The 12th edition of the Alhambra International Guitar Competition for Juniors (CIGA Junior), held on November 21 and 22, 2025, at the “Óscar Esplá” Superior Conservatory of Music in Alicante, was a vibrant celebration of young talent and the future of the classical guitar. A total of 67 guitarists from 25 countries came together to share their music, technique, and passion in a competition that continues to establish itself as one of the most important international events for young performers.
The event opened with a concert by guitarist Paco Seco, whose unique stage presence and unmistakable style—a highly personal fusion of classical and flamenco he calls “Guitarra Andaluza”—captivated the audience from the very first chord. His colorful, vibrant sound and extraordinary technique offered a brilliant start to the weekend and left a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
Saturday's schedule was filled with musical and educational activity. The final rounds of the three competition categories took place throughout the day, showcasing the high technical and artistic level of the twenty finalists. Each performance was a testament to the preparation, maturity, and deep musicality of the young guitarists on stage.
The jury, made up of distinguished figures from the guitar world, played a key role in evaluating the participants with both expertise and sensitivity. The preliminary round jury included Giovanni Grano (Italy), Pepe Payá (Spain), and Wolfgang Weigel (Germany). For the final round, the panel expanded to include Joe Ott (Cuba), Mª Esther Guzmán (Spain), and Paco Seco (Spain), with Pepe Payá and Wolfgang Weigel continuing their participation. Their dedication and professional insight were essential in maintaining the high standards and fairness of the competition.
In parallel, guitarist Alejandro Hurtado offered a highly anticipated masterclass. Considered one of the most acclaimed guitarists in Spain today, his unique style—a sophisticated blend of flamenco and classical—deeply impressed both professionals and enthusiasts. The session delved into the foundations of flamenco technique adapted to the classical guitar, becoming a true lesson in artistry and wisdom that was widely appreciated.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the educational project “Pepita. My First Guitar”, an initiative by Alhambra Guitars focused on the early stages of musical learning. Designed for children aged 5 to 9, this guitar stands out for its ergonomic design, colorful and engaging appearance, and high sound quality thanks to carefully selected tonewoods. The presentation was a resounding success and a clear example of how innovation and pedagogy can work hand in hand to shape future generations of guitarists.
The closing concert, performed by young American guitarist Kyle Khembunjong, brought the event to an elegant and moving conclusion. His command of the instrument, refined stage presence, and technical mastery across a wide range of styles offered a rich palette of colors and timbres that left the audience enthralled. It was a brilliant ending to a memorable edition.
Among the winners, Gwenyth Aggeler, also from the United States, stood out by earning First Prize in Category C. Her performance displayed a remarkable balance of technique, musicality, and tonal beauty. The jury highlighted her deep musical understanding, expressive capacity, and artistic projection, all of which point to a very promising career. Gwenyth was named Alhambra Guitars – Young Artist, a distinction awarded by the Fundación Alhambra Guitarras to exceptionally talented young musicians. As part of this honor, she will embark on an international tour with concerts in Europe and the United States, along with other valuable opportunities for professional development.
During the awards ceremony, several key figures took the floor to reflect on the spirit of the event: José Botella, President of the Fundación Guitarras Alhambra; José Luis Ruiz del Puerto, Artistic Director of the competition; and Josep Valero, Executive Director of the Fundación Alhambra Guitarras. Each of them emphasized the dedication, effort, and talent of the young participants, as well as the Foundation's commitment to fostering the artistic and educational development of the classical guitar.
The Fundación Alhambra Guitarras and Alhambra Guitars wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Óscar Esplá Conservatory of Alicante for its warm welcome and support. Special recognition goes to its Director, Jesús Gómez, whose generosity and involvement made this edition of the competition possible.
The 12th CIGA Junior was undoubtedly a celebration of both the present and the future of the guitar—an encounter where passion, artistry, youth, and excellence came together around an instrument that continues to evolve and inspire. And that is always a reason for hope and a future full of promise.
You can download the photos from Google Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZsyodWFaRf7N9c5RA