Six International Finalists Set for Uppsala’s Young Talents Guitar Competition
Players from Austria, Italy, Iran, China, South Korea and Japan meet in the October 10 final, with more than €7,000 in prizes and an audience vote.
Oct 5, 2026
Credit: Uppsala International Guitar Festival (via source)
The Uppsala International Young Talents Guitar Competition has named six finalist entries for its 18th edition on October 10 at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress. The field is Amira Pranzl of Austria, Carmine Catalano of Italy, Pooya Mirzaee of Iran, QinQin Yao of China, Austrian guitarist Oliver Jungbauer, and Duo Sora, formed by South Korea’s Hayoung Lee and Japan’s Sohta Nakabayashi.
The final takes place inside the Uppsala International Guitar Festival, with the audience also voting for a favorite. The prize package is worth more than €7,000: first place includes SEK 30,000, a Siccas Luthiers Synthesis Doubletop concert guitar and future festival performances plus a regional mini-tour; second place receives SEK 10,000.
Why it matters
The competition offers young players an unusually international stage and combines a meaningful cash award with a professional instrument and future performance opportunities.
From Guitar News to Guitar Progress
Discover it here. Learn how it works. Practice it until it's yours.
Today's focus in Practice: Technique — Clean hands. Clear sound.
Related
Antequera’s Otoño Flamenco returns with Manuel Jero and María Jesús Bernal
The second edition brings the Jerez guitarist and La Puebla de Cazalla singer to Peña Luis Perdiguero on October 17, with free admission.
Oct 7, 2026
John Mayer and Dave Grohl Cover Van Halen at Soundstage of Hope
Mayer used his purple Music Man Axis Custom Shop tribute to Eddie Van Halen for a benefit performance of “You Really Got Me.”
Oct 13, 2026
The Raconteurs Reunite Onstage for the First Time Since 2019
Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler closed White’s Nashville show with a five-song encore at The Truth.
Oct 12, 2026
Ian Hill Retires From Judas Priest After 57 Years; Davey Rimmer Takes Over
The bassist cites advanced arthritis and a shoulder tendon injury, while confirming that he recorded parts for the band’s next album before stepping away.
Oct 12, 2026