23rd Edition of the Enrico Mercatali International Classical Guitar Festival
May 8 - May 8, 2026
più località, več lokacij, various locations, GORIZIA
About This Event
The 23rd edition of the Enrico Mercatali International Classical Guitar Festival, created in memory of the Gorizia guitarist Enrico Mercatali, who passed away prematurely and became a springboard for many musicians.
On the program in Gorizia:
Saturday, May 9 – 6:00 PM at De Grazia Palace, Via Oberdan 15: Presentation of the 23rd Altamira Gorizia Guitar Competition. Exhibition "Six Strings on Canvas" - curated by Marina Legovini. Group exhibition and watercolor competition “The Sounds of the Forest,” featuring the Gorizia Guitar Orchestra. Wine of honor.
Monday, May 11 – 8:00 PM at De Grazia Palace, Via Oberdan 15: "Young Talents" concert by the guitar classes of the "G. Tartini" Conservatory of Music in Trieste.
Thursday, May 14 – 7:30 PM at De Grazia Palace, Via Oberdan 15: Concert of the winners of the 2025 Altamira Gorizia Guitar Competition: Tobiáš Krpec (CZ) – 1st prize IV category soloists up to 20 years; Daniyah Guitar Duo: Alice Brandáo (PT) and Maja Kralj (SLO) – 1st prize in the chamber music category; Leon Ravnikar (SLO) – 1st prize in the concert category.
Friday, May 15 at De Grazia Palace, Via Oberdan 15: 9:00 AM – Concert Hall: Competition auditions begin. 6:00 PM – Library room: “Altamira Guitar” presentation – curated by Antonio Desiderio. 7:30 PM – Concert Hall: Concert by guitarist Ayaka Mukaiyama (JP) – 1st prize Bale-Valle competition (HR) 2025. Special concert by the “Solo Duo” (Italy): Lorenzo Micheli and Matteo Mela. Awards ceremony and concert. Day 1 of the competition.
Saturday, May 16: 9:00 AM – Palazzo De Grazia Concert Hall, Via Oberdan 15: Competition auditions begin. 7:00 PM - Auditorium of Friulian Culture, Via Roma 5: Category IV final of the competition (soloists up to 20 years old). Special concert by guitarist Aniello Desiderio (Italy). Awards ceremony and concert. Day 2 of the competition.
Sunday, May 17 at De Grazia Palace, Via Oberdan 15: 9:00 AM - Concert Hall: Competition auditions begin. 8:00 PM - Concert Hall: Concert category final. Awards Ceremony on Day 3 of the competition and the awarding of the "Enrico Mercatali 2026" prize. Wine of honor.
Artistic Director: Maestro Claudio Pio Liviero.