Groningen Guitar Festival

The Groningen Guitar Festival returns for its eighth edition, continuing a long-standing tradition. In collaboration with the Prins Claus Conservatoirium, many students from a wide range of programmes are actively involved in the festival.

From 21 to 26 February 2026, the city of Groningen will be dedicated to the classical guitar, featuring evening concerts, masterclasses, and a guitar makers’ exhibition with a lecture. It promises to be an inspiring week where musicians, students, and guitar enthusiasts from the Netherlands and abroad come together to share their passion for the instrument. 

Prins Claus Conservatorium at the Groningen Guitar Festival
During the festival all the PCC guitar students will participate by taking masterclasses, playing in the competition and livestream expo concerts. They also contributed as volunteer or in the organization for the festival (Dutch Guitar Foundation). 
Kristina Vårlid is guitar teacher at the PCC and she participates in the jury, gives masterclasses and plays a concert, in addition to organizing the event.

Over the years, the Groningen Guitar Festival has grown into a leading event within the European classical guitar community. Once again this year, Groningen offers a rich and varied programme for guitar lovers — a place where musicians, PCC students, and audiences from all over the world come together to share their passion.

The programme includes concerts by:
Raphaël Feuillâtre & Kristina Vårlid – Saturday 21 February, 8:15 pm, Nieuwe Kerk
Aniello Desiderio – Sunday 22 February, 8:15 pm, Doopsgezinde Kerk
Montenegrin Guitar Duo – Wednesday 25 February, 8:15 pm, Doopsgezinde Kerk

You can also take part in one of the many other activities, such as:
* Groningen Guitar Competition 2026
* Masterclasses
* Groningen Guitar Expo
* Youth Application