
PROGRAM
TAIGF Competition 2025
A Competition Like No Other
About the competition
The Tino Andersen International Guitar Festival (TAIGF) 2025 is set to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together world-class guitarists, legendary artists, and an unforgettable competition format that redefines what it means to "win."
This year, we are raising the bar with a new structure designed to celebrate all competitors, not just a few winners.

The Rounds
Preliminary video round:
1st February - 25th July
Follow rules listen here
Eliminatory Round
8th - 9th October 2025 - Greig Hall, Bergen Norway
10 minutes free choice repertoire
Semi Final
10th October 2025 - Hotel Kviknes, Balestrand, Norway
12 Competitors
15 minutes free choice - Contrasting Styles
Final
11th October 2025 - Hotel Kviknes, Balestrand, Norway
4 Competitors
35 minutes free choice
Music must be from varied time periods and styles
1 piece from first round may be repeated
The Prizes
First Prize
100 000 NOK (Approx. 9,000 Euros)
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A minimum of 5 concerts, including multiple in Norway and one at the next TAIGF.
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Professional video production with Pix Audio in London (can be published on their channels, private channels, or TAIGF's channels).
Second Prize
40 000 NOK (Approx. 3,600 Euros)
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3 concerts in Norway.
Third Prize
30 000 NOK (Approx. 2,700 Euros)
Fourth Prize
20 000 NOK (Approx. 1,800 Euros)
Audience Prize
10 000 NOK (Approx. 900 Euros)
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Symbolic of audience members voting and their participation.
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May be awarded to any participant from any round.
Youth Prize
10 000 NOK (Approx. 900 Euros)
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For participants aged up to 23 years (no guitar prize).
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May be awarded to any participant from any round.
Best Norwegian Performer
6 500 NOK
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May be awarded to any norwegian participant from any round.
40th - 1st Place Prize
All participants who place in the top 40 will receive an exclusive fjord cruise experience to witness the semifinals and finals of the TAIGF competition in Balestrand, Sognefjorden(known as the longest fjord in the world, stretches over 200 kilometers into the heart of Norway's majestic landscape)
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Fjord Cruise from Bergen to Balestrand and Back:
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Departure: Early Friday, October 10th, 2025.
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Return: Sunday, October 12th, 2025, around noon.
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Two Nights at Kviknes Hotel:
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Accommodation and meals included (excluding alcohol).
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Opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery and unique atmosphere of Sognefjorden.
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Semifinals and Finals Access:
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Attend the semifinals and finals of the TAIGF competition.
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*Additional Notes:
Participants must arrange and cover their own flights to Bergen and accommodation in Bergen for the rest of the festival/competition period.
About Kviknes Hotel:
Located in Balestrand by the Sognefjord, Kviknes Hotel is renowned for its rich history and beautiful surroundings. Recently, it was honored with the "Best Historic Resort Worldwide" award during the Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence 2024.
This iconic hotel, with roots dating back to the 19th century, combines timeless charm and modern amenities, offering breathtaking views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
We are pleased to offer an exclusive experience for the top 40 participants, made possible by the generous support of Tertnes Holding.
How to Enter
To qualify, competitors must submit a preliminary round video via YouTube or Instagram, including one required piece:
Manuel de Falla – Homenaje
Submissions open February 1st and close July 25th.
This is your chance to compete at the highest level, be part of a global guitar community, and experience Norway’s breathtaking landscapes.
Competition Rules
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Entries for preliminary rounds will be open from 01/02/2025 to 25/07/2025
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Entries and fees submitted after this date may be considered but the festival board reserve the right to refuse entry on grounds of timetabling availability
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The competition is open to participants of all ages
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Individuals who already hold university level teaching positions are not eligible to compete
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No set pieces in main competition. (Only Homenaje - M. deFalla, in Preliminary round)
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We reserve the right to change the time of individuals performances to facilitate fair rest for the jury
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All rounds are open to the public
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Juries are comprised of eminent international and Norwegian guitarists and musicians
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No more than one piece played in the eliminatory round may be replayed in the final round. Pieces may not be repeated in the Semi Final Round.
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The performance length will be counted from the beginning of first piece to the end of the last piece, including intermissions and tuning
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Prizes may not be exchanged for money
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Prize money will be payed out in NOK and will follow norwegian tax regulations

NEWSLETTER