Transilvania International Guitar Festival

26/08/2025

✨ Introducing Vajda Beáta & Vass Lőrincz Júlia: A Promising Guitar Duo ✨

We are delighted to present Vajda Beáta and Vass Lőrincz Júlia, a classical guitar duo formed in 2022 at the “Gheorghe Dima” National Academy of Music in Cluj-Napoca. Their shared passion for the guitar and dedication to musical expression bring depth, elegance, and emotion to every performance.

🌟 Vajda Beáta began studying guitar at the age of 11 at the “Dr. Palló Imre” School of Arts. She is a laureate of numerous competitions, has taken part in prestigious masterclasses, and since 2017 has performed regularly at the Harmonia Cordis International Guitar Festival. She currently studies under Professors Dr. Beke István Ferenc and Dr. Constantin Andrei.

🌟 Vass Lőrincz Júlia discovered her love for music in the 5th grade at the School of Arts in Târgu Mureș. Over the years, she has won prizes in various competitions and refined her skills in masterclasses with renowned artists. She now continues her studies at the “Gheorghe Dima” Academy under Professors Beke István Ferenc, Constantin Andrei, and Gliga Tudor.

Together, Beáta and Júlia form a duo that blends technical mastery with artistic sensitivity, offering audiences a unique and captivating experience.

📅 Join us on Wednesday, August 27th, 2025 for an unforgettable evening of classical guitar!

🎸

26/08/2025

✨ Sophia Erdei: Romania’s Emerging Guitar Talent ✨

We are thrilled to present Sophia Erdei, a talented classical guitarist whose musical journey began at just 8 years old at the Popular Art School “Tudor Jarda” in Cluj-Napoca. Guided by esteemed mentors like Ștefan Trifan, Andras Moldovan, and Mădălin Nedelcu, Sophia has developed a distinctive musical voice, combining precision, passion, and expressive depth.

🌟 Over the years, she has attended masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Anton Baranov, Mateusz Kowalski, Máximo Diego Pujol, Alexis Muzurakis, and Giulia Ballaré, further enriching her artistry.

🏆 Sophia has earned numerous top prizes, including:
• 1st Prize – Szeged International Guitar Competition, Hungary (2022)
• 1st Prize – Kirov Guitar Competition “A. Matyaev”, Russia (2022)
• 1st Prize – Rust International Guitar Competition “Alirio Diaz”, Austria (2023)
• 1st Prize – Transilvania Youth Guitar Competition, Romania (2023 & 2024)

Sophia’s performances captivate audiences with a blend of technical mastery and heartfelt musical expression, marking her as one of Romania’s brightest emerging talents in classical guitar.

📅 Join us on Wednesday, August 27th, 2025, for a mesmerizing evening of guitar music!

🎸💫

22/08/2025

21/08/2025

✨🏆 Presenting the Trophy of the 23rd Transilvania International Guitar Festival 🎶🎸

We are delighted to reveal the distinguished trophy that will be awarded to the winner of the 23rd edition of the Transilvania International Guitar Festival.

Conceived and crafted by the acclaimed artist Ovidiu Guleș, this remarkable creation transcends the idea of a traditional prize. Designed in the spirit of music and shaped with artistic mastery, it reflects both the festival’s heritage and the timeless bond between sound and form.

🎨 Each line and contour of this guitar-inspired sculpture embodies the dedication of the sculptor and the essence of artistry that TIGF celebrates. More than an award, it is a lasting emblem of passion, creativity, and excellence.

🌟 Alongside this unique trophy, the Grand Prize winner will also receive a custom-built guitar by master luthier Slavko Mrdalj — two symbols of achievement, craftsmanship, and musical brilliance.

Join us in celebrating the meeting of music and art at TIGF 2025!

19/08/2025

We are pleased to announce that the registration deadline for the Transilvania International Guitar Festival 2025 has been extended. This offers participants a final opportunity to secure their place in the competitions and masterclasses.

🎶 Whether you are a solo guitarist or part of a chamber ensemble, TIGF provides a unique platform to showcase your artistry, learn from renowned masters, and connect with fellow musicians from around the world.

🗓️ New Application Deadline: 22.08.2025

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this prestigious event. Register now through our website 👉 https://www.transilvaniaguitar.ro/home

01/08/2025

It is a privilege to welcome Joaquín Clerch to the 2025 edition of the Transilvania International Guitar Festival — a distinguished artist whose presence lends depth and refinement to this year’s celebration.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Clerch studied guitar, composition, and music before continuing his education at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg under Eliot Fisk, Anthony Spiri, and Nikolaus Harnoncourt. His exceptional talent was quickly recognized: he graduated with distinction and received the Austrian Federal Ministry’s award for outstanding artistic achievement.

A prizewinner at the ARD Competition in Munich, the Andres Segovia in Granada, and several other major international events, Clerch has since performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Konzerthaus in Vienna, and Radio France in Paris. He has collaborated as a soloist with leading orchestras such as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg.

Since 1999, he has served as Professor of Guitar at the Robert Schumann University in Düsseldorf, shaping generations of successful guitarists. His students continue to receive top accolades and hold teaching positions around the world.

Also an accomplished composer, Joaquín Clerch’s works and recordings—particularly his interpretations of Leo Brouwer and Carlos Fariñas, with whom he studied—have earned him critical acclaim, including the Echo Prize and Cuba Disco Award.

It will be a pleasure to have him in Cluj this summer — as a masterful performer, a celebrated teacher, and one of the great voices in the classical guitar world today.

30/07/2025

🎶 We are happy to welcome Nikolay Mihaylov to the 23rd edition of the Transilvania International Guitar Festival!

Born in 1988 in Pleven, Bulgaria, Nikolay Mihaylov is a classical guitarist, educator, and cultural organizer, widely recognized for his work in music education and festival leadership.

He teaches classical guitar, chamber music, and ensemble performance at the National School of Arts “Panayot Pipkov” in Pleven, where he also serves as Deputy Director for Educational and Creative Activities.

Mihaylov is the founder and artistic director of the Pleven International Guitar Festival, one of the most influential guitar events in Europe, attracting artists, teachers, and young talents from across the continent.

As a performer, masterclass teacher, and jury member, he is regularly invited to international festivals and competitions throughout Europe. His students have received top prizes in Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Croatia.

Beyond the stage, Mihaylov has also worked in film music and sound design, with his work recognized at festivals such as In the Palace, Jameson Short Film Festival, and NBU Film Festival.

He has received numerous distinctions, including Bulgaria’s Golden Age Honorary Badge (Gold) from the Ministry of Culture, the "Young Leaders of Pleven" Award, the Lions Club International Award, and most recently, the Premio Docente Virtuoso in Italy and a Diploma for Excellence in Pedagogy in Bulgaria (2025).

We are proud to have him join us at TIGF 2025 — an accomplished teacher, performer, and driving force behind classical guitar education and culture.

29/07/2025

🎸 Exciting News from TIGF 2025! 🎶

We are thrilled to announce the two prestigious competitions taking place during this year’s Transilvania International Guitar Festival:

Dumitru Capoianu Competition – Dedicated to professional guitarists, this competition features 7 categories, with the final category open to participants of all ages. The grand prize for this category is an exceptional handcrafted guitar by Slavko Mrdalj, valued at €5,000. Additional prizes across the other categories total €2,000.

Mihai Babii Competition – Open to all lovers of classical guitar, this competition welcomes amateurs of every level. There are 6 categories, with the last category having no age limit.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a passionate amateur, TIGF 2025 offers a unique opportunity to showcase your talent and connect with the classical guitar community.

🌐 For more information and registration, visit: https://www.transilvaniaguitar.ro/home



We look forward to seeing you at TIGF 2025! 🎵✨

29/07/2025

We are honored to welcome Raphaella Smits , a distinguished guitarist renowned worldwide for her masterful performances on eight-string guitars and historical instruments, to the 23rd edition of the Transilvania International Guitar Festival.

She has been praised as ‘an uncommonly musical guitarist’ (Tim Page, New York Times), ‘Une Grande Musicienne’ and ‘one of the most sensitive and cultured performers of our time’ (Jean Bernard, Diapason, FR).
In 2019, she received a unique award "Por su aporte a la Guitarra y la Cultura" in Argentina at the Festival Guitarras del Mundo.

In addition to stage-work, Raphaella Smits has realized 25 albums, many of which are listed as indispensable to refined music lovers. To this day, she continues to produce new, valuable recordings.

Raphaella Smits is widely acclaimed as an inspiring pedagogue for both guitar and chamber music. She taught at the Lemmens Institute / LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, Belgium, from 1986 to 2022. Now, she continues to give regular masterclasses in Europe, in North and South America, and in Japan.

Organizers of international music competitions request Raphaella as a member or as president of the jury because of her exceptional and unbiased judgment and her empathetic afterthoughts with the candidates.

Raphaella studied classical music at the Royal Conservatories of Antwerp and Brussels. Simultaneously she went to José Tomàs to perfect her playing at the "Catedra Andrès Segovia" in Spain. At that time she already gave her first concerts and became a convincing advocate for the eight-string guitar.

In 1986 Raphaella Smits was the first woman to win the first prize of the "XX Certamen Internacional de Guitarra Francisco Tarrega", the famous international guitar competition in Benicasim, Spain. That victory confirmed the progression of a successfully started career, after previous prizes in competitions in Granada and Palma de Mallorca.
The jury presidents, Segovia and Narciso Yepes, both expressed their admiration for Raphaella's musicality and prophetically espressed confidence in her future achievements.

We are excited to witness Raphaella Smits’ extraordinary musicianship at TIGF 2025. Join us to experience her captivating performances and take part in her inspiring masterclasses — a unique opportunity for all participants to deepen their artistry under her guidance.

26/07/2025

We are delighted to announce that Ema Kapor will be joining us as a guest artist at the 23rd edition of the Transilvania International Guitar Festival, held this August in Cluj-Napoca!

A distinguished young guitarist from Serbia, Ema Kapor has established herself as one of the most promising talents of her generation. Her musical education began in Belgrade, where she studied under Professor Boris Đujić, followed by advanced training at the Koblenz International Guitar Academy with Hubert Käppel. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree at the Cologne University of Music and Dance and later completed her Master’s degree with highest honors at the Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf, studying with Professor Joaquín Clerch.

Throughout her career, Ema has received more than 40 awards at national and international competitions. Recent highlights include first prizes at the José Tomás Villa de Petrer Festival in Spain, Forum Gitarre Wien, and the Nürtingen International Guitar Festival in Germany — major achievements that reflect both her artistry and dedication.

As a performer, Ema has appeared on stages across Europe, with solo recitals in Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Austria, Greece, and beyond. She is also active in chamber music, performing as part of the Kapor-Okanović Duo and the Rheinsaiten Quartet.

Her refined technique, musical sensitivity, and expressive style make her a standout voice on today’s classical guitar scene. She performs on a Paco Santiago Marin guitar and is a proud D’Addario artist.

We look forward to welcoming Ema to Cluj-Napoca this summer and sharing her artistry with our festival audience!

📅 More updates coming soon — follow us at www.transilvaniaguitar.ro

25/07/2025

🎶 We are pleased to welcome Belmin Okanović as a guest artist at the 23rd edition of the Transilvania International Guitar Festival, taking place this August in Cluj-Napoca!

A rising figure on the international classical guitar scene, Belmin studied under Prof. Joaquín Clerch at the Robert Schumann Hochschule in Düsseldorf, where he completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with distinction — earning top marks and special recognition for his achievements.

With over 30 international prizes to his name, Belmin has distinguished himself in competitions across Europe. Among his most notable recent accomplishments are the First Prize at the Miguel Llobet Competition in Barcelona (2023) and the First Prize at the International Guitar Festival in Mottola, Italy, which led to the recording and release of his debut solo album in early 2023.

He has performed widely, captivating audiences in Germany, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Poland, and across the Balkans. His upcoming engagements include concerts in Argentina and Chile, further affirming his growing international presence.

Belmin’s expressive playing, musical maturity, and dedication to his craft have earned him recognition not only from the guitar world but also from institutions such as the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation and the German Deutschlandstipendium. He currently performs on a handcrafted instrument by Paco Santiago Marin.

We are truly excited to host such a passionate and accomplished young artist and look forward to welcoming him to the TIGF stage this summer.

🎟️ Stay tuned for more artist announcements and updates at www.transilvaniaguitar.ro

24/07/2025

It is with great pleasure that we announce the presence of Duo Zaher , the remarkable twin sisters Sara and Sanaz Zaher, at the 23rd edition of the Transilvania International Guitar Festival in Cluj-Napoca.

Graduates of the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), where they studied under Prof. Jorgos Panetsos, the duo continued their artistic development through postgraduate studies in Performance and Ensemble Playing. Their refined musicianship and captivating stage presence have earned them international acclaim.

Duo Zaher’s performances span a wide range of repertoire — from Renaissance works to contemporary pieces — and have brought them to prestigious stages in Mexico, Thailand, Nepal, Austria, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Spain, and Iran. Their collaborations with cultural institutions such as the Vienna Konzerthaus, Kunsthalle Wien, Wiener Musikverein, and the Austrian Cultural Forum in Tehran stand as a testament to their growing artistic influence.

They are also frequent guests as jury members and masterclass instructors at leading festivals and institutions worldwide, including Forum Gitarre Wien (Austria), the Asia International Festival (Thailand), the Conservatorio de Música de Chihuahua (Mexico), and the Kathmandu International Guitar Festival (Nepal).

In the 2025/2026 season, Duo Zaher will be featured in several major festivals across Europe and Asia, and will return to perform at the Wiener Musikverein and Vienna Konzerthaus.

Their competitive record includes top prizes at:
🎖 Grand Prix – Vienna International Artists Competition (Austria)
🥇 1st Prize – Florence International Guitar Competition (Italy)
🥇 1st Prize – Transilvania International Guitar Competition (Romania)
🥈 2nd Prize – Veria International Guitar Competition (Greece)
🥉 3rd Prize – Joaquín Rodrigo International Guitar Competition (Poland)

Sara and Sanaz Zaher perform on guitars by Paco Santiago Marin and are proud members of the Thomastik-Infeld Artist Family.

We look forward to welcoming them to Cluj-Napoca for a performance that promises elegance, intensity, and artistic finesse.