerts, masterclasses and competition.
• Tickets: available through the festival's official channels.

How to plan your visit to the Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Madrid

As the programme is spread over several weeks, the best approach is to choose specific concerts and check the venue, time and ticket availability before finalising your plans. The Ateneo de Madrid and the Auditorio Nacional de Música work very differently: the former offers a more intimate experience, while the latter brings scale and a symphonic setting.

Tips for attendees

• Buy tickets in advance for concerts by the best-known performers.
• Check the exact venue, as the festival is spread across different spaces.
• Arrive with time to spare at auditorium events to avoid a rushed entry.
• Look into the masterclasses and competition if you want a more educational experience.

The 2026 edition is particularly interesting for audiences who want to discover the guitar beyond the usual repertoire. The combination of recitals, duos, masterclasses and competition offers a way into the instrument through listening, technique and training.